Isaiah 59:14

Authorized King James Version

And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהֻסַּ֤ג

H5253

is turned away

to retreat

אָחוֹר֙

H268

backward

the hinder part; hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the west

מִשְׁפָּ֔ט

H4941

And judgment

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

וּצְדָקָ֖ה

H6666

and justice

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

מֵרָח֣וֹק

H7350

afar off

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

תַּעֲמֹ֑ד

H5975

standeth

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כָשְׁלָ֤ה

H3782

is fallen

to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall

בָֽרְחוֹב֙

H7339

in the street

a width, i.e., (concretely) avenue or area

#10

אֱמֶ֔ת

H571

for truth

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

#11

וּנְכֹחָ֖ה

H5229

and equity

properly, straightforwardness, i.e., (figuratively) integrity, or (concretely) a truth

#12

לֹא

H3808

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

#13

תוּכַ֥ל

H3201

cannot

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

#14

לָבֽוֹא׃

H935

enter

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing truth contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Isaiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes truth in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of truth differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 59 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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