Introduction to Isaiah 65:7
Isaiah 65:7 is part of a prophetic pronouncement in which YHWH declares judgment upon Israel for their past and ongoing iniquities. The verse highlights collective responsibility by linking the sins of the current generation with those of their ancestors. The phrase עֲוֹנֹתֵיכֶם וַעֲוֹנֹ֨ת אֲבֹותֵיכֶם (“your iniquities and the iniquities of your fathers”) forms a plural construct chain, a grammatical structure where multiple nouns are connected to express possession and relationships.
This study will analyze the form, function, and implications of the plural construct chain in this verse and explore how it contributes to the theological message of collective guilt in Isaiah 65.
עֲ֠וֹנֹתֵיכֶם וַעֲוֹנֹ֨ת אֲבֹותֵיכֶם יַחְדָּו֙ אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֤ר קִטְּרוּ֙ עַל־הֶ֣הָרִ֔ים וְעַל־הַגְּבָעֹ֖ות חֵרְפ֑וּנִי וּמַדֹּתִ֧י פְעֻלָּתָ֛ם רִֽאשֹׁנָ֖ה על־חֵיקָֽם׃
Analysis of Key Words/Phrases
1. עֲוֹנֹתֵיכֶם וַעֲוֹנֹ֨ת אֲבֹותֵיכֶם (avonotekhem va’avonot avotekhem)
– Root: עָוֹן (“iniquity, guilt”)
– Form: Plural construct state
– Translation: “your iniquities and the iniquities of your fathers”
– Function: Links the sins of the present generation with those of their ancestors, reinforcing collective guilt.
2. יַחְדָּו אָמַר יְהוָה (yaḥdav amar YHWH)
– Adverb + verb phrase: “together, said YHWH”
– Function: Emphasizes that YHWH considers the iniquities of both generations as a single offense.
3. וּמַדֹּתִ֧י פְעֻלָּתָ֛ם רִֽאשֹׁנָ֖ה על־חֵיקָֽם (umadoti fe’ulatam rishonah al-ḥeiqam)
– Verb + noun phrase: “I will measure their first deeds into their bosom”
– Function: Declares divine retribution, reinforcing the consequences of past and present iniquities.
Explanation of Grammatical Function
The Construct Chain עֲוֹנֹתֵיכֶם וַעֲוֹנֹ֨ת אֲבֹותֵיכֶם
The phrase עֲוֹנֹתֵיכֶם וַעֲוֹנֹ֨ת אֲבֹותֵיכֶם forms a plural construct chain, where multiple nouns are connected to express possession and relationships.
– Structure:
– עֲוֹנֹתֵיכֶם (“your iniquities”) → construct form of the plural noun עֲוֹנוֹת (“iniquities”) + 2nd person plural suffix (-כֶם, “your”)
– וַעֲוֹנֹ֨ת אֲבֹותֵיכֶם (“and the iniquities of your fathers”) → construct form of עֲוֹנוֹת, followed by אֲבֹותֵיכֶם (“your fathers”) in the absolute state.
– Syntactic Function:
– The first noun (iniquities) is in construct state, showing possession.
– The second noun (fathers) is in absolute state, completing the relationship.
– The repetition of עֲוֹנֹת emphasizes the continuity of sin between generations.
Theological Implications of the Construct Chain
The construct chain establishes a direct connection between past and present sins, reinforcing the biblical theme of corporate responsibility. This reflects the idea that:
1. Israel’s sin is not merely an individual matter—it is inherited through generations.
2. Divine judgment is cumulative—YHWH measures the full weight of sin across time.
3. Sins of the past do not disappear—unless actively repented of, they remain a legal and spiritual liability.
Divine Judgment and the Verb וּמַדֹּתִ֧י
The verb וּמַדֹּתִ֧י (“I will measure”) is in the Qal perfect with a vav-consecutive, indicating future action. This verb is significant because:
– It implies precise retribution—sin will be measured exactly according to its weight.
– The noun פְעֻלָּתָ֛ם (“their deeds”) suggests that divine judgment is based on actions, reinforcing the principle of just recompense.
The Collective Accountability of Generational Sin
1. Plural Construct Chains in Judgment Texts
– The construct chain עֲוֹנֹתֵיכֶם וַעֲוֹנֹ֨ת אֲבֹותֵיכֶם underscores how sins accumulate across generations.
– Similar structures occur in Exodus 34:7, where YHWH visits “the iniquity of the fathers upon the children.”
2. Idolatry as the Central Crime
– The construct chain connects sin to idolatrous practices, explaining why divine judgment is necessary.
– The parallel use of קִטְּרוּ (“they burned incense”) and חֵרְפ֑וּנִי (“they dishonored Me”) equates idolatry with personal offense against YHWH.
3. Recompense and Divine Justice
– The verb וּמַדֹּתִ֧י (“I will measure”) ensures that judgment is precise, not arbitrary.
– The phrase על־חֵיקָֽם (“into their bosom”) signifies that punishment will be fully experienced.
The Significance of עֲוֹנֹתֵיכֶם וַעֲוֹנֹ֨ת אֲבֹותֵיכֶם in Biblical Judgment Theology
The plural construct chain in Isaiah 65:7 serves a key role in expressing intergenerational accountability. By linking the sins of the current generation with those of their ancestors, this grammatical structure reinforces the corporate nature of divine justice.
