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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Isaiah 59:16 He saw that there was no man; He was amazed that there was no one to intercede. So His own arm brought salvation, and His own righteousness sustained Him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/59-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/23_Isa_59_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 59:16 - Sin Separates Us from God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He saw that there was no man; He was amazed that there was no one to intercede. 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So he himself stepped in to save them with his strong arm, and his justice sustained him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/59.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/59.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He saw that there was no man; He was amazed that there was no one to intercede. So His own arm brought salvation, and His own righteousness sustained Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/59.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he saw that <i>there was</i> no man, and wondered that <i>there was</i> no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/59.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He saw that <i>there was</i> no man, And wondered that <i>there was</i> no intercessor; Therefore His own arm brought salvation for Him; And His own righteousness, it sustained Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/59.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And He saw that there was no one, And was amazed that there was not one to intercede; Then His own arm brought salvation to Him, And His righteousness upheld Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/59.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />And He saw that there was no man, And was astonished that there was no one to intercede; Then His own arm brought salvation to Him, And His righteousness upheld Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/59.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And He saw that there was no man, And was astonished that there was no one to intercede; Then His own arm brought salvation to Him; And His righteousness upheld Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/59.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And He saw that there was no man, And was astonished that there was no one to intercede; Then His own arm brought salvation to Him, And His righteousness upheld Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/59.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He saw that there was no man, And was amazed that there was no one to intercede [on behalf of truth and right]; Therefore His own arm brought salvation to Him, And His own righteousness sustained Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/59.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He saw that there was no man — he was amazed that there was no one interceding; so his own arm brought salvation, and his own righteousness supported him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/59.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He saw that there was no man— He was amazed that there was no one interceding; so His own arm brought salvation, and His own righteousness supported Him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/59.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his own arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it upheld him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/59.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />It disgusted him even more to learn that no one would do a thing about it. So with his own powerful arm, he won victories for truth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/59.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his own arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it upheld him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/59.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He sees that there's no one to help. He's astounded that there's no one to intercede. So with his own power he wins a victory. His righteousness supports him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/isaiah/59.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He is astonished to see that there is no one to help the oppressed. So he will use his own power to rescue them and to win the victory. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/59.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He saw that there was no one, and was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm brought him victory, and his righteous acts upheld him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/59.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He saw that there was no man; He was amazed that there was no one to intercede. So His own arm brought salvation, and His own righteousness sustained Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/59.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He sees there is no advocate; he is shocked that no one intervenes. So he takes matters into his own hands; his desire for justice drives him on. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/59.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his own arm brought salvation to him; and his righteousness, it upheld him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/59.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation to him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/59.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor. Therefore his own arm brought salvation to him; and his righteousness sustained him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/59.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And He sees that there is no man, "" And is astonished that there is no intercessor, "" And His own arm gives salvation to Him, "" And His righteousness—it sustained Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/59.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And He seeth that there is no man, And is astonished that there is no intercessor, And His own arm giveth salvation to Him, And His righteousness -- it sustained Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/59.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will see that not a man, and he will be astonished that none was supplicating: and his arm will save for him, and his justice it upheld him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/59.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he saw that there is not a man: and he stood astonished, because there is none to oppose himself: and his own arm brought salvation to him, and his own justice supported him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/59.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he saw that there was no good man. And he was astonished that there was no one to meet him. And his own arm brought salvation to him, and his own justice strengthened him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/59.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He saw that there was no one, was appalled that there was none to intervene; Then his own arm brought about the victory, and his justice sustained him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/59.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He saw that there was no one, and was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm brought him victory, and his righteousness upheld him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/59.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to help; therefore his arm brought salvation to him, and his righteousness sustained him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/59.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he saw there was no man, and he was amazed that there was no helper, and his arm saved him, and his righteousness sustained him<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/59.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And He saw that there was no man, And was astonished that there was no intercessor; Therefore His own arm brought salvation unto Him; And His righteousness, it sustained Him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/59.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he looked, and there was no man, and he observed, and there was none to help: so he defended them with his arm, and stablished <i>them</i> with <i>his</i> mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/59-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=13175" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/59.htm">Sin Separates Us from God</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>Truth is missing, and whoever turns from evil becomes prey. The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: way·yar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">He saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ên (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">there was no</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">man;</a> <a href="/hebrew/8074.htm" title="8074: way·yiš·tō·w·mêm (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To be desolated or appalled. A primitive root; to stun, i.e. Devastate or stupefy.">He was amazed</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ên (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">there was no one</a> <a href="/hebrew/6293.htm" title="6293: map̄·gî·a‘ (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- To meet, encounter, reach. A primitive root; to impinge, by accident or violence, or by importunity.">to intercede.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2220.htm" title="2220: zə·rō·‘ōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Arm, shoulder, strength. Or zroao; and zrowpah; or zrowah; from zara'; the arm, or the foreleg; figuratively, force.">So His own arm</a> <a href="/hebrew/3467.htm" title="3467: wat·tō·wō·ša‘ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To deliver. A primitive root; properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. to be safe; causatively, to free or succor.">brought salvation,</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/6666.htm" title="6666: wə·ṣiḏ·qā·ṯōw (Conj-w:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Righteousness. From tsadaq; rightness, subjectively, objectively, morally or figuratively.">and His own righteousness</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hî (Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5564.htm" title="5564: sə·mā·ḵā·ṯə·hū (V-Qal-Perf-3fs:: 3ms) -- To lean, lay, rest, support. A primitive root; to prop; reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of.">sustained Him.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance and wrapped Himself in a cloak of zeal.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/63-5.htm">Isaiah 63:5</a></span><br />I looked, but there was no one to help; I was appalled that no one assisted. So My arm brought Me salvation, and My own wrath upheld Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/22-30.htm">Ezekiel 22:30</a></span><br />I searched for a man among them to repair the wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, so that I should not destroy it. But I found no one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/98-1.htm">Psalm 98:1</a></span><br />A Psalm. Sing to the LORD a new song, for He has done wonders; His right hand and holy arm have gained Him the victory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/106-23.htm">Psalm 106:23</a></span><br />So He said He would destroy them—had not Moses His chosen one stood before Him in the breach to divert His wrath from destroying them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/14-3.htm">Psalm 14:3</a></span><br />All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/53-2.htm">Psalm 53:2-3</a></span><br />God looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God. / All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-10.htm">Romans 3:10-12</a></span><br />As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one. / There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. / All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/5-6.htm">Romans 5:6-8</a></span><br />For at just the right time, while we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. / Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. / But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-34.htm">Romans 8:34</a></span><br />Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/7-25.htm">Hebrews 7:25</a></span><br />Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-1.htm">1 John 2:1</a></span><br />My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate before the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/2-5.htm">1 Timothy 2:5</a></span><br />For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16-17</a></span><br />For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. / For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a></span><br />I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a></span><br />Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation to him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.</p><p class="hdg">he saw</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/50-2.htm">Isaiah 50:2</a></b></br> Wherefore, when I came, <i>was there</i> no man? when I called, <i>was there</i> none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because <i>there is</i> no water, and dieth for thirst.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/64-7.htm">Isaiah 64:7</a></b></br> And <i>there is</i> none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/18-23.htm">Genesis 18:23-32</a></b></br> And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? … </p><p class="hdg">therefore</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/52-10.htm">Isaiah 52:10</a></b></br> The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/63-3.htm">Isaiah 63:3-5</a></b></br> I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people <i>there was</i> none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/98-1.htm">Psalm 98:1</a></b></br> A Psalm. O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/52-14.htm">Appalled</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-1.htm">Arm</a> <a href="/isaiah/52-14.htm">Astonished</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-15.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/isaiah/47-3.htm">Intercede</a> <a href="/job/33-23.htm">Intercessor</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-14.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-11.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/isaiah/50-10.htm">Support</a> <a href="/isaiah/52-14.htm">Surprised</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-28.htm">Sustained</a> <a href="/isaiah/46-3.htm">Upheld</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-24.htm">Victory</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-14.htm">Wondered</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-4.htm">Worked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/63-5.htm">Appalled</a> <a href="/isaiah/60-4.htm">Arm</a> <a href="/isaiah/63-5.htm">Astonished</a> <a href="/isaiah/60-16.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/jeremiah/7-16.htm">Intercede</a> <a href="/job/16-20.htm">Intercessor</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-17.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-17.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/isaiah/63-5.htm">Support</a> <a href="/jeremiah/14-9.htm">Surprised</a> <a href="/malachi/2-15.htm">Sustained</a> <a href="/isaiah/63-5.htm">Upheld</a> <a href="/isaiah/61-10.htm">Victory</a> <a href="/isaiah/63-5.htm">Wondered</a> <a href="/isaiah/63-5.htm">Worked</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 59</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/59-1.htm">Calamities are not due to lack of saving power in God, but to their own sins</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/59-16.htm">Salvation is only of God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/59-20.htm">The covenant of the Redeemer</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/59.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/isaiah/59.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>He saw that there was no man;</b><br>This phrase highlights God's observation of the absence of a righteous person to stand in the gap for Israel. In the context of Isaiah, the nation was steeped in sin and injustice, and there was no one righteous enough to intercede on behalf of the people. This echoes the situation in <a href="/ezekiel/22-30.htm">Ezekiel 22:30</a>, where God sought someone to stand in the breach but found none. The phrase underscores the pervasive sinfulness of humanity and the need for divine intervention.<p><b>He was amazed that there was no one to intercede.</b><br>God's amazement here is not due to a lack of foresight but rather emphasizes the gravity of the situation. Intercession was a critical role in Israelite society, often performed by prophets, priests, or righteous leaders. The absence of an intercessor points to the spiritual decline of the nation. This also foreshadows the ultimate intercessor, Jesus Christ, who stands between God and humanity (<a href="/1_timothy/2-5.htm">1 Timothy 2:5</a>).<p><b>So His own arm brought salvation,</b><br>The "arm" of the Lord is a metaphor for His power and might. In the absence of a human intercessor, God Himself steps in to bring salvation. This reflects the theme of divine intervention found throughout the Old Testament, such as in <a href="/exodus/6-6.htm">Exodus 6:6</a>, where God promises to deliver Israel with an outstretched arm. It also prefigures the work of Christ, who is often seen as the embodiment of God's saving power (<a href="/john/12-38.htm">John 12:38</a>).<p><b>and His own righteousness sustained Him.</b><br>God's righteousness is the foundation of His actions. Unlike human righteousness, which is flawed and inconsistent, God's righteousness is perfect and unchanging. This righteousness not only sustains Him but also ensures the fulfillment of His promises. In the New Testament, this righteousness is imputed to believers through faith in Christ (<a href="/romans/3-22.htm">Romans 3:22</a>), highlighting the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old to the New Testament.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The central figure in this verse, observing the lack of righteousness and intercession among His people.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_people_of_israel.htm">The People of Israel</a></b><br>Implicitly referenced as those who have failed to intercede or uphold justice, leading to God's intervention.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_arm_of_the_lord.htm">The Arm of the Lord</a></b><br>A metaphor for God's power and intervention, often associated with deliverance and salvation.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/intercession.htm">Intercession</a></b><br>The act of intervening or mediating on behalf of others, which was lacking among the people.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/salvation_and_righteousness.htm">Salvation and Righteousness</a></b><br>Key themes in this verse, highlighting God's initiative in bringing about redemption.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_need_for_intercessors.htm">The Need for Intercessors</a></b><br>God values intercession and looks for those who will stand in the gap for others. We are called to be intercessors in our communities and families.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_initiative_in_salvation.htm">God's Initiative in Salvation</a></b><br>When human efforts fall short, God Himself steps in to bring salvation. This underscores the grace and sovereignty of God in the redemption process.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/righteousness_as_a_divine_attribute.htm">Righteousness as a Divine Attribute</a></b><br>God's righteousness is not only a standard but also a sustaining force. We are called to reflect His righteousness in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_jesus_as_intercessor.htm">The Role of Jesus as Intercessor</a></b><br>Jesus fulfills the role of the ultimate intercessor, bridging the gap between God and humanity. We can rely on His intercession in our spiritual journey.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/human_inadequacy_and_divine_sufficiency.htm">Human Inadequacy and Divine Sufficiency</a></b><br>Our inability to achieve righteousness on our own highlights our need for God's intervention. This should lead us to humility and dependence on Him.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_59.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 59</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_can't_good_works_save_people.htm">Why can't people be saved by doing good works?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'house_of_jacob'_mean.htm">Does God love those in hell?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_isaiah_63_1-3_show_divine_justice.htm">In Isaiah 63:1–3, how can the imagery of garments stained with blood be reconciled with the prophet’s claim of divine justice without external historical evidence? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_hate_if_'god_is_love'.htm">Why does Proverbs 6:16-19 say God hates certain behaviors if 'God is love' elsewhere (e.g., 1 John 4:8)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/59.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">He saw that there was no man . . .</span>--If the words mean no "righteous man," we have a parallel in <a href="/jeremiah/5-1.htm" title="Run you to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if you can find a man, if there be any that executes judgment, that seeks the truth; and I will pardon it.">Jeremiah 5:1</a>, and the "intercessor" points to action like that of Aaron (<a href="/numbers/16-48.htm" title="And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.">Numbers 16:48</a>) or Phinehas (<a href="/numbers/25-7.htm" title="And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin in his hand;">Numbers 25:7</a>). On the interpretation here adopted, "no man" is equivalent to "no champion."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/59.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> God looked for some champion of the oppressed to arise; it was to be expected under the circumstances. But, alas! "there was no man." None stood up to resist the unrighteous and protect the innocent; much less did any stand up to deliver Israel from its heathen adversaries. When it is said that God "<span class="accented">wondered"</span> at no champion appearing, we must understand the expression as an anthropomorphism· <span class="cmt_word">Therefore his arm brought salvation unto him</span>. As them was no human champion, it became necessary that God should arise in his own Person, and show himself. "His arm" and "his righteousness" were enough; no human aid was needed, or could have added anything to the resistless strength of his might (comp. <a href="/isaiah/63-5.htm">Isaiah 63:5</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/59-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">He saw</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּרְא֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">there was no</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֣ין</span> <span class="translit">(’ên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">man—</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֔ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He was amazed</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁתּוֹמֵ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·tō·w·mêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8074.htm">Strong's 8074: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stun, devastate, stupefy</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">there was no one</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֣ין</span> <span class="translit">(’ên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to intercede;</span><br /><span class="heb">מַפְגִּ֑יעַ</span> <span class="translit">(map̄·gî·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6293.htm">Strong's 6293: </a> </span><span class="str2">To impinge, by accident, violence, by importunity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so His own arm</span><br /><span class="heb">זְרֹע֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(zə·rō·‘ōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2220.htm">Strong's 2220: </a> </span><span class="str2">The arm, the foreleg, force</span><br /><br /><span class="word">brought salvation,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתּ֤וֹשַֽׁע</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tō·wō·ša‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3467.htm">Strong's 3467: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and His own righteousness</span><br /><span class="heb">וְצִדְקָת֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ṣiḏ·qā·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6666.htm">Strong's 6666: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rightness, subjectively, objectively</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sustained Him.</span><br /><span class="heb">סְמָכָֽתְהוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(sə·mā·ḵā·ṯə·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5564.htm">Strong's 5564: </a> </span><span class="str2">To prop, to lean upon, take hold of</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/59-16.htm">Isaiah 59:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/59-16.htm">Isaiah 59:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/59-16.htm">Isaiah 59:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/59-16.htm">Isaiah 59:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/59-16.htm">Isaiah 59:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/59-16.htm">Isaiah 59:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/59-16.htm">Isaiah 59:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/59-16.htm">Isaiah 59:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/59-16.htm">Isaiah 59:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/59-16.htm">Isaiah 59:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/59-16.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 59:16 He saw that there was no man (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/59-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 59:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 59:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/59-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 59:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 59:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>