Isaiah 40:2
Context40:2 “Speak kindly to 1 Jerusalem, 2 and tell her
that her time of warfare is over, 3
that her punishment is completed. 4
For the Lord has made her pay double 5 for all her sins.”
Isaiah 61:7
Context61:7 Instead of shame, you will get a double portion; 6
instead of humiliation, they will rejoice over the land they receive. 7
Yes, 8 they will possess a double portion in their land
and experience lasting joy.
[40:2] 1 tn Heb “speak to the heart of Jerusalem.” Jerusalem is personified as a woman.
[40:2] 2 map For location see Map5 B1; Map6 F3; Map7 E2; Map8 F2; Map10 B3; JP1 F4; JP2 F4; JP3 F4; JP4 F4.
[40:2] 3 tn Heb “that she is filled [with] her warfare.” Some understand צָבָא (tsavah, “warfare”) as meaning “hard service” or “compulsory labor” in this context.
[40:2] 4 tn Heb “that her punishment is accepted [as satisfactory].”
[40:2] 5 tn Heb “for she has received from the hand of the Lord double.” The principle of the double portion in punishment is also seen in Jer 16:18; 17:18 and Rev 18:6. For examples of the double portion in Israelite law, see Exod 22:4, 7, 9 (double restitution by a thief) and Deut 21:17 (double inheritance portion for the firstborn).
[61:7] 6 tn Heb “instead of your shame, a double portion.”
[61:7] 7 tn Heb “and [instead of] humiliation they will rejoice [over] their portion.” The term תָחָת (takhat, “instead of”) is understood by ellipsis (note the preceding line).