Isaiah 59:9

Authorized King James Version

Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
כֵּ֗ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#3
רָחַ֤ק
far
to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)
#4
מִשְׁפָּט֙
Therefore is judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#5
מִמֶּ֔נּוּ
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#6
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
תַשִּׂיגֵ֖נוּ
overtake
to reach (literally or figuratively)
#8
צְדָקָ֑ה
from us neither doth justice
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
#9
נְקַוֶּ֤ה
us we wait
to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect
#10
לָאוֹר֙
for light
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
#11
וְהִנֵּה
lo!
#12
חֹ֔שֶׁךְ
but behold obscurity
the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness
#13
לִנְגֹה֖וֹת
for brightness
splendor
#14
בָּאֲפֵל֥וֹת
in darkness
duskiness, figuratively, misfortune; concrete, concealment
#15
נְהַלֵּֽךְ׃
but we walk
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

Analysis

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

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 justice. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

People