Isaiah 59:18

Authorized King James Version

According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כְּעַ֣ל
According to
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
גְּמֻלוֹת֙
their deeds
meaning the same
#3
כְּעַ֣ל
According to
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
יְשַׁלֵּֽם׃
accordingly he will repay
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
#5
חֵמָ֣ה
fury
heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)
#6
לְצָרָ֔יו
to his adversaries
a pebble (as in h6864)
#7
גְּמ֥וּל
recompence
treatment, i.e., an act (of good or ill); by implication, service or requital
#8
לְאֹֽיְבָ֑יו
to his enemies
hating; an adversary
#9
לָאִיִּ֖ים
to the islands
properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island
#10
גְּמ֥וּל
recompence
treatment, i.e., an act (of good or ill); by implication, service or requital
#11
יְשַׁלֵּֽם׃
accordingly he will repay
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People