Isaiah 63:1

Authorized King James Version

Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִי
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#2
זֶ֣ה׀
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#3
בָּ֣א
Who is this that cometh
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#4
מֵאֱד֗וֹם
from Edom
edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him
#5
חֲמ֤וּץ
with dyed
to be pungent; i.e., in taste (sour, i.e., literally fermented, or figuratively, harsh), in color (dazzling)
#6
בְּגָדִים֙
garments
a covering, i.e., clothing
#7
מִבָּצְרָ֔ה
from Bozrah
botsrah, a place in edom
#8
זֶ֚ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#9
הָד֣וּר
this that is glorious
to swell up (literally or figuratively, active or passive); by implication, to favor or honor, be high or proud
#10
בִּלְבוּשׁ֔וֹ
in his apparel
a garment (literally or figuratively); by implication (euphemistically) a wife
#11
צֹעֶ֖ה
travelling
to tip over (for the purpose of spilling or pouring out), i.e., (figuratively) depopulate; by implication, to imprison or conquer; (reflexive) to lie
#12
בְּרֹ֣ב
in the greatness
abundance (in any respect)
#13
כֹּח֑וֹ
of his strength
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
#14
אֲנִ֛י
i
#15
מְדַבֵּ֥ר
I that speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#16
בִּצְדָקָ֖ה
in righteousness
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
#17
רַ֥ב
mighty
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#18
לְהוֹשִֽׁיעַ׃
to save
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of righteousness 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Isaiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes righteousness in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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