King James Version

What Does Isaiah 59:10 Mean?

Isaiah 59:10 in the King James Version says “We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes: we stumble at noonday as in the night; we are i...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 59 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes: we stumble at noonday as in the night; we are in desolate places as dead men.”

Isaiah 59:10 · KJV

Context

8

The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace. judgment: or, right

9

Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness.

10

We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes: we stumble at noonday as in the night; we are in desolate places as dead men.

11

We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves: we look for judgment, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far off from us.

12

For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The imagery intensifies: 'We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes: we stumble at noonday as in the night; we are in desolate places as dead men.' Sin produces spiritual blindness (even with physical eyes), confusion (stumbling at noonday), and death-like existence.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This fulfills the judgment threatened in Deuteronomy 28:29 for covenant unfaithfulness: 'And thou shalt grope at noonday, as the blind gropeth in darkness.' Curses for disobedience have come upon them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does sin produce spiritual blindness even when physical sight is clear?
  2. What does 'stumbling at noonday' look like in your experience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
נְגַשֵּׁ֑שָׁה1 of 11

“We grope”

H1659

to feel about

כַֽעִוְרִים֙2 of 11

“like the blind”

H5787

blind (literally or figuratively)

קִ֔יר3 of 11

“for the wall”

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

וּכְאֵ֥ין4 of 11
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

עֵינַ֖יִם5 of 11

“as if we had no eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

נְגַשֵּׁ֑שָׁה6 of 11

“We grope”

H1659

to feel about

כָּשַׁ֤לְנוּ7 of 11

“we stumble”

H3782

to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall

בַֽצָּהֳרַ֙יִם֙8 of 11

“at noonday”

H6672

a light (i.e., window); dual double light, i.e., noon

כַּנֶּ֔שֶׁף9 of 11

“as in the night”

H5399

properly, a breeze, i.e., (by implication) dusk (when the evening breeze prevails)

בָּאַשְׁמַנִּ֖ים10 of 11

“we are in desolate”

H820

a fat field

כַּמֵּתִֽים׃11 of 11

“places as dead”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 59:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 59:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 28:29Job 5:14Lamentations 3:6Amos 8:9Isaiah 8:15Lamentations 4:14

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