Isaiah 59:7

Authorized King James Version

Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רַגְלֵיהֶם֙
Their feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#2
לָרַ֣ע
to evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#3
יָרֻ֔צוּ
run
to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)
#4
וִֽימַהֲר֔וּ
and they make haste
properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)
#5
לִשְׁפֹּ֖ךְ
to shed
to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc
#6
דָּ֣ם
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
#7
נָקִ֑י
innocent
innocent
#8
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת
are thoughts
a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)
#9
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת
are thoughts
a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)
#10
אָ֔וֶן
of iniquity
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
#11
שֹׁ֥ד
wasting
violence, ravage
#12
וָשֶׁ֖בֶר
and destruction
a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)
#13
בִּמְסִלּוֹתָֽם׃
are in their paths
a thoroughfare (as turnpiked), literally or figuratively; specifically a viaduct, a staircase

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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