Isaiah 59:13

KJV

In transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.

KJV (with Strong's)

In transgressing {H6586} and lying {H3584} against the LORD {H3068}, and departing away {H5253} from {H310} our God {H430}, speaking {H1696} oppression {H6233} and revolt {H5627}, conceiving {H2029} and uttering {H1897} from the heart {H3820} words {H1697} of falsehood {H8267}.

Complete Jewish Bible

rebelling and denying ADONAI, turning away from following our God, talking about oppression and revolt, uttering lies which our hearts have conceived.

Berean Standard Bible

rebelling and denying the LORD, turning away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering lies from the heart.

American Standard Version

transgressing and denying Jehovah, and turning away from following our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 59:13 serves as a profound indictment of the spiritual and moral corruption prevalent in ancient Judah, meticulously detailing the multifaceted nature of their sin. It exposes a deep-seated rebellion against the Lord, characterized by deliberate transgressions, pervasive falsehoods, and a conscious departure from their covenant God. The verse powerfully illustrates that their societal breakdown and spiritual alienation stemmed not merely from external actions but from an inner wellspring of deceit and unrighteousness, conceived and uttered from the very heart of the people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 59 stands as a stark prophetic lament and indictment, forming part of a larger section (chapters 58-66) that addresses the people's sin, the consequences of their unfaithfulness, and God's ultimate plan for redemption. Immediately preceding verse 13, Isaiah has already laid bare the nation's spiritual crisis, declaring that their "iniquities have separated between you and your God" ([Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Sin Separates from God")). The prophet describes hands defiled with blood and fingers with iniquity ([Isaiah 59:3](/isaiah/59-3 "Isaiah 59:3 - Defiled Hands")), and a pervasive lack of justice and truth in society ([Isaiah 59:4-8](/isaiah/59-4 "Isaiah 59:4-8 - The Absence of Justice and Truth")). Verse 13 particularizes these general accusations, providing a concrete list of the specific transgressions that illustrate the depth of their spiritual rebellion and moral decay, leading into the people's confession of sin in [Isaiah 59:12](/isaiah/59-12 "Isaiah 59:12 - Confession of Sin")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophetic ministry of Isaiah primarily addresses the kingdom of Judah during the 8th century BCE, a period marked by political instability, social injustice, and religious syncretism. While the specific dating of chapter 59 is debated (some suggest a post-exilic context), it vividly portrays a society where the covenant relationship with Yahweh had been severely compromised. The people, despite their religious rituals, had abandoned the core tenets of the Mosaic Law, engaging in widespread oppression, dishonesty, and idolatry. Their "departing away from our God" reflects a cultural drift from monotheism and covenant faithfulness, leading to a breakdown of societal order and a perversion of justice, as seen throughout the prophetic literature of this era. The prophet's words are a direct challenge to a nation that had become complacent in its sin, believing that their rituals alone would suffice for divine favor.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic corpus. It underscores the theme of **human depravity and rebellion**, demonstrating that sin is not merely accidental but a deliberate act of "transgressing and lying against the LORD." It highlights the **nature of sin as spiritual apostasy**, a conscious "departing away from our God," which severs the vital relationship with the divine. Furthermore, the verse emphasizes the **pervasive nature of falsehood and injustice**, moving from overt acts of "speaking oppression and revolt" to the insidious origin of sin within the "heart," resonating with the broader biblical understanding that sin originates from a corrupted inner state, as articulated in [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart")). This internal corruption then manifests in external actions, demonstrating the holistic impact of sin on both individual and communal life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **transgressing (Hebrew, _pâshaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to break away (from just authority), i.e., trespass, apostatize, quarrel; offend, rebel, revolt, transgress." This word denotes a deliberate act of rebellion, a conscious stepping over established boundaries or a breaking of a covenant. It implies a willful defiance of God's law and authority, rather than an accidental stumble.
* **lying (Hebrew, _kâchash'_):** A primitive root meaning "to be untrue, in word (to lie, feign, disown) or deed (to disappoint, fail, cringe); deceive, deny, dissemble, fail, deal falsely, be found liars, (be-) lie, lying, submit selves." This term encompasses not just verbal untruths but also a deeper sense of acting falsely, denying truth, or failing to uphold one's word or obligation, particularly in relation to God.
* **heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** A noun referring to "the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything." In Hebrew thought, the "heart" is the seat of intellect, emotion, and will—the very core of one's being. When sin is "conceived and uttered from the heart," it signifies that the corruption is not superficial but originates from the deepest, most intentional part of a person.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In transgressing and lying against the LORD,"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes the nature of the people's sin as a direct and deliberate offense against God. "Transgressing" (pâshaʻ) indicates a willful rebellion, a breaking of the covenant relationship, while "lying" (kâchash) suggests deceit, denial, or acting falsely, specifically directed "against the LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh), the covenant God of Israel. This is not merely a social misstep but a profound spiritual betrayal.
* **"and departing away from our God,"**: This clause further clarifies the spiritual dimension of their rebellion. "Departing away" (nâçag) signifies a retreat or removal from a relationship, indicating apostasy—a conscious turning away from the God (ʼĕlôhym) who had chosen them and established a covenant with them. It speaks to a profound spiritual alienation and abandonment of their divine allegiance.
* **"speaking oppression and revolt,"**: Here, the focus shifts to the outward manifestations of their inward corruption, particularly in their speech. "Oppression" (ʻôsheq) refers to injury, fraud, or unjust gain, while "revolt" (çârâh) denotes apostasy or crime. Their words are not merely idle chatter but actively promote injustice and rebellion, reflecting a society where truth and righteousness have been perverted by those in power or influence.
* **"conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood."**: This final clause provides the most profound insight into the origin of their sin. The imagery of "conceiving" (hârâh) and "uttering" (hâgâh) from the "heart" (lêb) emphasizes that their "words of falsehood" (dâbâr sheqer) are not accidental but are deliberately formed and brought forth from the deepest part of their being. It highlights that their external actions of sin are merely the fruit of an internal, corrupted source—a heart that generates deceit and untruth.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 59:13 employs several potent literary devices to underscore the severity and pervasiveness of Judah's sin. The verse utilizes **Parallelism**, particularly **Synonymous Parallelism**, by listing a series of related transgressions ("transgressing and lying," "oppression and revolt," "conceiving and uttering") that reinforce the central theme of rebellion and falsehood. There is also a strong sense of **Climax** as the verse progresses from outward actions ("transgressing and lying," "speaking oppression") to the internal, foundational source of sin ("conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood"). This movement emphasizes that the problem is not merely behavioral but deeply rooted in the inner being. The phrase "conceiving and uttering from the heart" functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, personifying the heart as a womb that gives birth to sinful words, highlighting the intentional and generative nature of their iniquity. The repetition of the conjunction "and" creates a sense of **Polysyndeton**, which serves to accumulate and emphasize the sheer volume and variety of their transgressions, building a weighty indictment against the people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 59:13 offers a profound theological statement on the nature of sin, portraying it not merely as a series of isolated acts but as a comprehensive state of rebellion originating from the core of human existence. It underscores that sin is fundamentally a breaking of covenant with God, a conscious turning away from His truth and authority. The progression from outward actions like "transgressing and lying" to the internal "conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood" reveals a holistic understanding of human depravity, where the mind, will, and emotions are all implicated in the corruption. This aligns with the biblical teaching that the human heart is the wellspring of life and also the source of evil, demonstrating that true righteousness must begin with an inward transformation. The verse thus sets the stage for the desperate need for divine intervention, as humanity is incapable of rectifying such deep-seated corruption on its own.

* [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart"): "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"
* [Mark 7:20-23](/mark/7-20 "Mark 7:20-23 - What Comes from the Heart Defiles a Person"): "And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man."
* [Romans 1:18-32](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18-32 - God's Wrath Against Unrighteousness"): This passage details humanity's suppression of truth, turning away from God, and the subsequent moral decay and perversion that result from a depraved mind.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 59:13 serves as a timeless mirror, reflecting the enduring human propensity for rebellion and falsehood. For believers today, it is a sobering reminder that sin is not merely an external act but originates from the deepest recesses of our being—the heart. This verse calls us to a profound self-examination, urging us to consider the true source of our words and actions. Are we cultivating hearts that are truthful and devoted to God, or are we allowing deceit, rebellion, and spiritual apathy to take root? The call to "departing away from our God" is a stark warning against spiritual drift, reminding us of the vital importance of maintaining a vibrant, active relationship with the Lord. Our integrity in speech and action, both publicly and privately, is a direct reflection of the condition of our hearts. True spiritual health requires addressing not just outward behaviors but the inward condition that gives rise to them, seeking God's transformative power to purify our innermost being and align our desires with His truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be "transgressing and lying against the LORD" in my daily life, perhaps subtly or unintentionally?**
* **How does the idea of sin originating from the "heart" challenge my understanding of personal responsibility and the need for spiritual transformation?**
* **Am I truly guarding my heart and cultivating truthfulness in my words and thoughts, or are there "words of falsehood" I am conceiving or uttering?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure I am not "departing away from our God" but drawing closer to Him in faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**What does "departing away from our God" imply beyond simple disobedience?**

Answer: "Departing away from our God" (Hebrew: *nâçag* from *nâçag*, meaning to retreat or remove) implies a profound spiritual apostasy, a conscious and deliberate turning away from the covenant relationship with Yahweh. It's more than just individual acts of disobedience; it signifies a systemic unfaithfulness, a rejection of God's authority and His unique claim on His people. This departure often stemmed from seeking security or prosperity in alliances with other nations or through idolatry, rather than trusting in the Lord, as seen in various prophetic warnings throughout [Isaiah](/isaiah "The Book of Isaiah"). It represents a broken relationship and a forsaking of the source of life and truth.

**Why is the "heart" so significant in this verse's description of sin?**

Answer: In biblical thought, the "heart" (Hebrew: *lêb*) is not merely the organ that pumps blood but the very center of a person's being—the seat of intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. When Isaiah states that "words of falsehood" are "conceiving and uttering from the heart," he emphasizes that sin is not superficial or accidental. It originates from the deepest, most intentional part of a person's inner life. This highlights that human corruption is fundamental and pervasive, affecting one's desires, thoughts, and intentions, ultimately manifesting in outward actions and words. This concept is foundational to understanding human depravity and the need for a radical, internal transformation, as taught by Jesus in [Mark 7:21-23](/mark/7-21 "Mark 7:21-23 - Evil Thoughts from the Heart").

**How does this verse relate to the overall message of Isaiah?**

Answer: Isaiah 59:13 is a microcosm of Isaiah's broader message, which is characterized by both profound indictment and glorious hope. This verse powerfully articulates the depth of Judah's sin—their rebellion, deceit, and departure from God—which is a recurring theme in the first half of the book, particularly in chapters [Isaiah 1-39](/isaiah/1 "Isaiah 1-39 - Indictment and Judgment"). It underscores the reason for God's judgment and the necessity of divine intervention. However, Isaiah's message doesn't end with condemnation. The recognition of such deep-seated sin, as expressed in this verse, sets the stage for the subsequent chapters (e.g., [Isaiah 60-66](/isaiah/60 "Isaiah 60-66 - Future Glory and Salvation")), which unveil God's ultimate plan of salvation and restoration through a Suffering Servant and a new covenant, demonstrating His faithfulness even when His people are unfaithful.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 59:13 vividly portrays the depth of human sin—a comprehensive rebellion rooted in the heart, manifesting in "transgressing and lying against the LORD," and a profound "departing away from our God." This verse, like much of the Old Testament, paints a picture of humanity's utter inability to bridge the chasm created by sin through its own efforts. It highlights the desperate need for a divine solution to the problem of a heart that "conceives and utters words of falsehood." This is precisely where Christ-centered fulfillment shines. Jesus, the perfect Son of God, came not only to expose the sinfulness of humanity, revealing that "out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies" ([Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - What Comes from the Heart")), but also to provide the ultimate remedy. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering Himself as the atoning sacrifice for our "transgressions" and "falsehoods." Through His death and resurrection, Christ perfectly fulfilled the demands of God's justice, absorbing the wrath due for our rebellion. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, given through Christ, enables a radical transformation of the human heart, empowering believers to turn from "departing away from our God" and instead walk in truth and righteousness ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")). In Christ, the power of sin, which originates from the heart, is broken, and we are given the capacity to speak truth and live faithfully, no longer enslaved to the "words of falsehood" but empowered by the Spirit of truth ([John 14:17](/john/14-17 "John 14:17 - The Spirit of Truth")).

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

Mark 7:21

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

Mark 7:22

Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

Hebrews 3:12

Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

James 3:6

And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

Psalms 78:36

Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues.

Isaiah 57:11

And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid [it] to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not?

Matthew 12:34

O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.