Isaiah 63:3

Authorized King James Version

I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
פּוּרָ֣ה׀
the winepress
a wine-press (as crushing the grapes)
#2
וְאֶדְרְכֵ֣ם
I have trodden
to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)
#3
לְבַדִּ֗י
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
#4
וּמֵֽעַמִּים֙
alone and of the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#5
אֵֽין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#6
אִ֣ישׁ
there was none
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#7
אִתִּ֔י
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#8
וְאֶדְרְכֵ֣ם
I have trodden
to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)
#9
בְּאַפִּ֔י
them in mine anger
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#10
וְאֶרְמְסֵ֖ם
and trample
to tread upon (as a potter, in walking or abusively)
#11
בַּחֲמָתִ֑י
them in my fury
heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)
#12
וְיֵ֤ז
shall be sprinkled
to spirt, i.e., besprinkle (especially in expiation)
#13
נִצְחָם֙
and their blood
juice of the grape (as blood red)
#14
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
בְּגָדַ֔י
upon my garments
a covering, i.e., clothing
#16
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#17
מַלְבּוּשַׁ֖י
all my raiment
a garment, or (collectively) clothing
#18
אֶגְאָֽלְתִּי׃
and I will stain
to soil or (figuratively) desecrate

Analysis

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

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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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