Isaiah 65:22

Authorized King James Version

They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לֹ֤א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִבְנוּ֙

H1129

They shall not build

to build (literally and figuratively)

וְאַחֵ֣ר

H312

and another

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

יֵשֵׁ֔ב

H3427

inhabit

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִטְּע֖וּ

H5193

they shall not plant

properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)

וְאַחֵ֣ר

H312

and another

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

יֹאכֵ֑ל

H398

eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#10

יְמֵ֣י

H3117

are the days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#11

הָעֵץ֙

H6086

of a tree

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

#12

יְמֵ֣י

H3117

are the days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#13

עַמִּ֔י

H5971

of my people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#14

וּמַעֲשֵׂ֥ה

H4639

the work

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

#15

יְדֵיהֶ֖ם

H3027

of their hands

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#16

יְבַלּ֥וּ

H1086

shall long enjoy

to fail; by implication to wear out, decay (causatively, consume, spend)

#17

בְחִירָֽי׃

H972

and mine elect

select

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of covenant community 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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