Isaiah 62:5

Authorized King James Version

For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
יִבְעָל֖וּךְ
marrieth
to be master; hence, to marry
#3
בָּחוּר֙
For as a young man
properly, selected, i.e., a youth (often collective)
#4
בְּתוּלָ֔ה
a virgin
a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state
#5
יִבְעָל֖וּךְ
marrieth
to be master; hence, to marry
#6
בָּנָ֑יִךְ
so shall thy sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#7
וּמְשׂ֤וֹשׂ
rejoiceth
delight, concretely (the cause or object) or abstractly (the feeling)
#8
חָתָן֙
thee and as the bridegroom
a relative by marriage (especially through the bride); figuratively, a circumcised child (as a species of religious espousal)
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
כַּלָּ֔ה
over the bride
a bride (as if perfect); hence, a son's wife
#11
יָשִׂ֥ישׂ
rejoice
to be bright, i.e., cheerful
#12
עָלַ֖יִךְ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
אֱלֹהָֽיִךְ׃
so shall thy God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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