Isaiah 59:6
Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands.
Original Language Analysis
קֽוּרֵיהֶם֙
Their webs
H6980
קֽוּרֵיהֶם֙
Their webs
Strong's:
H6980
Word #:
1 of 13
(only plural) trenches, i.e., a web (as if so formed)
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִהְי֣וּ
H1961
יִהְי֣וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
3 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִתְכַּסּ֖וּ
neither shall they cover
H3680
יִתְכַּסּ֖וּ
neither shall they cover
Strong's:
H3680
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
מַֽעֲשֵׂי
are works
H4639
מַֽעֲשֵׂי
are works
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
7 of 13
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
מַֽעֲשֵׂי
are works
H4639
מַֽעֲשֵׂי
are works
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
8 of 13
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
מַֽעֲשֵׂי
are works
H4639
מַֽעֲשֵׂי
are works
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
9 of 13
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
אָ֔וֶן
of iniquity
H205
אָ֔וֶן
of iniquity
Strong's:
H205
Word #:
10 of 13
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
Historical Context
The attempt to cover oneself with works echoes Adam and Eve's fig leaves. Human efforts to cover sin with more sin produce nothing of lasting value or protection.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'fig leaves' do people weave today to cover spiritual nakedness?
- How does violence characterize works done apart from God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The spider-web theme continues: 'Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works.' These works of iniquity are 'works of violence.' The Hebrew 'chamas' (violence) is the same word describing pre-flood corruption (Genesis 6:11). Violent works cannot clothe or protect.