Isaiah 63:2

Authorized King James Version

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Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?

Original Language Analysis

מַדּ֥וּעַ H4069
מַדּ֥וּעַ
Strong's: H4069
Word #: 1 of 6
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
אָדֹ֖ם Wherefore art thou red H122
אָדֹ֖ם Wherefore art thou red
Strong's: H122
Word #: 2 of 6
rosy
לִלְבוּשֶׁ֑ךָ in thine apparel H3830
לִלְבוּשֶׁ֑ךָ in thine apparel
Strong's: H3830
Word #: 3 of 6
a garment (literally or figuratively); by implication (euphemistically) a wife
וּבְגָדֶ֖יךָ and thy garments H899
וּבְגָדֶ֖יךָ and thy garments
Strong's: H899
Word #: 4 of 6
a covering, i.e., clothing
כְּדֹרֵ֥ךְ like him that treadeth H1869
כְּדֹרֵ֥ךְ like him that treadeth
Strong's: H1869
Word #: 5 of 6
to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)
בְּגַֽת׃ in the winefat H1660
בְּגַֽת׃ in the winefat
Strong's: H1660
Word #: 6 of 6
a wine-press (or vat for holding the grapes in pressing them)

Analysis & Commentary

'Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?' The stained garments prompt a question. Grape-treading produced red-stained clothes - here the stain is enemy blood. The color red (adom) connects verbally with Edom (Edom).

Historical Context

Wine-treading was common agricultural experience. This familiar imagery takes a startling turn as the 'wine' becomes the blood of enemies. Revelation 14:19-20 and 19:13-15 develop this imagery.

Questions for Reflection

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