King James Version

What Does Isaiah 59:16 Mean?

Isaiah 59:16 in the King James Version says “And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto h...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 59 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 59:16 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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

16

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.

17

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.

18

According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence. deeds: Heb. recompences

Read Isaiah 59 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Remarkably, God finds no human solution: 'And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor.' The Hebrew 'shamen' (wondered/was appalled) expresses divine astonishment at the absence of anyone to intervene. 'Therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.' God Himself acts because no one else will.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This anticipates the Incarnation - when no human could save, God's own arm provided salvation. The Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53 becomes God's answer to human inability.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that God 'wondered' at the lack of intercessors?
  2. How does this verse point forward to Christ as God's salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיַּרְא֙1 of 14

“And he saw”

H7200

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

כִּֽי2 of 14
H3588

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

אֵ֣ין3 of 14
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

אִ֔ישׁ4 of 14

“that there was no man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וַיִּשְׁתּוֹמֵ֖ם5 of 14

“and wondered”

H8074

to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

כִּ֣י6 of 14
H3588

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

אֵ֣ין7 of 14
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מַפְגִּ֑יעַ8 of 14

“that there was no intercessor”

H6293

to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity

וַתּ֤וֹשַֽׁע9 of 14

“brought salvation”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

לוֹ֙10 of 14
H0
זְרֹע֔וֹ11 of 14

“therefore his arm”

H2220

the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force

וְצִדְקָת֖וֹ12 of 14

“unto him and his righteousness”

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

הִ֥יא13 of 14
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

סְמָכָֽתְהוּ׃14 of 14

“it sustained”

H5564

to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)

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 59:16 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 59:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 22:30Isaiah 64:7Psalms 106:23Psalms 98:1Isaiah 41:28Isaiah 63:3-5

Test Your Knowledge

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

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