Isaiah 59:4 kjv
None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.
Isaiah 59:4 nkjv
No one calls for justice, Nor does any plead for truth. They trust in empty words and speak lies; They conceive evil and bring forth iniquity.
Isaiah 59:4 niv
No one calls for justice; no one pleads a case with integrity. They rely on empty arguments, they utter lies; they conceive trouble and give birth to evil.
Isaiah 59:4 esv
No one enters suit justly; no one goes to law honestly; they rely on empty pleas, they speak lies, they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity.
Isaiah 59:4 nlt
No one cares about being fair and honest.
The people's lawsuits are based on lies.
They conceive evil deeds
and then give birth to sin.
Isaiah 59 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isa 59:4 | None is rightly defending | Psa 106:23 |
| Isa 59:4 | none rightly pleads | Jer 22:3 |
| Isa 59:4 | but falsehood arises | Hosea 10:13 |
| Isa 59:4 | and deceit triumphs | Rom 6:16 |
| Isa 59:4 | offspring of injustice | Eph 5:6 |
| Isa 59:4 | corruption, no redemption | Gal 5:19-21 |
| Isa 59:4 | deeds of violence | Gen 6:11-13 |
| Isa 59:4 | those who pervert truth | Prov 12:22 |
| Isa 59:4 | a cry in the wilderness | John 1:23 |
| Isa 59:4 | shouting in vain | Eccl 5:3 |
| Isa 59:4 | the voice of the Lord | Isa 6:8 |
| Isa 59:4 | no intercessor | Job 33:23 |
| Isa 59:4 | Lord himself intervenes | Isa 63:5 |
| Isa 59:4 | absence of good deeds | 1 Peter 3:12 |
| Isa 59:4 | sown wickedness, reaped disaster | Hosea 8:7 |
| Isa 59:4 | God hears injustice | Gen 18:20 |
| Isa 59:4 | truth trodden down | Amos 5:7 |
| Isa 59:4 | perverse ways | Prov 17:20 |
| Isa 59:4 | faithfulness is lost | Psa 12:1 |
| Isa 59:4 | nation devoid of sense | Jer 4:22 |
Isaiah 59 verses
Isaiah 59 4 Meaning
This verse describes the consequence of unfaithfulness and injustice: there is no one to act righteously or intercede on behalf of others. The foundation of their society has been corrupted, leading to a state where truth and justice are absent, and even those who call for help find no one to respond.
Isaiah 59 4 Context
Isaiah chapter 59 presents a powerful indictment of Israel's sinfulness and its consequences. The prophet declares that the nation's iniquities have separated them from God, making Him unwilling to hear their prayers or deliver them. This verse specifically details the pervasive corruption and lack of righteousness within society. It's a picture of a people who have abandoned justice and truth, leaving them vulnerable and without any true advocates, both human and divine. The historical context is likely during a time of national distress or exile, highlighting the depth of their apostasy.
Isaiah 59 4 Word Analysis
- “None” (אֵין - eyn): Literally "not existing," "there is not." Emphasizes a complete absence.
- “is” (וְ - wə + ayin in Masoretic text usually implies “and”, here used for strong affirmation/declaration): Part of the conjunction.
- “rightly defending” (דּוֹרֵשׁ - doresh): From the root "to seek," "inquire," "demand," "avenge," "plead." Implies someone actively seeking justice, demanding what is right, and interceding. It signifies taking a righteous stand.
- “none” (אֵין - eyn): Reinforces the total lack of such a defender.
- “pleads” (מְצַדֵּק - m’tsaddeq): From the root "to declare righteous," "to justify." Refers to someone who can vindicate or prove the righteousness of another.
- “but” (כִּי - ki): Introduces the consequence or reason for the preceding statement.
- “falsehood” (אָוֶן - avon): "Iniquity," "perverseness," "wickedness," "guilt." Denotes wrongful acts and their underlying distortion.
- “arises” (יּוֹלִיד - yolîd): "Begets," "produces," "bears." Suggests falsehood is fertile and generating more wrong.
- “and” (וְ - wə): Conjunction.
- “deceit” (תְּרַמִּית - tərammîṯ): "Deception," "fraud," "trickery." Specifically refers to craftiness and guile.
- “triumphs” (תִּגְבַּר - tigbâr): "Prevails," "is strong," "is victorious." The pervasive nature of deceit shows its dominance.
Word Groups Analysis:
- "None is rightly defending, none pleads": This dual phrase powerfully conveys a societal vacuum. There's no one stepping forward to seek justice (doresh) nor anyone equipped to justify or vindicate others (m'tsaddeq). This implies a moral collapse where even those with influence or a sense of duty have failed.
- "For falsehood arises, and deceit triumphs": This is presented as the reason for the lack of defenders. Iniquity (avon) is not just present but actively producing more wickedness, and deceit (tərammîṯ) has become so dominant (tigbâr) that it overshadows all attempts at truth or justice.
Isaiah 59 4 Bonus Section
The concept of "arising" (yolîd) in relation to falsehood suggests that sin is generative and produces more sin. It’s a cyclical problem where initial acts of iniquity lead to further corruption. The absence of "defenders" (doresh) and "justifiers" (m'tsaddeq) highlights the perversion of leadership roles; those who should be upholding justice are either absent or complicit. This theme echoes throughout scripture, particularly in the prophets' condemnations of corrupt rulers and a people who have turned away from God's statutes. The Lord's declaration in Isaiah 63:5, "And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; therefore his own arm brought salvation unto him," directly parallels this verse, emphasizing God's eventual intervention when human efforts fail due to pervasive sin.
Isaiah 59 4 Commentary
Isaiah 59:4 paints a grim picture of a society riddled with corruption and lacking any moral compass. The absence of righteous defenders and those who can bring justification signifies a complete breakdown of justice and accountability. This dire state is attributed to the fertile ground of "iniquity" and the overwhelming "triumph" of "deceit." When wrongdoing becomes the norm and is actively propagated, it leaves no room for truth or honest representation. The people's own transgressions have led to this desolation, severing their connection with a God of justice and leaving them exposed without legitimate recourse or advocacy. This verse underscores the critical role of justice and truth in a community and the devastating consequences when they are abandoned.