Isaiah Chapter 59 · Verse 12
For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them;
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
רַבּ֤וּ
are multiplied
H7231
רַבּ֤וּ
are multiplied
Strong's:
H7231
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, to cast together , i.e., increase, especially in number; to multiply by the myriad
פְשָׁעֵ֣ינוּ
For our transgressions
H6588
פְשָׁעֵ֣ינוּ
For our transgressions
Strong's:
H6588
Word #:
3 of 12
a revolt (national, moral or religious)
נֶגְדֶּ֔ךָ
H5048
נֶגְדֶּ֔ךָ
Strong's:
H5048
Word #:
4 of 12
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
וְחַטֹּאותֵ֖ינוּ
before thee and our sins
H2403
וְחַטֹּאותֵ֖ינוּ
before thee and our sins
Strong's:
H2403
Word #:
5 of 12
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
עָ֣נְתָה
testify
H6030
עָ֣נְתָה
testify
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
פְשָׁעֵ֣ינוּ
For our transgressions
H6588
פְשָׁעֵ֣ינוּ
For our transgressions
Strong's:
H6588
Word #:
9 of 12
a revolt (national, moral or religious)
אִתָּ֔נוּ
H854
אִתָּ֔נוּ
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
Cross References
Ezra 9:6And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens.Hosea 5:5And the pride of Israel doth testify to his face: therefore shall Israel and Ephraim fall in their iniquity; Judah also shall fall with them.Isaiah 1:4Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.Jeremiah 14:7O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee.Ezekiel 5:6And she hath changed my judgments into wickedness more than the nations, and my statutes more than the countries that are round about her: for they have refused my judgments and my statutes, they have not walked in them.Hosea 4:2By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.
Historical Context
This confession uses the same vocabulary as the Day of Atonement rituals. Recognition of specific sins is necessary for genuine repentance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does sin 'testify against' us before God?
- What does it mean to 'know' your iniquities rather than denying or excusing them?
Analysis & Commentary
Full confession: 'For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them.' Three terms - transgressions (pesha - rebellion), sins (chata'ah - missing the mark), iniquities (avon - twisted guilt) - comprehensively confess. Sin testifies like a witness.