Isaiah 59:4

Authorized King James Version

None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#2
קֹרֵ֣א
None calleth
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#3
בְצֶ֔דֶק
for justice
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
#4
וְאֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#5
נִשְׁפָּ֖ט
nor any pleadeth
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#6
בֶּאֱמוּנָ֑ה
for truth
literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity
#7
בָּט֤וֹחַ
they trust
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
תֹּ֙הוּ֙
in vanity
a desolation (of surface), i.e., desert; figuratively, a worthless thing; adverbially, in vain
#10
וְדַבֶּר
and speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#11
שָׁ֔וְא
lies
evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object
#12
הָר֥וֹ
they conceive
to be (or become) pregnant, conceive (literally or figuratively)
#13
עָמָ֖ל
mischief
toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
#14
וְהוֹלֵ֥יד
and bring forth
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#15
אָֽוֶן׃
iniquity
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of truth 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

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