King James Version

What Does Isaiah 59:13 Mean?

Isaiah 59:13 in the King James Version says “In transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 59 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.”

Isaiah 59:13 · KJV

Context

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;

13

In transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.

14

And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.

15

Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment. maketh: or, is accounted mad it displeased: Heb. it was evil in his eyes

Read Isaiah 59 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The confession specifies: 'In transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.' Rebellion against God and oppression of others combine. The heart is the source: 'from the heart' come lies.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This connects personal sin against God with social injustice against neighbors. The two tables of the law - duty to God and duty to neighbor - are violated together.

Reflection Questions

  1. How are sins against God and sins against others interconnected?
  2. What lies does your heart conceive that need confession?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
פָּשֹׁ֤עַ1 of 14

“In transgressing”

H6586

to break away (from just authority), i.e., trespass, apostatize, quarrel

וְכַחֵשׁ֙2 of 14

“and lying”

H3584

to be untrue, in word (to lie, feign, disown) or deed (to disappoint, fail, cringe)

בַּֽיהוָ֔ה3 of 14

“against the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְנָס֖וֹג4 of 14

“and departing away”

H5253

to retreat

מֵאַחַ֣ר5 of 14

“from”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ6 of 14

“our God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

דַּבֶּר7 of 14

“speaking”

H1696

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

עֹ֣שֶׁק8 of 14

“oppression”

H6233

injury, fraud, (subjectively) distress, (concretely) unjust gain

וְסָרָ֔ה9 of 14

“and revolt”

H5627

apostasy, crime; figuratively, remission

הֹר֧וֹ10 of 14

“conceiving”

H2029

to be (or become) pregnant, conceive (literally or figuratively)

וְהֹג֛וֹ11 of 14

“and uttering”

H1897

to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication, to ponder

מִלֵּ֖ב12 of 14

“from the heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

דִּבְרֵי13 of 14

“words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

שָֽׁקֶר׃14 of 14

“of falsehood”

H8267

an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)

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 59:13 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 59:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 7:21-22James 3:6Hebrews 3:12Romans 3:10-18Jeremiah 2:19-21Acts 5:3-4

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