King James Version

What Does Isaiah 59:6 Mean?

Isaiah 59:6 in the King James Version says “Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of ini... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 59 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands.

Isaiah 59:6 · KJV


Context

4

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

5

They hatch cockatrice' eggs, and weave the spider's web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper. cockatrice': or, adder's crushed: or, sprinkled is as if there brake out a viper

6

Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands.

7

Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths. destruction: Heb. breaking

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The spider-web theme continues: 'Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works.' These works of iniquity are 'works of violence.' The Hebrew 'chamas' (violence) is the same word describing pre-flood corruption (Genesis 6:11). Violent works cannot clothe or protect.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The attempt to cover oneself with works echoes Adam and Eve's fig leaves. Human efforts to cover sin with more sin produce nothing of lasting value or protection.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'fig leaves' do people weave today to cover spiritual nakedness?
  2. How does violence characterize works done apart from God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
קֽוּרֵיהֶם֙1 of 13

Their webs

H6980

(only plural) trenches, i.e., a web (as if so formed)

לֹא2 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִהְי֣וּ3 of 13
H1961

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

לְבֶ֔גֶד4 of 13

shall not become garments

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וְלֹ֥א5 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִתְכַּסּ֖וּ6 of 13

neither shall they cover

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

מַֽעֲשֵׂי7 of 13

are works

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

מַֽעֲשֵׂי8 of 13

are works

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

מַֽעֲשֵׂי9 of 13

are works

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

אָ֔וֶן10 of 13

of iniquity

H205

strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol

וּפֹ֥עַל11 of 13

and the act

H6467

an act or work (concretely)

חָמָ֖ס12 of 13

of violence

H2555

violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain

בְּכַפֵּיהֶֽם׃13 of 13

is in their hands

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-


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 59:6 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 59:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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