Isaiah 59:9
Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֗ן
H3651
כֵּ֗ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
רָחַ֤ק
far
H7368
רָחַ֤ק
far
Strong's:
H7368
Word #:
3 of 15
to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)
מִשְׁפָּט֙
Therefore is judgment
H4941
מִשְׁפָּט֙
Therefore is judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
מִמֶּ֔נּוּ
H4480
מִמֶּ֔נּוּ
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
צְדָקָ֑ה
from us neither doth justice
H6666
צְדָקָ֑ה
from us neither doth justice
Strong's:
H6666
Word #:
8 of 15
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
נְקַוֶּ֤ה
us we wait
H6960
נְקַוֶּ֤ה
us we wait
Strong's:
H6960
Word #:
9 of 15
to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect
לָאוֹר֙
for light
H216
לָאוֹר֙
for light
Strong's:
H216
Word #:
10 of 15
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
חֹ֔שֶׁךְ
but behold obscurity
H2822
חֹ֔שֶׁךְ
but behold obscurity
Strong's:
H2822
Word #:
12 of 15
the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness
Cross References
Historical Context
This transition from description of sin to confession of its consequences marks prophetic progress. Recognition of sin's effects is the first step toward repentance.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you experience the distance that sin creates from God's justice and light?
- What is the relationship between waiting for light and walking in darkness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The people now confess: 'Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness.' The hoped-for deliverance remains distant because of the sins described. This corporate confession acknowledges cause and effect.