Isaiah 59:2
But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
2 of 13
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
הָי֣וּ
H1961
הָי֣וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מַבְדִּלִ֔ים
have separated
H914
מַבְדִּלִ֔ים
have separated
Strong's:
H914
Word #:
5 of 13
to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)
לְבֵ֖ין
between
H996
לְבֵ֖ין
between
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
6 of 13
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
לְבֵ֖ין
between
H996
לְבֵ֖ין
between
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
7 of 13
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֑ם
you and your God
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֑ם
you and your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
8 of 13
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
and your sins
H2403
וְחַטֹּֽאותֵיכֶ֗ם
and your sins
Strong's:
H2403
Word #:
9 of 13
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
הִסְתִּ֧ירוּ
have hid
H5641
הִסְתִּ֧ירוּ
have hid
Strong's:
H5641
Word #:
10 of 13
to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
פָנִ֛ים
his face
H6440
פָנִ֛ים
his face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
11 of 13
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
Jeremiah 5:25Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you.Proverbs 15:29The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.Micah 3:4Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.Isaiah 1:15And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.Isaiah 57:17For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart.Ezekiel 39:29Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.Joshua 7:11Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff.Isaiah 58:4Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.Isaiah 50:1Thus saith the LORD, Where is the bill of your mother's divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.
Historical Context
This is perhaps the clearest Old Testament statement of sin's separating effect. It explains exile not as divine weakness but as divine judgment on persistent covenant violation.
Questions for Reflection
- What sins might be creating separation between you and God?
- How does understanding sin as relational barrier change your view of confession and repentance?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The real barrier: 'But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.' Sin creates separation - the Hebrew 'badal' (separated) describes division, partition. Sin causes God to hide His face (withdraw favor) and refuse to hear. The problem is not God's arm but Israel's sin.