King James Version

What Does Isaiah 59:2 Mean?

Isaiah 59:2 in the King James Version says “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 59 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. have hid: or, have made him hide

Isaiah 59:2 · KJV


Context

1

Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

2

But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. have hid: or, have made him hide

3

For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.

4

None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The real barrier: 'But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.' Sin creates separation - the Hebrew 'badal' (separated) describes division, partition. Sin causes God to hide His face (withdraw favor) and refuse to hear. The problem is not God's arm but Israel's sin.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This is perhaps the clearest Old Testament statement of sin's separating effect. It explains exile not as divine weakness but as divine judgment on persistent covenant violation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What sins might be creating separation between you and God?
  2. How does understanding sin as relational barrier change your view of confession and repentance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
כִּ֤י1 of 13
H3588

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

אִם2 of 13
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

עֲוֹנֹֽתֵיכֶם֙3 of 13

But your iniquities

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

הָי֣וּ4 of 13
H1961

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

מַבְדִּלִ֔ים5 of 13

have separated

H914

to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)

לְבֵ֖ין6 of 13

between

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

לְבֵ֖ין7 of 13

between

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֑ם8 of 13

you and your 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

וְחַטֹּֽאותֵיכֶ֗ם9 of 13

and your sins

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

הִסְתִּ֧ירוּ10 of 13

have hid

H5641

to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively

פָנִ֛ים11 of 13

his face

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מִכֶּ֖ם12 of 13
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

מִשְּׁמֽוֹעַ׃13 of 13

from you that he will not hear

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)


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 59:2 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 59:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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