Isaiah 59:11
We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves: we look for judgment, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far off from us.
Original Language Analysis
נֶהֱמֶ֤ה
We roar
H1993
נֶהֱמֶ֤ה
We roar
Strong's:
H1993
Word #:
1 of 12
to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor
כֻּלָּ֔נוּ
H3605
כֻּלָּ֔נוּ
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וְכַיּוֹנִ֖ים
like doves
H3123
וְכַיּוֹנִ֖ים
like doves
Strong's:
H3123
Word #:
4 of 12
a dove (apparently from the warmth of their mating)
נֶהְגֶּ֑ה
and mourn
H1897
נֶהְגֶּ֑ה
and mourn
Strong's:
H1897
Word #:
5 of 12
to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication, to ponder
נֶהְגֶּ֑ה
and mourn
H1897
נֶהְגֶּ֑ה
and mourn
Strong's:
H1897
Word #:
6 of 12
to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication, to ponder
נְקַוֶּ֤ה
we look
H6960
נְקַוֶּ֤ה
we look
Strong's:
H6960
Word #:
7 of 12
to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect
לַמִּשְׁפָּט֙
for judgment
H4941
לַמִּשְׁפָּט֙
for judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
וָאַ֔יִן
H369
לִֽישׁוּעָ֖ה
but there is none for salvation
H3444
לִֽישׁוּעָ֖ה
but there is none for salvation
Strong's:
H3444
Word #:
10 of 12
something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity
Cross References
Isaiah 38:14Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail with looking upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me.Ezekiel 7:16But they that escape of them shall escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity.
Historical Context
Bears were found in Palestine's forests; doves were common. The combination of fierce roaring and gentle mourning captures the complex emotions of those experiencing judgment's consequences.
Questions for Reflection
- How do anger and grief intertwine in response to sin's consequences?
- What does longing for salvation that seems 'far off' feel like?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Two animals portray their distress: 'We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves.' The bear's roar expresses frustrated anger; the dove's mourning expresses grief. 'We look for judgment, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far off from us.' Both rage and sorrow characterize their condition.