Isaiah 64:5

Authorized King James Version

Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
פָּגַ֤עְתָּ
Thou meetest
to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
שָׂשׂ֙
him that rejoiceth
to be bright, i.e., cheerful
#4
וְעֹ֣שֵׂה
and worketh
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#5
צֶ֔דֶק
righteousness
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
#6
בִּדְרָכֶ֖יךָ
thee in thy ways
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#7
יִזְכְּר֑וּךָ
those that remember
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
#8
הֵן
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#9
אַתָּ֤ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#10
קָצַ֙פְתָּ֙
behold thou art wroth
to crack off, i.e., (figuratively) burst out in rage
#11
וַֽנֶּחֱטָ֔א
for we have sinned
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#12
בָּהֶ֥ם
H0
#13
עוֹלָ֖ם
in those is continuance
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#14
וְנִוָּשֵֽׁעַ׃
and we shall be saved
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood righteousness. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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