Isaiah 59:3

Authorized King James Version

For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
כַפֵּיכֶם֙
For your hands
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
#3
נְגֹאֲל֣וּ
are defiled
to soil or (figuratively) desecrate
#4
בַדָּ֔ם
with blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#5
וְאֶצְבְּעוֹתֵיכֶ֖ם
and your fingers
something to sieze with, i.e., a finger; by analogy, a toe
#6
בֶּֽעָוֹ֑ן
with iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#7
שִׂפְתֽוֹתֵיכֶם֙
your lips
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
#8
דִּבְּרוּ
have spoken
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#9
שֶׁ֔קֶר
lies
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
#10
לְשׁוֹנְכֶ֖ם
your tongue
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
#11
עַוְלָ֥ה
perverseness
(moral) evil
#12
תֶהְגֶּֽה׃
hath muttered
to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication, to ponder

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Isaiah.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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