Isaiah 59:12

KJV

For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions [are] with us; and [as for] our iniquities, we know them;

KJV (with Strong's)

For our transgressions {H6588} are multiplied {H7231} before thee, and our sins {H2403} testify {H6030} against us: for our transgressions {H6588} are with us; and as for our iniquities {H5771}, we know {H3045} them;

Complete Jewish Bible

For our crimes multiply before you, our sins testify against us; for our crimes are present with us; and our sins, we know them well:

Berean Standard Bible

For our transgressions are multiplied before You, and our sins testify against us. Our transgressions are indeed with us, and we know our iniquities:

American Standard Version

For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us; for our transgressions are with us, and as for our iniquities, we know them:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 59:12 presents a profound and unvarnished confession of national sin, acknowledging the overwhelming prevalence of transgressions, the self-incriminating nature of their iniquities, and a conscious awareness of their moral failings before God. This verse serves as a pivotal point in Isaiah's indictment of Israel, where the people, through the prophet's voice, admit their guilt and the deep chasm their sin has created between them and a holy God, setting the stage for the revelation of God's own redemptive intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 59 is a powerful prophetic lament and indictment, forming part of the larger section of Isaiah (chapters 40-66) that deals with Israel's restoration and future glory, but only after confronting their present spiritual decay. The immediate context of verse 12 begins with a stark declaration in [Isaiah 59:1-2](/isaiah/59-1 "Isaiah 59:1-2 - God's Hand Not Shortened, Sin Separates") that it is not God's inability but Israel's iniquities that have separated them from Him. Verses 3-8 vividly describe the pervasive societal corruption, detailing acts of injustice, violence, and deceit that characterize the nation. This paints a picture of a society where truth has stumbled and righteousness cannot enter. Verse 9-11 expresses the people's despair and longing for justice and salvation that seems absent. Verse 12 then emerges as a collective confession, a moment of profound self-awareness where the nation articulates its own guilt, directly linking their current plight to their multiplied sins. This confession is crucial, as it precedes God's observation of humanity's failure and His subsequent decision to intervene personally, as described in [Isaiah 59:15b-16](/isaiah/59-15 "Isaiah 59:15b-16 - God Sees and Intervenes").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah spans a significant period of Israelite history, from the Assyrian threat in the 8th century BCE to the Babylonian exile and the promise of return. While the exact historical setting for Isaiah 59 is debated, many scholars place it during or after the Babylonian exile, when the people had returned to Judah but were still struggling with spiritual apathy, social injustice, and a failure to live up to their covenant obligations. The "sins" and "transgressions" described reflect the societal breakdown and moral corruption that plagued Israel even after their return, indicating that the exile had not fully purged their rebellious heart. Culturally, the concept of a covenant relationship with Yahweh was central, where blessings followed obedience and curses followed disobedience. The confession in verse 12 underscores the people's realization that they had profoundly violated this covenant, leading to their current state of distress and separation from God. The legalistic language of "testify against us" also reflects the judicial understanding of sin as an offense with consequences, requiring an admission of guilt.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 59:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **pervasiveness and depth of human sinfulness**, demonstrating that sin is not merely isolated acts but a deeply ingrained condition that affects every aspect of national life and individual conscience. The accumulation of terms for sin ("transgressions," "sins," "iniquities") highlights this comprehensive depravity. Secondly, it emphasizes the **holiness and righteousness of God**, before whom these sins are committed and against whom they "testify." This divine standard makes the human failure all the more stark. Thirdly, the verse is a crucial element in the theme of **confession as a prerequisite for restoration**. While the confession itself does not immediately bring salvation, it marks a necessary step of acknowledging guilt, which is foundational for God's subsequent redemptive action. This theme is echoed throughout the prophetic literature, where genuine repentance often precedes divine intervention, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 3:13](/jeremiah/3-13 "Jeremiah 3:13 - Confession and Return to the Lord"). Finally, the verse implicitly sets the stage for the theme of **divine initiative in salvation**, as the depth of human sinfulness (confessed in this verse) makes it clear that humanity cannot save itself, necessitating God's direct intervention to bring about justice and redemption, a theme powerfully developed in [Isaiah 60](/isaiah/60 "The Glory of Zion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Transgressions (Hebrew, _peshaʻ'_):** This term (H6588) signifies a deliberate rebellion, a revolt, or a breaking of a covenant. It speaks of an act of defiance against a higher authority, particularly God. In Isaiah 59:12, the "multiplied" nature of these _peshaʻ_ indicates a consistent and defiant turning away from God's established law and relationship, not merely an accidental misstep but a willful act of breaking faith.
* **Sins (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** This word (H2403) literally means "missing the mark." While it can refer to unintentional errors, in this context, alongside _peshaʻ_ and _ʻâvôn_, it denotes a comprehensive failure to meet God's righteous standards. The idea that these "sins testify against us" suggests that the very nature and consequences of their moral failings serve as an undeniable witness to their guilt, exposing their deviation from God's intended path.
* **Iniquities (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_):** This term (H5771) carries the connotation of perversity, twistedness, or crookedness. It often refers to the moral distortion or inherent bent towards evil, and frequently includes the idea of the guilt or punishment resulting from such moral corruption. The confession "we know them" regarding their _ʻâvôn_ highlights a deep, conscious awareness of their own moral depravity and the inherent guilt it brings, indicating a recognition of their internal corruption, not just external acts.
* **Testify (Hebrew, _ʻânâh'_):** This primitive root (H6030) means to respond, to give account, or to bear witness. Here, it is the sins themselves that are personified as bearing witness against the people. This powerful imagery suggests that their actions and their inherent sinful state are undeniable evidence of their guilt, speaking volumes before God and their own consciences.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For our transgressions are multiplied before thee":** This clause opens with a direct address to God ("before thee"), emphasizing divine accountability. The word "multiplied" (H7231, _râbab_) denotes an overwhelming increase, suggesting that their rebellious acts are not isolated incidents but have become numerous and pervasive, forming a mountain of offenses against the Holy One.
* **"and our sins testify against us":** Here, "sins" (H2403, _chaṭṭâʼâh_) are personified as witnesses in a courtroom, actively speaking against the people. This imagery conveys the undeniable and self-incriminating nature of their wrongdoing. Their moral failings are not hidden but openly declare their guilt, serving as undeniable evidence of their covenant breaking.
* **"for our transgressions [are] with us":** This phrase reiterates the pervasive presence of their rebellion. "With us" signifies that their transgressions (H6588, _peshaʻ_) are not external burdens but are deeply ingrained in their very being and experience. They are an inescapable part of their reality, a constant companion and a defining characteristic of their national and individual lives.
* **"and [as for] our iniquities, we know them;":** This final clause highlights a conscious and deliberate awareness of their moral corruption. "Iniquities" (H5771, _ʻâvôn_) refers to their perversity and guilt. The verb "know" (H3045, _yâdaʻ_) implies a deep, experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual understanding. It's an admission that they are fully cognizant of their twisted moral state and the guilt that accompanies it, leaving no room for excuses or ignorance.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 59:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of profound confession. **Personification** is evident in the phrase "our sins testify against us," where abstract "sins" are given the human ability to bear witness, powerfully emphasizing their undeniable and self-incriminating nature. This also hints at a **legal metaphor**, portraying God as the judge and the sins as the prosecuting evidence. The repeated use of different but related terms for sin—"transgressions," "sins," and "iniquities"—is a form of **synonymic parallelism** or **cumulative enumeration**. This technique serves to amplify the depth, breadth, and multifaceted nature of Israel's depravity, painting a comprehensive picture of their moral failure rather than just one aspect. The structure itself, moving from external observation ("multiplied before thee") to internal awareness ("we know them"), creates a sense of escalating self-condemnation, reinforcing the sincerity and thoroughness of the confession.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 59:12 stands as a stark theological declaration of humanity's profound sinfulness and its inescapable consequences. It affirms the biblical truth that sin is not merely a mistake but a deliberate rebellion against a holy God, a missing of His mark, and a perversion of His righteous ways. The verse underscores the active nature of sin, which "testifies" against the sinner, revealing an inherent accountability before the divine Judge. The confession "we know them" highlights the human capacity for self-awareness regarding guilt, even when suppressed, and serves as a foundational step towards repentance. This profound acknowledgment of sin's pervasive presence and self-incriminating power sets the stage for the dramatic intervention of God Himself, who, seeing that there is no one to intercede, takes up the mantle of salvation (cf. [Isaiah 59:16](/isaiah/59-16 "Isaiah 59:16 - God's Arm Brings Salvation")). The verse thus serves as a theological bridge, demonstrating the absolute necessity of divine grace in light of humanity's utter inability to redeem itself from its own overwhelming sin.

* [Psalm 51:3](/psalm/51-3 "David's Confession of Sin")
* [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "All Have Sinned")
* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "Confession and Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 59:12 calls us to a profound and honest self-assessment, mirroring the confession of ancient Israel. It challenges us to move beyond superficial acknowledgments of wrongdoing to a deep recognition of the pervasive nature of sin in our own lives—our "multiplied transgressions," our "sins" that actively testify against us, and our "iniquities" that we often consciously "know" but fail to address. This verse reminds us that true spiritual health begins not with self-justification or denial, but with a humble and complete confession before God, who sees all. It compels us to consider how our own actions, attitudes, and inherent bent towards self-will separate us from God and hinder His work in and through us. Only when we genuinely acknowledge the depth of our spiritual brokenness can we fully appreciate the magnitude of God's grace and the necessity of His redemptive intervention in our lives. This confession should lead not to despair, but to a desperate hope in the One who alone can provide salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do my "transgressions" feel "multiplied" or pervasive in my life, and how do I acknowledge them before God?**
* **How do my "sins" "testify against me," revealing areas where I fall short of God's standard?**
* **What "iniquities" do I "know" deep within my heart, yet struggle to confess or surrender to God?**
* **What is the difference between simply admitting a mistake and truly confessing sin as a rebellion against God?**
* **How does a deep awareness of my own sinfulness increase my appreciation for God's grace and mercy?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the multiple terms for sin in Isaiah 59:12?**

Answer: The use of "transgressions" (_peshaʻ_), "sins" (_chaṭṭâʼâh_), and "iniquities" (_ʻâvôn_) is highly significant. It paints a comprehensive picture of human depravity. _Peshaʻ_ emphasizes rebellion and breaking of covenant; _chaṭṭâʼâh_ highlights missing God's mark or standard; and _ʻâvôn_ speaks to the inherent perversity or twistedness of the moral nature, often including the guilt or punishment that results. Together, these terms show that sin is not just an occasional misstep but a pervasive, defiant, and deeply ingrained condition that affects every aspect of human existence and relationship with God. This cumulative effect underscores the utter hopelessness of humanity's condition without divine intervention, a theme central to Isaiah's message of salvation.

**How does this verse relate to the broader theme of justice in Isaiah?**

Answer: Isaiah 59:12 is a crucial pivot point in Isaiah's discourse on justice. Earlier in the chapter, Isaiah laments the absence of justice and righteousness among the people, describing how "truth has stumbled in the public squares" and "justice cannot enter" ([Isaiah 59:14](/isaiah/59-14 "Isaiah 59:14 - Justice and Righteousness Absent")). This verse, with its confession of multiplied transgressions and self-incriminating sins, explains *why* justice is absent: the people themselves are deeply unjust and corrupt. Their own actions have created the very moral vacuum they lament. This confession sets the stage for God's response, where He sees the lack of justice and righteousness among humanity and decides to bring about salvation and justice Himself, as described in [Isaiah 59:16-17](/isaiah/59-16 "Isaiah 59:16-17 - God's Arm Brings Salvation and Righteousness"). Thus, the confession of sin is essential for understanding the divine necessity of God's own just intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 59:12, with its profound confession of pervasive sin and self-incriminating iniquities, powerfully sets the stage for the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The overwhelming nature of "our transgressions" and the active testimony of "our sins" against us underscore humanity's utter inability to save itself or bridge the chasm created by sin. This desperate reality, where "our iniquities, we know them," highlights the very problem that necessitated the coming of a Savior. The New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as the ultimate answer to this confession. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the "multiplied transgressions" of humanity on the cross ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - Christ's Atoning Sacrifice")). Where our sins "testify against us," Christ's perfect righteousness and atoning sacrifice speak on our behalf, offering a divine counter-testimony that silences the accusations ([Romans 8:33-34](/romans/8-33 "Romans 8:33-34 - God Justifies, Christ Intercedes")). The "iniquities" that we know and that bind us are forgiven and cleansed through His blood ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Without Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness")). Thus, Isaiah 59:12 is a prophetic cry of human brokenness that finds its complete and glorious resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills God's promise to bring salvation and righteousness where humanity had utterly failed ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezra 9:6

And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over [our] head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens.

Hosea 5:5

And the pride of Israel doth testify to his face: therefore shall Israel and Ephraim fall in their iniquity; Judah also shall fall with them.

Isaiah 1:4

Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.

Jeremiah 14:7

O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou [it] for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee.

Ezekiel 5:6

And she hath changed my judgments into wickedness more than the nations, and my statutes more than the countries that [are] round about her: for they have refused my judgments and my statutes, they have not walked in them.

Hosea 4:2

By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.

Ezra 9:13

And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities [deserve], and hast given us [such] deliverance as this;