Isaiah 60:17

Authorized King James Version

For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תַּ֣חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#2
נְחֹ֔שֶׁת
For brass
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
#3
אָ֣בִיא
I will bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#4
זָהָ֗ב
gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#5
וְתַ֤חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#6
בַּרְזֶ֑ל
and for iron
iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement
#7
אָ֣בִיא
I will bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#8
כֶ֔סֶף
silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#9
וְתַ֤חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#10
הָֽעֵצִים֙
and for wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#11
נְחֹ֔שֶׁת
For brass
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
#12
וְתַ֥חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#13
הָאֲבָנִ֖ים
H68
and for stones
a stone
#14
בַּרְזֶ֑ל
and for iron
iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement
#15
וְשַׂמְתִּ֤י
I will also make
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#16
פְקֻדָּתֵךְ֙
thy officers
visitation (in many senses, chiefly official)
#17
שָׁל֔וֹם
peace
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
#18
וְנֹגְשַׂ֖יִךְ
and thine exactors
to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor, an army); by implication, to tax, harass, tyrannize
#19
צְדָקָֽה׃
righteousness
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of righteousness connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about righteousness, 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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