Isaiah 9:17

Authorized King James Version

Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows: for every one is an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.

Word-by-Word Analysis

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֨ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בַּחוּרָ֜יו

H970

in their young men

properly, selected, i.e., a youth (often collective)

לֹֽא

H3808

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

יִשְׂמַ֣ח׀

H8055

shall have no joy

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

אֲדֹנָ֗י

H136

Therefore the Lord

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְתֹמָ֤יו

H3490

on their fatherless

a bereaved person

#10

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

אַלְמְנוֹתָיו֙

H490

and widows

a widow; also a desolate place

#12

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

#13

יְרַחֵ֔ם

H7355

neither shall have mercy

to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate

#14

כִּ֤י

H3588

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

#15

כֻלּוֹ֙

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#16

חָנֵ֣ף

H2611

for every one is an hypocrite

soiled (i.e., with sin), impious

#17

וּמֵרַ֔ע

H7489

and an evildoer

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

#18

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#19

פֶּ֖ה

H6310

and every mouth

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

#20

דֹּבֵ֣ר

H1696

speaketh

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#21

נְבָלָ֑ה

H5039

folly

foolishness, i.e., (morally) wickedness; concretely, a crime; by extension, punishment

#22

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#23

זֹאת֙

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#24

לֹא

H3808

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

#25

שָׁ֣ב

H7725

is not turned away

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#26

אַפּ֔וֹ

H639

For all this his anger

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

#27

וְע֖וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#28

יָד֥וֹ

H3027

but his hand

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

#29

נְטוּיָֽה׃

H5186

is stretched out still

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of mercy reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 mercy in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of mercy differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Isaiah