Isaiah 35:8

Translation
King James Version
And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And an highway H4547 shall be there, and a way H1870, and it shall be called H7121 The way H1870 of holiness H6944; the unclean H2931 shall not pass over H5674 it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men H1980, though fools H191, shall not err H8582 therein.
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Complete Jewish Bible
A highway will be there, a way, called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not pass over it, but it will be for those whom he guides fools will not stray along it.
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Berean Standard Bible
And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it— only those who walk in the Way— and fools will not stray onto it.
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American Standard Version
And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for the redeemed: the wayfaring men, yea fools, shall not err therein.
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World English Bible Messianic
A highway will be there, a road, and it will be called The Holy Way. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it will be for those who walk in the Way. Wicked fools will not go there.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And there shalbe a path and a way, and the way shalbe called holy: the polluted shall not passe by it: for he shalbe with them, and walke in the way, and the fooles shall not erre.
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Young's Literal Translation
And a highway hath been there, and a way, And the `way of holiness' is called to it, Not pass over it doth the unclean, And He Himself is by them, Whoso is going in the way--even fools err not.
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See also
Matthew 7:13Matthew 7:14Isaiah 42:16John 14:6Revelation 21:27Hebrews 10:20Hebrews 10:23
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In the KJVVerse 18,329 of 31,102

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SUMMARY

Isaiah 35:8 paints a vivid picture of a divinely ordained thoroughfare, "The way of holiness," serving as a cornerstone in the prophet's grand vision of future restoration and spiritual renewal for God's people. This sacred highway is meticulously prepared for the redeemed, ensuring a secure and unhindered passage for those who walk in purity, while unequivocally barring the unclean. It profoundly underscores God's sovereign provision and meticulous guidance for His people's return to His presence, emphasizing both His unwavering faithfulness and the indispensable nature of holiness for true fellowship with Him, even for the simple and vulnerable among His flock.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Isaiah 35 functions as a magnificent climax to the preceding chapters of divine judgment (Isaiah 28-34), transitioning powerfully from pronouncements of wrath against nations and the desolation of the land to glorious promises of God's future kingdom. This chapter, often celebrated as "The Desert Blooms," vividly describes a radical transformation of creation—the wilderness blossoming into a lush garden—symbolizing the profound spiritual renewal and physical return of God's exiled people. Verse 8, with its "highway," provides the essential means for this anticipated return, depicting a safe, sanctified, and clear path for the redeemed to journey back to Zion, filled with boundless joy and triumphant singing, as promised in Isaiah 35:10. It is an indispensable element within this sprawling tapestry of redemption, offering both comfort and assurance.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: Isaiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during a period of immense geopolitical upheaval for Judah, primarily addressing the looming Assyrian threat and looking ahead to the Babylonian exile and the eventual return. The imagery of a "highway" (Hebrew: maçlûwl) would have deeply resonated with the ancient audience, evoking the impressive royal roads of powerful empires, constructed for military movements or grand ceremonial processions. However, this particular "highway" is distinct; it is divinely engineered, not a product of human labor or imperial ambition. The profound emphasis on "holiness" (Hebrew: qôdesh) is deeply embedded in Israelite covenant theology, where God's chosen people were perpetually called to be "holy, for I am holy" (Leviticus 11:44). Purity was an absolute prerequisite for approaching God's presence, whether in the Tabernacle, the Temple, or the Promised Land itself. Thus, the prophecy envisions a future where God's people, having been purified and redeemed through divine intervention, will walk securely on a path consecrated exclusively to Him, free from the pervasive dangers and defilements of the surrounding world, anticipating a glorious and sanctified return from captivity.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to Isaiah's prophecy and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights Divine Provision and Guidance. The "highway" unequivocally signifies God's meticulous preparation and active involvement in leading His people. It is not a haphazard trail but a clear, direct, and divinely established path, emphasizing God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His role as the faithful shepherd who lovingly guides His flock (Psalm 23:3). Secondly, the explicit designation "The way of holiness" underscores the crucial theme of Holiness and Purity. Access to God's presence and His future kingdom is intrinsically linked to sanctification. The explicit exclusion of "the unclean" powerfully reinforces God's absolute standard of purity, a recurring motif throughout Scripture, reminding believers that without holiness, no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). Finally, the verse speaks profoundly to Accessibility and Security. Despite its exclusivity for the holy, the way is remarkably accessible and divinely secure. The profound promise that "the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein" speaks to God's boundless grace and His fervent desire for all who genuinely seek Him to find their way. It implies that God's guidance is so unequivocally clear and His protection so utterly complete that even those prone to stumbling will be kept safe on this sacred journey, demonstrating His unfailing faithfulness to preserve His redeemed.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Highway (Hebrew, maçlûwl', H4547): From the root meaning "to turnpike" or "to cast up," this word denotes a meticulously constructed, elevated, or paved road, clearly distinct from a mere path or track. It implies a significant, deliberate, and grand-scale engineering effort, emphasizing the divine provision for this journey. It is a prepared thoroughfare, ensuring smooth, direct, and unimpeded passage.
  • Holiness (Hebrew, qôdesh', H6944): This term signifies that which is set apart, consecrated, or exclusively dedicated to God. It speaks of a state of purity, sacredness, and absolute separation from common or profane use. When applied to "the way," it indicates a path that is not merely physically distinct but spiritually consecrated, reserved exclusively for those who are purified and dedicated to God's purposes.
  • Unclean (Hebrew, ṭâmêʼ', H2931): This word describes a state of ritual or moral impurity, rendering one unfit for sacred service or proximity to God. It encompasses various forms of defilement that would prevent an individual from participating in Israel's worship or entering holy spaces. Its explicit exclusion from "The way of holiness" underscores the absolute necessity of purity for divine fellowship and access to God's presence.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And an highway shall be there, and a way": This opening phrase immediately establishes the existence of a specially prepared and prominent route. The use of two terms, "highway" (maçlûwl') and "way" (derek), emphasizes its nature as a clearly defined, significant, and accessible thoroughfare. It is not a natural path but a divinely engineered passage, signifying God's direct and intentional intervention in preparing a path for His people.
  • "and it shall be called The way of holiness": This clause provides the essential character, spiritual nature, and ultimate purpose of the path. Its designation as "The way of holiness" (derek haqqodesh) signifies that it is consecrated to God, set apart for sacred use, and reserved exclusively for those who are sanctified. It is a path defined by divine purity and moral rectitude, reflecting God's own unblemished character.
  • "the unclean shall not pass over it": This is a critical exclusionary statement, directly reinforcing the consecrated nature of the "way of holiness." "The unclean" (ṭâmêʼ')—those defiled by sin or ritual impurity—are explicitly and absolutely barred. This highlights God's absolute standard of purity and the non-negotiable necessity of spiritual cleansing for access to His presence and participation in His redemptive plan.
  • "but it [shall be] for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err [therein].": This final clause provides a profound assurance of accessibility and unwavering security for the intended travelers. The path is specifically "for those" (the redeemed, the purified). The phrase "wayfaring men" (hâlak') refers to travelers, and the inclusion "though fools" (ʼĕvîyl') emphasizes that even those who are simple, unwise, or naturally prone to error will not lose their way ("err therein," tâʻâh'). This speaks to the extraordinary clarity and divine preservation of the path, ensuring that God's grace and guidance are supremely sufficient to keep even the most vulnerable of His people from straying.

Literary Devices

Isaiah 35:8 masterfully employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message of hope and restoration. Symbolism is paramount, as the "highway" transcends a literal road, serving as a rich symbol for the spiritual path of restoration, salvation, and intimate fellowship that God meticulously prepares for His people. This symbolic highway is further enhanced by Metaphor, being explicitly called "The way of holiness," which is not merely a physical attribute but a profound description of its spiritual essence and the moral character required of those who traverse it. The verse also utilizes striking Contrast by explicitly stating that "the unclean shall not pass over it," setting them in stark opposition to "the wayfaring men, though fools," who will successfully and securely navigate it. This contrast powerfully highlights the exclusivity of the path for the redeemed and the divine protection uniquely afforded to them. Furthermore, the phrase "though fools, shall not err therein" contains an element of Hyperbole, emphasizing the extraordinary clarity, divine illumination, and supernatural guidance on this path. It assures the reader that God's provision is so perfect and His preservation so complete that even those least capable of finding their way will be supernaturally kept from straying, underscoring God's boundless grace and unwavering faithfulness.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Isaiah 35:8 encapsulates profound theological truths about God's immutable character and His magnificent redemptive plan. It reveals a God who not only justly judges sin but also meticulously prepares a way for His people's restoration, emphasizing that this restoration is intrinsically and inseparably linked to holiness. The "way of holiness" is a divine initiative, a testament to God's sovereign grace in making a path where none existed, yet it also underscores the non-negotiable requirement of purity for fellowship with Him. This concept resonates throughout the entirety of Scripture, affirming that God's holy presence demands a consecrated people, and His guidance is unfailing for all who sincerely walk in His ways. It points to a glorious future where the redeemed, having been cleansed and guided by God's Spirit, will dwell securely and eternally in His presence, fulfilling His covenant promises in their ultimate and most complete sense.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Isaiah 35:8 offers profound encouragement and a clear, compelling call to intentional living for believers today. We are invited to walk on "The way of holiness," a path not of human striving alone, but one divinely established, supernaturally empowered, and continually sustained by God's Spirit. This path requires a conscious, daily commitment to purity in thought, word, and deed, recognizing that holiness is not an optional add-on but an essential, non-negotiable aspect of genuine relationship with a holy God. In a world fraught with relentless distractions and insidious temptations that can lead us tragically astray, this verse provides immense comfort: God's guidance on this sacred path is so unmistakably clear and His protection so utterly unwavering that even when we feel spiritually weak, simple, or prone to error, we can confidently trust that He will keep our steps. Our profound responsibility is to yield wholeheartedly to His leading, knowing with absolute certainty that He will faithfully preserve us from wandering off "The way of holiness." This divine assurance transforms our spiritual journey from one of anxious self-reliance to one of confident, joyful reliance on His unfailing grace and perfect guidance.

Questions for Reflection

  • What aspects of your life might need to be "set apart" or consecrated more fully to better align with "The way of holiness"?
  • In what specific ways do you currently experience God's guidance and preservation on your spiritual journey, especially when you feel "foolish" or prone to error?
  • How does the promise that "the unclean shall not pass over it" motivate you to pursue greater purity and sanctification in your daily walk with Christ?
  • Considering this "highway" is divinely prepared, how does this profound truth impact your understanding of God's active, meticulous involvement in shaping and guiding your life's path?

FAQ

What does "The way of holiness" mean for Christians today?

Answer: For Christians today, "The way of holiness" is primarily understood as a spiritual path—a life lived in conformity to God's character and will, made possible exclusively through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a path of progressive sanctification, where believers are continually being set apart for God's holy purposes and purified from the pervasive influence of sin. This "way" is not achieved by human effort or merit alone, but is enabled, empowered, and sustained by the indwelling Holy Spirit, who guides us into all truth and empowers us to live righteously. It means striving for moral purity, living a life wholly dedicated to God, and seeking to reflect His holiness in every aspect of our lives, knowing that our ultimate access to God's presence is through Christ's perfect holiness and atoning sacrifice.

How can "the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein"?

Answer: This phrase highlights the extraordinary clarity, divine preservation, and infallible guidance inherent in "The way of holiness." It does not suggest that literal fools are inherently wise or immune to error, but rather that God's guidance on this path is so unmistakably clear and His protection so utterly complete that even those who are simple, naive, or naturally prone to stumbling will be kept from going astray. It speaks profoundly to God's boundless grace and His unwavering commitment to ensuring His redeemed people reach their eternal destination. The path is divinely illuminated, meticulously guarded, and supernaturally maintained, making it impossible for those who genuinely seek to walk on it to lose their way, underscoring God's faithfulness to His promises and His omnipotent ability to keep His children eternally secure.

Is this "highway" a literal road or something else?

Answer: While the imagery of a "highway" is drawn from the literal world, in the rich prophetic context of Isaiah 35, it is primarily symbolic. It represents a spiritual path of restoration, salvation, and intimate return to God's presence. While it may have had a partial, initial fulfillment in the physical return of the exiles from Babylonian captivity, its ultimate and fullest meaning points to the grand spiritual journey of God's people throughout history, culminating in the new heavens and new earth. It signifies a clear, direct, and divinely prepared means for God's redeemed to come into full, unhindered fellowship with Him, free from the dangers and impurities of the fallen world, a promise ultimately and perfectly fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Isaiah 35:8 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, who is Himself "The way of holiness." He unequivocally declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Jesus is the living, breathing embodiment of this promised highway, providing the sole means of access to a holy God. Through His perfectly righteous life, His atoning death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection, He has made us holy, cleansing us from the defilement of sin and enabling us to walk on this sacred path. The "unclean" are now able to "pass over it" not by their own merit, but because Christ's precious blood purifies us (Hebrews 10:10; 1 John 1:7), transforming us from defiled sinners into God's holy and beloved people. Furthermore, the extraordinary promise that "the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein" is gloriously realized in Christ. He is our Good Shepherd who lovingly leads us, and His Spirit guides us into all truth (John 16:13), ensuring that even the weakest and most prone to straying among His followers will be kept secure and steadfast on the path to eternal life. The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's sacrifice, writes God's law on our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33), empowering us to walk in holiness, ultimately leading us to the New Jerusalem where "nothing unclean will ever enter it" (Revelation 21:27), thereby bringing the promise of the way of holiness to its perfect and everlasting culmination.

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Commentary on Isaiah 35 verses 5–10

"Then, when your God shall come, even Christ, to set up his kingdom in the world, to which all the prophets bore witness, especially towards the conclusion of their prophecies of the temporal deliverances of the church, and this evangelical prophet especially - then look for great things."

I. Wonders shall be wrought in the kingdoms both of nature and grace, wonders of mercy wrought upon the children of men, sufficient to evince that it is no less than a God that comes to us. 1. Wonders shall be wrought on men's bodies (Isa 35:5, Isa 35:6): The eyes of the blind shall be opened; this was often done by our Lord Jesus when he was here upon earth, with a word's speaking, and one he gave sight to that was born blind, Mat 9:27; Mat 12:22; Mat 20:30; Joh 9:6. By his power the ears of the deaf also were unstopped, with one word. Ephphatha - Be opened, Mar 7:34. Many that were lame had the use of their limbs restored so perfectly that they could not only go, but leap, and with so much joy to them that they could not forbear leaping for joy, as that impotent man, Act 3:8. The dumb also were enabled to speak, and then no marvel that they were disposed to sing for joy, Mat 9:32, Mat 9:33. These miracles Christ wrought to prove that he was sent of God (Joh 3:2), nay, working them by his own power and in his own name, he proved that he was God, the same who at first made man's mouth, the hearing ear, and the seeing eye. When he would prove to John's disciples his divine mission he did it by miracles of this kind, in which this scripture was fulfilled. 2. Wonders, greater wonders, shall be wrought on men's souls. By the word and Spirit of Christ those that were spiritually blind were enlightened (Act 26:18), those that were deaf to the calls of God were made to hear them readily, so Lydia, whose heart the Lord opened, so that she attended, Act 16:14. Those that were impotent to every thing that is good by divine grace are made, not only able for it, but active in it, and run the way of God's commandments. Those also that were dumb, and knew not how to speak of God or to God, having their understandings opened to know him, shall thereby have their lips opened to show forth his praise. The tongue of the dumb shall sing for joy, the joy of God's salvation. Praise shall be perfected out of the mouth of babes and sucklings.

II. The Spirit shall be poured out from on high. There shall be waters and streams, rivers of living water; when our Saviour spoke of these as the fulfilling of the scripture, and most probably of this scripture, the evangelist tells us, He spoke of the Spirit (Joh 7:38, Joh 7:39), as does also this prophet (ch. 32:15); so here (Isa 35:6), in the wilderness, where one would least expect it, shall waters break out. This was fulfilled when the Holy Ghost fell upon the Gentiles that heard the word (Act 10:44); then were the fountains of life opened, whence streams flowed, that watered the earth abundantly. These waters are said to break out, which denotes a pleasing surprise to the Gentile world, such as brought them, as it were, into a new world. The blessed effect of this shall be that the parched ground shall become a pool, Isa 35:7. Those that laboured and were heavily laden, under the burden of guilt, and were scorched with the sense of divine wrath, found rest, and refreshment, and abundant comforts in the gospel. In the thirsty land, where no water was, nor ordinances (Psa 63:1), there shall be springs of water, a gospel ministry, and by that the administration of all gospel ordinances in their purity and plenty, which are the river that makes glad the city of our God, Psa 46:4. In the habitation of dragons, who chose to dwell in the parched scorched ground (Isa 34:9, Isa 34:13), these waters shall flow, and dispossess them, so that, where each lay shall be grass with reeds and rushes, great plenty of useful productions. Thus it was when Christian churches were planted, and flourished greatly, in the cities of the Gentiles, which, for many ages, had been habitations of dragons, or devils rather, as Babylon (Rev 18:2); when the property of the idols' temples was altered, and they were converted to the service of Christianity, then the habitations of dragons became fruitful fields.

III. The way of religion and godliness shall be laid open: it is here called the way of holiness (Isa 35:8) the way both of holy worship and a holy conversation. Holiness is the rectitude of the human nature and will, in conformity to the divine nature and will. The way of holiness is that course of religious duties in which men ought to walk and press forward, with an eye to the glory of God and their own felicity in the enjoyment of him. "When our God shall come to save us he shall chalk out to us this way by his gospel, so as it had never been before described." 1. It shall be an appointed way; not a way of sufferance, but a highway, a way into which we are directed by a divine authority and in which we are protected by a divine warrant. It is the King's highway, the King of Kings' highway, in which, though we may be waylaid, we cannot be stopped. The way of holiness is the way of God's commandments; it is (as highways usually are) the good old way, Jer 6:16. 2. It shall be an appropriated way, the way in which God will bring his own chosen to himself, but the unclean shall not pass over it, either to defile it or to disturb those that walk in it. It is a way by itself, distinguished from the way of the world, for it is a way of separation from, and nonconformity to, this world. It shall be for those whom the Lord has set apart for himself (Psa 4:3), shall be reserved for them: The redeemed shall walk there, and the satisfaction they take in these ways of pleasantness shall be out of the reach of molestation from an evil world. The unclean shall not pass over it, for it shall be a fair way; those that walk in it are the undefiled in the way, who escape the pollution that is in the world. 3. It shall be a straight way: The wayfaring men, who choose to travel in it, though fools, of weak capacity in other things, shall have such plain directions from the word and Spirit of God in this way that they shall not err therein; not that they shall be infallible even in their own conduct, or that they shall in nothing mistake, but they shall not be guilty of any fatal misconduct, shall not so miss their way but that they shall recover it again, and get well to their journey's end. Those that are in the narrow way, though some may fall into one path and others into another, not all equally right, but all meeting at last in the same end, shall yet never fall into the broad way again; the Spirit of truth shall lead them into all truth that is necessary for them. Note, The way to heaven is a plain way, and easy to hit. God has chosen the foolish things of the world, and made them wise to salvation. Knowledge is easy to him that understands. 4. It shall be a safe way: No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast (Isa 35:9), none to hurt or destroy. Those that keep close to this way keep out of the reach of Satan the roaring lion, that wicked one touches them not. Those that walk in the way of holiness may proceed with a holy security and serenity of mind, knowing that nothing can do them any real hurt; they shall be quiet from the fear of evil. It was in Hezekiah's days, some time after the captivity of the ten tribes, that God, being displeased with the colonies settled there, sent lions among them, Kg2 17:25. But Judah keeps her integrity, and therefore no lions shall be there. Those that walk in the way of holiness must separate themselves from the unclean and the ravenous, must save themselves from an untoward generation; hoping that they themselves are of the redeemed, let them walk with the redeemed who shall walk there.

IV. The end of this way shall be everlasting joy, Isa 35:10. This precious promise of peace now will end shortly in endless joys and rest for the soul. Here is good news for the citizens of Zion, rest to the weary: The ransomed of the Lord, who therefore ought to follow him wherever he goes (Rev 14:4), shall return and come to Zion, 1. To serve and worship God in the church militant: they shall deliver themselves out of Babylon (Zac 2:7), shall ask the way to Zion (Jer 50:5), and shall find the way Isa 52:12. God will open to them a door of escape out of their captivity, and it shall be an effectual door, though there be many adversaries. They shall join themselves to the gospel church, that Mount Zion, that city of the living God, Heb 12:22. They shall come with songs of joy and praise for their deliverance out of Babylon, where they wept upon every remembrance of Zion, Psa 137:1. Those that by faith are made citizens of the gospel Zion may go on their way rejoicing (Act 8:39); they shall sing in the ways of the Lord, and be still praising him. They rejoice in Christ Jesus, and the sorrows and signs of their convictions are made to flee away by the power of divine consolations. Those that mourn are blessed, for they shall be comforted. 2. To see and enjoy God in the church triumphant; those that walk in the way of holiness, under guidance of their Redeemer, shall come to Zion at last, to the heavenly Zion, shall come in a body, shall all be presented together, faultless, at the coming of Christ's glory with exceeding joy (Jde 1:24; Rev 7:17); they shall come with songs. When God's people returned out of Babylon to Zion they came weeping (Jer 50:4); but they shall come to heaven singing a new song, which no man can learn, Rev 14:3. When they shall enter into the joy of their Lord it shall be what the joys of this world never could be everlasting joy, without mixture, interruption, or period. It shall not only fill their hearts, to their own perfect and perpetual satisfaction, but it shall be upon their heads, as an ornament of grace and a crown of glory, as a garland worn in token of victory. Their joy shall be visible, and no longer a secret thing, as it is here in this world; it shall be proclaimed, to the glory of God and their mutual encouragement. They shall then obtain the joy and gladness which they could never expect on this side heaven; and sorrow and sighing shall flee away for ever, as the shadows of the night before the rising sun. Thus these prophecies, which relate to the Assyrian invasion, conclude, for the support of the people of God under that calamity, and to direct their joy, in their deliverance from it, to something higher. Our joyful hopes and prospects of eternal life should swallow up both all the sorrows and all the joys of this present time.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 5–10. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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