Isaiah 59:13

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.

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}.

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

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

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

Isaiah 59:13 is a powerful indictment from the prophet Isaiah, detailing the deep spiritual corruption and moral decay prevalent among the people of Israel. It vividly describes the various forms of sin that separated them from God, focusing on both outward actions and the inward source of their rebellion.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Isaiah 59 where the prophet confronts the nation of Judah with their sins. Earlier in the chapter, specifically in Isaiah 59:2, the prophet declares that their iniquities have separated them from God, causing Him to hide His face from them. The people's hands are defiled with blood, and their fingers with iniquity (Isaiah 59:3). Verse 13 particularizes these general accusations, listing specific transgressions that reveal the extent of their spiritual rebellion and moral failure.

Key Themes

  • Blatant Rebellion and Deception: The phrase "transgressing and lying against the LORD" highlights a direct, intentional defiance of God's law and a deliberate misrepresentation or denial of His truth. This is not merely accidental sin but a conscious act of rebellion against divine authority.
  • Spiritual Apostasy: "Departing away from our God" signifies a profound spiritual abandonment and a rejection of the covenant relationship. This theme speaks to the dangers of spiritual apathy and turning away from the source of life and truth.
  • Public and Private Falsehood: The verse identifies both overt acts of injustice ("speaking oppression and revolt") and the insidious origin of sin from within ("conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood"). This emphasizes that sin is not just external behavior but originates from a corrupt inner state. The "words of falsehood" (Hebrew: sheqer) are not just lies, but deceit and treachery.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "transgressing" (ืคึธึผืฉึทืืข - pasha) implies a deliberate rebellion or revolt, a breaking of faith or trust. It's stronger than a mere mistake, suggesting a conscious act of stepping over established boundaries. "Lying" (ื›ึธึผื—ึทืฉื - kachash) here can mean to deny, deceive, or act falsely, often in a way that conceals truth or breaks a promise. The phrase "conceiving and uttering from the heart" is particularly significant. It highlights that these sins are not accidental or superficial but originate from the deepest part of one's being, the "heart" (ืœึตื‘ - lev), which in Hebrew thought encompasses intellect, will, and emotion. This resonates with the biblical truth that the heart is deceitful above all things.

Practical Application

Isaiah 59:13 serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of spiritual rebellion and the pervasive nature of sin. For believers today, it underscores the importance of:

  • Integrity in Speech: We are called to be people of truth, avoiding all forms of "falsehood" and deceit in our words, both public and private (Ephesians 4:25).
  • Guarding the Heart: Since sin originates from within, cultivating a pure heart and mind is crucial. This involves actively seeking God's truth and allowing His Spirit to transform our inner being (Proverbs 4:23).
  • Faithfulness to God: The verse reminds us of the peril of "departing away from our God." It calls for consistent faithfulness and commitment to the Lord, avoiding spiritual apathy or rebellion that separates us from His presence and blessing.
This verse emphasizes that true spiritual health requires addressing both outward actions and the inward condition of the heart that gives rise to them.

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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.