Isaiah 59:1

¶ Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

Behold {H2005}, the LORD'S {H3068} hand {H3027} is not shortened {H7114}, that it cannot save {H3467}; neither his ear {H241} heavy {H3513}, that it cannot hear {H8085}:

ADONAI's arm is not too short to save, nor is his ear too dull to hear.

Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear.

Behold, Jehovah’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

Commentary

Isaiah 59:1 (KJV) opens a powerful chapter in the prophet Isaiah’s book, directly addressing a common human tendency to question God's ability or willingness to intervene in times of trouble. The verse emphatically declares God's undiminished power and attentiveness.

Context

This verse serves as a preamble to a stark indictment of Judah's sins, which are detailed in the subsequent verses of Isaiah 59. The people likely felt that God was distant or unresponsive to their cries for deliverance from their oppressors or their internal societal decay. Isaiah 59:1 counters this perception, asserting that the problem lies not with God’s capacity, but with the people's iniquities, which have created a barrier between them and their Holy God. It sets the stage for a profound theological truth: God is always capable, but human sin obstructs His blessings.

Key Themes

  • God's Omnipotence: The phrase "the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save" powerfully affirms God's unlimited strength and ability to deliver and rescue. It speaks to His enduring power, which is never diminished by time or circumstances. This echoes themes found throughout scripture, highlighting God's boundless might, as seen in Jeremiah 32:17 where He creates heaven and earth by His great power.
  • God's Omniscience and Responsiveness: "neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear" emphasizes God's perfect awareness and constant attentiveness to the prayers and needs of His people. He is not deaf or indifferent; He hears every cry. This underscores the assurance that God is always listening, a comforting truth for those who seek Him, much like the psalmist declares about God hearing prayer in Psalm 65:2.
  • Divine Faithfulness: The verse implicitly assures that God remains true to His character and promises. His ability to save and hear is a testament to His unchangeable nature and commitment to His covenant.

Linguistic Insights

  • The imagery of God's "hand" (Hebrew: yad) refers to His power, strength, and active intervention. A "shortened hand" would imply a limitation or inability to reach out and help.
  • The "heavy ear" (Hebrew: kābēd ʾōzen) is a vivid metaphor for deafness or an inability to perceive sound. It signifies no impediment to His hearing, confirming His perfect perception.

Practical Application

Isaiah 59:1 offers profound encouragement and a vital challenge for believers today. It reminds us that any perceived distance from God or lack of His intervention is never due to His weakness or inattention. Instead, we are called to examine our own lives, confess our sins, and remove any obstacles that might hinder our fellowship with Him. This verse encourages us to pray with confidence, knowing that God is fully capable and always listening, ready to save and respond according to His perfect will when we turn to Him.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 32:17

    Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, [and] there is nothing too hard for thee:

  • Isaiah 50:2

    Wherefore, when I came, [was there] no man? when I called, [was there] 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 [there is] no water, and dieth for thirst.

  • Numbers 11:23

    And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.

  • Isaiah 65:24

    And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

  • Hebrews 7:25

    Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

  • Genesis 18:14

    Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

  • Matthew 13:15

    For this people's heart is waxed gross, and [their] ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.