Isaiah Chapter 59 · Verse 11

Authorized King James Version

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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
כַדֻּבִּים֙ all like bears H1677
כַדֻּבִּים֙ all like bears
Strong's: H1677
Word #: 2 of 12
the bear (as slow)
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
וָאַ֔יִן
Strong's: H369
Word #: 9 of 12
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
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
רָחֲקָ֥ה but it is far off H7368
רָחֲקָ֥ה but it is far off
Strong's: H7368
Word #: 11 of 12
to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)
מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃ H4480
מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃
Strong's: H4480
Word #: 12 of 12
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

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.

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