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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 59:9 Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We hope for light, but there is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in gloom.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/59-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/23_Isa_59_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 59:9 - Sin Separates Us from God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We hope for light, but there is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in gloom." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/isaiah/59-9.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/isaiah/59-9.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/isaiah/">Isaiah</a> > <a href="/isaiah/59.htm">Chapter 59</a> > Verse 9</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/isaiah/59-8.htm" title="Isaiah 59:8">◄</a> Isaiah 59:9 <a href="/isaiah/59-10.htm" title="Isaiah 59:10">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/isaiah/59.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/isaiah/59.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />So justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We look for light, but all is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/isaiah/59.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So there is no justice among us, and we know nothing about right living. We look for light but find only darkness. We look for bright skies but walk in gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/59.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness does not overtake us; we hope for light, and behold, darkness, and for brightness, but we walk in gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/59.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We hope for light, but there is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/59.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, <i>but</i> we walk in darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/59.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Therefore justice is far from us, Nor does righteousness overtake us; We look for light, but there is darkness! For brightness, <i>but</i> we walk in blackness!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/59.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore justice is far from us, And righteousness does not reach us; We hope for light, but there is darkness, For brightness, but we walk in gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/59.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Therefore justice is far from us, And righteousness does not overtake us; We hope for light, but behold, darkness, For brightness, but we walk in gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/59.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Therefore, justice is far from us, And righteousness does not overtake us; We hope for light, but behold, darkness; For brightness, but we walk in gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/59.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Therefore justice is far from us, And righteousness does not overtake us; We hope for light, but behold, darkness, For brightness, but we walk in thick darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/59.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Therefore justice is far from us, And righteousness does not overtake us. We [expectantly] hope for light, but only see darkness; <i>We hope</i> for gleam of light, <i>but</i> we walk in darkness <i>and</i> gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/59.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We hope for light, but there is darkness; for brightness, but we live in the night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/59.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We hope for light, but there is darkness; for brightness, but we live in the night. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/59.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore is justice far from us, neither doth righteousness overtake us: we look for light, but, behold, darkness; for brightness, but we walk in obscurity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/59.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />No one has come to defend us or to bring about justice. We hoped for a day of sunshine, but all we found was a dark, gloomy night. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/59.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth righteousness overtake us: we look for light, but behold darkness; for brightness, but we walk in obscurity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/59.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />That is why justice is far from us, and righteousness doesn't reach us. We hope for light, but we walk in darkness. We hope for brightness, but we walk in gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/isaiah/59.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The people say, "Now we know why God does not save us from those who oppress us. We hope for light to walk by, but there is only darkness, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/59.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"So justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We wait for light, but look—there is darkness; we wait for brightness, but we walk in deep darkness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/59.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For this reason deliverance is far from us and salvation does not reach us. We wait for light, but see only darkness; we wait for a bright light, but live in deep darkness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/59.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore is justice far from us, neither does righteousness overtake us: we look for light, but, look, darkness; for brightness, but we walk in obscurity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/59.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/59.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We hope for light, but there is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/59.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness doesn’t overtake us. We look for light, but see darkness; for brightness, but we walk in obscurity. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/59.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore judgment has been far from us, "" And righteousness does not reach us, "" We wait for light, and behold, darkness, "" For brightness—in thick darkness we go,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/59.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Therefore hath judgment been far from us, And righteousness reacheth us not, We wait for light, and lo, darkness, For brightness -- in thick darkness we go,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/59.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For this judgment was far off from us, and justice shall not overtake us: we shall wait for light, and behold, darkness; for brightness, and we shall walk in thick darkness.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/59.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Therefore is judgment far from us, and justice shall not overtake us. We looked for light, and behold darkness: brightness, and we have walked in the dark. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/59.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Because of this, judgment is far from us, and justice will not take hold of us. We waited for light, and behold, darkness; we waited for brightness, and we walked in darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/59.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />That is why judgment is far from us and justice does not reach us. We look for light, but there is darkness; for brightness, and we walk in gloom! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/59.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us; we wait for light, and lo! there is darkness; and for brightness, but we walk in gloom.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/59.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness does not overtake us; we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/59.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because of this, judgment is far away from us and righteousness will not overtake us. We wait for the light and there has been darkness, and for the brightness, and in thick darkness we have walked<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/59.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Therefore is justice far from us, Neither doth righteousness overtake us; We look for light, but behold darkness, For brightness, but we walk in gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/59.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Therefore has judgment departed from them, and righteousness shall not overtake them: while they waited for light, darkness came upon them; while they waited for brightness, they walked in perplexity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/59-9.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=13092" 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">8</span>The way of peace they have not known, and there is no justice in their tracks. They have turned them into crooked paths; no one who treads on them will know peace. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">Therefore</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4941.htm" title="4941: miš·pāṭ (N-ms) -- Judgment. ">justice</a> <a href="/hebrew/7368.htm" title="7368: rā·ḥaq (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To be or become far or distant. A primitive root; to widen, i.e. recede or remove.">is far</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·men·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">from us,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6666.htm" title="6666: ṣə·ḏā·qāh (N-fs) -- Righteousness. From tsadaq; rightness, subjectively, objectively, morally or figuratively.">and righteousness</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">does not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5381.htm" title="5381: ṯaś·śî·ḡê·nū (V-Hifil-Imperf-3fs:: 1cp) -- To reach, overtake. A primitive root; to reach.">reach us.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6960.htm" title="6960: nə·qaw·weh (V-Piel-Imperf-1cp) -- To bind together, collect, to expect. A primitive root; to bind together, i.e. Collect; to expect.">We hope</a> <a href="/hebrew/216.htm" title="216: lā·’ō·wr (Prep-l, Art:: N-cs) -- A light. From 'owr; illumination or luminary.">for light,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh- (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">but there</a> <a href="/hebrew/2822.htm" title="2822: ḥō·šeḵ (N-ms) -- From chashak; the dark; hence darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness.">is darkness;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5054.htm" title="5054: lin·ḡō·hō·wṯ (Prep-l:: N-mp) -- Brightness. Feminine of nogahh; splendor.">for brightness,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: nə·hal·lêḵ (V-Piel-Imperf-1cp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">but we walk</a> <a href="/hebrew/653.htm" title="653: bā·’ă·p̄ê·lō·wṯ (Prep-b, Art:: N-fp) -- Darkness, gloominess, calamity. Feminine of 'aphel; duskiness, figuratively, misfortune; concrete, concealment.">in gloom.</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>Like the blind, we feel our way along the wall, groping like those without eyes. We stumble at midday as in the twilight; among the vigorous we are like the dead.…<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="/jeremiah/13-16.htm">Jeremiah 13:16</a></span><br />Give glory to the LORD your God before He brings darkness, before your feet stumble on the dusky mountains. You wait for light, but He turns it into deep gloom and thick darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-2.htm">Lamentations 3:2</a></span><br />He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness instead of light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/3-6.htm">Micah 3:6</a></span><br />Therefore night will come over you without visions, and darkness without divination. The sun will set on these prophets, and the daylight will turn black over them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/5-18.htm">Amos 5:18-20</a></span><br />Woe to you who long for the Day of the LORD! What will the Day of the LORD be for you? It will be darkness and not light. / It will be like a man who flees from a lion, only to encounter a bear, or who enters his house and rests his hand against the wall, only to be bitten by a snake. / Will not the Day of the LORD be darkness and not light, even gloom with no brightness in it?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/30-26.htm">Job 30:26</a></span><br />But when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, darkness fell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-19.htm">Proverbs 4:19</a></span><br />But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zephaniah/1-15.htm">Zephaniah 1:15</a></span><br />That day will be a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/82-5.htm">Psalm 82:5</a></span><br />They do not know or understand; they wander in the darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/107-10.htm">Psalm 107:10-14</a></span><br />Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and chains, / because they rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High. / He humbled their hearts with hard labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/8-15.htm">Jeremiah 8:15</a></span><br />We hoped for peace, but no good has come, for a time of healing, but there was only terror.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/4-16.htm">Matthew 4:16</a></span><br />the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/3-19.htm">John 3:19-20</a></span><br />And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. / Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-12.htm">Romans 13:12</a></span><br />The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8</a></span><br />For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-6.htm">1 John 1:6</a></span><br />If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Therefore is judgment far from us, neither does justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness.</p><p class="hdg">is judgment</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/lamentations/5-16.htm">Lamentations 5:16,17</a></b></br> The crown is fallen <i>from</i> our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned! … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/habakkuk/1-13.htm">Habakkuk 1:13</a></b></br> <i>Thou art</i> of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, <i>and</i> holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth <i>the man that is</i> more righteous than he?</p><p class="hdg">we wait</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/5-30.htm">Isaiah 5:30</a></b></br> And in that day they shall roar against them like the roaring of the sea: and if <i>one</i> look unto the land, behold darkness <i>and</i> sorrow, and the light is darkened in the heavens thereof.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/30-26.htm">Job 30:26</a></b></br> When I looked for good, then evil came <i>unto me</i>: and when I waited for light, there came darkness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/8-15.htm">Jeremiah 8:15</a></b></br> We looked for peace, but no good <i>came; and</i> for a time of health, and behold trouble!</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/89-44.htm">Brightness</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-4.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/isaiah/58-10.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/isaiah/58-10.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/isaiah/54-7.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-19.htm">Far</a> <a href="/isaiah/58-10.htm">Gloom</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-4.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-8.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-8.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/isaiah/58-10.htm">Light</a> <a href="/isaiah/38-13.htm">Night</a> <a href="/isaiah/58-10.htm">Obscurity</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-11.htm">Overtake</a> <a href="/psalms/7-5.htm">Overtaketh</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-6.htm">Reach</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-17.htm">Reacheth</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-8.htm">Right</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-4.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/isaiah/58-8.htm">Shining</a> <a href="/isaiah/58-10.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-22.htm">Thick</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-5.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-2.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-8.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/60-3.htm">Brightness</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-15.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-10.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/isaiah/60-2.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/isaiah/60-2.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-11.htm">Far</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-12.htm">Gloom</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-11.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-11.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-11.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/isaiah/60-1.htm">Light</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-10.htm">Night</a> <a href="/exodus/20-21.htm">Obscurity</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-15.htm">Overtake</a> <a href="/genesis/31-23.htm">Overtaketh</a> <a href="/isaiah/65-20.htm">Reach</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-10.htm">Reacheth</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-11.htm">Right</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-14.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/isaiah/60-1.htm">Shining</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-19.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/isaiah/60-2.htm">Thick</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-11.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/isaiah/60-3.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/isaiah/62-10.htm">Way</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>Therefore justice is far from us</b><br>This phrase reflects the consequences of Israel's sin and rebellion against God. In the context of <a href="/isaiah/59.htm">Isaiah 59</a>, the people of Israel are experiencing the absence of justice due to their iniquities. The term "justice" here refers to the fair and righteous judgment that aligns with God's law. Historically, Israel was meant to be a nation that exemplified God's justice, but their persistent disobedience led to a society where justice was absent. This absence is a direct result of their separation from God, as seen in earlier verses of the chapter.<p><b>and righteousness does not reach us</b><br>Righteousness, in this context, signifies living in a way that is morally right and justifiable according to God's standards. The phrase indicates a failure to attain the moral and ethical standards set by God. This failure is not due to God's inaccessibility but rather the people's own actions and choices. Theologically, this separation from righteousness is a common theme in the prophetic books, where the prophets call the people back to a covenant relationship with God. The lack of righteousness is a barrier to experiencing God's blessings and presence.<p><b>We hope for light, but there is darkness</b><br>Light often symbolizes truth, guidance, and the presence of God in the Bible. The hope for light represents a desire for divine intervention and clarity. However, the reality of darkness signifies confusion, sin, and the absence of God's guidance. This imagery is consistent with other biblical passages, such as <a href="/john/1-5.htm">John 1:5</a>, where light and darkness are contrasted to depict the struggle between good and evil. The people's expectation of light reflects a longing for redemption and deliverance, which is ultimately fulfilled in the coming of Christ, the Light of the World.<p><b>for brightness, but we walk in gloom</b><br>Brightness here is synonymous with hope, joy, and the fulfillment of God's promises. The contrast with gloom highlights the despair and hopelessness that result from living apart from God's will. This imagery of walking in gloom suggests a continuous state of spiritual blindness and moral confusion. The prophetic message is clear: without repentance and a return to God, the people will remain in this state of gloom. This theme is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus offers Himself as the way out of darkness, inviting believers to walk in His light.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaiah.htm">Isaiah</a></b><br>A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is traditionally credited with writing the Book of Isaiah. He prophesied to the Kingdom of Judah during a time of moral and spiritual decline.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing impending judgment due to its persistent sin and rebellion against God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_people_of_israel.htm">The People of Israel</a></b><br>The audience of Isaiah's prophecy, who were experiencing the consequences of their collective sin, including social injustice and spiritual blindness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/recognition_of_sin's_consequences.htm">Recognition of Sin's Consequences</a></b><br><a href="/isaiah/59-9.htm">Isaiah 59:9</a> highlights the reality that sin leads to spiritual blindness and separation from God. Believers must recognize the impact of sin in their lives and communities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_need_for_repentance.htm">The Need for Repentance</a></b><br>The verse underscores the importance of turning away from sin and seeking God's forgiveness to restore spiritual sight and understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pursuit_of_justice_and_righteousness.htm">Pursuit of Justice and Righteousness</a></b><br>As followers of Christ, we are called to actively pursue justice and righteousness, reflecting God's character in a world often marked by injustice and moral decay.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_god's_redemption.htm">Hope in God's Redemption</a></b><br>Despite the darkness described, there is hope in God's promise of redemption and restoration for those who turn to 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/who_is_the_author_of_2_timothy.htm">What is the Satisfaction Theory of the Atonement?</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/how_does_psalm_144_1_align_with_peace.htm">How can Psalm 144:1's portrayal of God training hands for war be reconciled with other biblical teachings on peace (e.g., Matthew 5:9)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'house_of_jacob'_mean.htm">Does God love those in hell?</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>(9) <span class= "bld">Therefore is judgment.</span>--The pleading of the prophet is followed by the confession which he makes on their behalf. They admit that the delay in the manifestation of God's judgment against their enemies, and of His righteousness (i.e., bounty) towards themselves, has been caused by their own sins.<p><span class= "bld">We wait for light.</span>--The cry of the expectant Israelites is, <span class= "ital">mutatis mutandis, </span>like that of the "How long?" of <a href="/zechariah/1-12.htm" title="Then the angel of the LORD answered and said, O LORD of hosts, how long will you not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which you have had indignation these three score and ten years?">Zechariah 1:12</a>; <a href="/revelation/6-10.htm" title="And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, do you not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?">Revelation 6:10</a>. On the assumption that the words come ideally from the Babylonian exiles, the first of these passages presents an interesting coincidence.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/59.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 9-15.</span> - ISRAEL HUMBLY CONFESSES ITS SIN'S TO GOD. Isaiah, anxious to bring the people to confession and amendment, makes humble confession in their name, joining himself with them, as if he had been a participator in their iniquities. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Therefore</span> - <span class="accented">i.e.</span> on account of these sins - <span class="cmt_word">is judgment far from us</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> "does God refrain from judging our enemies." Neither doth justice - <span class="accented">i.e.</span> the righting of the wrongs which we suffer at the hands of the heathen - overtake us. We are left by God unavenged, and our enemies are left unpunished on account of our many transgressions. We wait for light. We look for a bright dawn to succeed the night of our trouble; but we wait in vain - the obscurity continues. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/59-9.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">Therefore</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">justice</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשְׁפָּט֙</span> <span class="translit">(miš·pāṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4941.htm">Strong's 4941: </a> </span><span class="str2">A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is far</span><br /><span class="heb">רָחַ֤ק</span> <span class="translit">(rā·ḥaq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7368.htm">Strong's 7368: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become far or distant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from us,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִמֶּ֔נּוּ</span> <span class="translit">(mim·men·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> </span><span class="str2">A part of, from, out of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and righteousness</span><br /><span class="heb">צְדָקָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(ṣə·ḏā·qāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine 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">does not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">reach us.</span><br /><span class="heb">תַשִּׂיגֵ֖נוּ</span> <span class="translit">(ṯaś·śî·ḡê·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person feminine singular | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5381.htm">Strong's 5381: </a> </span><span class="str2">To reach, overtake</span><br /><br /><span class="word">We hope</span><br /><span class="heb">נְקַוֶּ֤ה</span> <span class="translit">(nə·qaw·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6960.htm">Strong's 6960: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bind together, collect, to expect</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for light,</span><br /><span class="heb">לָאוֹר֙</span> <span class="translit">(lā·’ō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_216.htm">Strong's 216: </a> </span><span class="str2">Illumination, luminary</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but there</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהִנֵּה־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hin·nêh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is darkness,</span><br /><span class="heb">חֹ֔שֶׁךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥō·šeḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2822.htm">Strong's 2822: </a> </span><span class="str2">The dark, darkness, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for brightness,</span><br /><span class="heb">לִנְגֹה֖וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(lin·ḡō·hō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5054.htm">Strong's 5054: </a> </span><span class="str2">Brightness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[but] we walk</span><br /><span class="heb">נְהַלֵּֽךְ׃</span> <span class="translit">(nə·hal·lêḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in gloom.</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּאֲפֵל֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(bā·’ă·p̄ê·lō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_653.htm">Strong's 653: </a> </span><span class="str2">Duskiness, misfortune, concealment</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/59-9.htm">Isaiah 59:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/59-9.htm">Isaiah 59:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/59-9.htm">Isaiah 59:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/59-9.htm">Isaiah 59:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/59-9.htm">Isaiah 59:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/59-9.htm">Isaiah 59:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/59-9.htm">Isaiah 59:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/59-9.htm">Isaiah 59:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/59-9.htm">Isaiah 59:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/59-9.htm">Isaiah 59:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/59-9.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 59:9 Therefore is justice far from us neither (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/59-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 59:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 59:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/59-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 59:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 59:10" /></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>