What is the context of Isaiah 59:15?

Isaiah 59:15 is part of Isaiah chapter 59, which contains 21 verses. This verse has 6 cross-references to other scriptures, showing its connections throughout the Bible.

King James Version

What Does Isaiah 59:15 Mean?

Q: What does Isaiah 59:15 mean?

Isaiah 59:15 says: "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. make..." Truth is so absent that 'he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey.' The righteous become victims - the Hebrew 'shalal' means plunder, spoil. 'The LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment.' God sees and is displeased - He doesn't ignore the absence of justice.

Isaiah 59:15 in the King James Version says “Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him th...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 59 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Isaiah 59:15 · KJV

Truth

Context

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.

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

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

And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.

For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.

Read Isaiah 59 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary

Truth is so absent that 'he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey.' The righteous become victims - the Hebrew 'shalal' means plunder, spoil. 'The LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment.' God sees and is displeased - He doesn't ignore the absence of justice.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

When society punishes righteousness and rewards wickedness, complete inversion has occurred. This describes the worst possible moral condition, where goodness itself becomes dangerous.

Reflection Questions

How does following Christ make you vulnerable in a society hostile to truth?
What comfort comes from knowing God sees and is displeased by injustice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words

וַתְּהִ֤י1 of 13

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הָֽאֱמֶת֙2 of 13

“Yea truth”

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

נֶעְדֶּ֔רֶת3 of 13

“faileth”

H5737

to arrange, as a battle, a vineyard (to hoe); hence, to muster and so to miss (or find wanting)

וְסָ֥ר4 of 13

“and he that departeth”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מֵרָ֖ע5 of 13

“from evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

מִשְׁתּוֹלֵ֑ל6 of 13

“maketh himself a prey”

H7997

to drop or strip; by implication, to plunder

וַיַּ֧רְא7 of 13

“saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

יְהוָ֛ה8 of 13

“and the LORD”

H3068

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

וַיֵּ֥רַע9 of 13

H7489

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

בְּעֵינָ֖יו10 of 13

H5869

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

כִּֽי11 of 13

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֵ֥ין12 of 13

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מִשְׁפָּֽט׃13 of 13

“him that there was no judgment”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

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 59:15 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 59:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Micah 7:2 Hebrews 11:36-38 Jeremiah 7:28 1 John 3:11-12 Jeremiah 5:1-2 Psalms 5:9

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Isaiah 59 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter Isaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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