Isaiah 59:2

Authorized King James Version

But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֤י

H3588

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

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

עֲוֹנֹֽתֵיכֶם֙

H5771

But your iniquities

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

הָי֣וּ

H1961

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

מַבְדִּלִ֔ים

H914

have separated

to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)

לְבֵ֖ין

H996

between

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

לְבֵ֖ין

H996

between

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֑ם

H430

you and your God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְחַטֹּֽאותֵיכֶ֗ם

H2403

and your sins

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

#10

הִסְתִּ֧ירוּ

H5641

have hid

to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively

#11

פָנִ֛ים

H6440

his face

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#12

מִכֶּ֖ם

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#13

מִשְּׁמֽוֹעַ׃

H8085

from you that he will not hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

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 divine sovereignty 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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