Isaiah 59:15

Authorized King James Version

Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתְּהִ֤י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הָֽאֱמֶת֙

H571

Yea truth

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

נֶעְדֶּ֔רֶת

H5737

faileth

to arrange, as a battle, a vineyard (to hoe); hence, to muster and so to miss (or find wanting)

וְסָ֥ר

H5493

and he that departeth

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מֵרָ֖ע

H7451

from evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

מִשְׁתּוֹלֵ֑ל

H7997

maketh himself a prey

to drop or strip; by implication, to plunder

וַיַּ֧רְא

H7200

saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

and the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַיֵּ֥רַע

H7489

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

#10

בְּעֵינָ֖יו

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#11

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#12

אֵ֥ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#13

מִשְׁפָּֽט׃

H4941

him that there was no judgment

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of truth connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about truth, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Isaiah.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding truth in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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 might the original audience's understanding of truth differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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