Isaiah 59:1

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

הֵ֛ן Behold H2005
הֵ֛ן Behold
Strong's: H2005
Word #: 1 of 10
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
לֹֽא H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 2 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
קָצְרָ֥ה is not shortened H7114
קָצְרָ֥ה is not shortened
Strong's: H7114
Word #: 3 of 10
to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)
יַד hand H3027
יַד hand
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 4 of 10
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
יְהוָ֖ה the LORD'S H3068
יְהוָ֖ה the LORD'S
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 5 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מֵֽהוֹשִׁ֑יעַ that it cannot save H3467
מֵֽהוֹשִׁ֑יעַ that it cannot save
Strong's: H3467
Word #: 6 of 10
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
וְלֹא H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 7 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כָבְדָ֥ה heavy H3513
כָבְדָ֥ה heavy
Strong's: H3513
Word #: 8 of 10
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
אָזְנ֖וֹ neither his ear H241
אָזְנ֖וֹ neither his ear
Strong's: H241
Word #: 9 of 10
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
מִשְּׁמֽוֹעַ׃ that it cannot hear H8085
מִשְּׁמֽוֹעַ׃ that it cannot hear
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 10 of 10
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

Cross References

Jeremiah 32:17Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:Isaiah 50:2Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst.Numbers 11:23And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.Isaiah 65:24And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.Genesis 18:14Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.Hebrews 7:25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.Matthew 13:15For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.Isaiah 58:9Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;Isaiah 6:10Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.Isaiah 63:1Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

Analysis & Commentary

The chapter opens with a bold declaration: 'Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear.' The Hebrew 'qatsar' (shortened) indicates incapacity. God's power and attentiveness are not the problem - His arm reaches and His ear hears. The barrier to deliverance lies elsewhere.

Historical Context

This addresses exiles questioning God's ability or willingness to save. Similar complaints appear in Isaiah 40:27 and 50:2. Isaiah corrects the false assumption that God has become weak or inattentive.

Questions for Reflection

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