Isaiah 59:15

KJV

Yea, truth faileth; and he [that] departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw [it], and it displeased him that [there was] no judgment.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea, truth {H571} faileth {H5737}; and he that departeth {H5493} from evil {H7451} maketh himself a prey {H7997}: and the LORD {H3068} saw {H7200} it, and it displeased {H3415}{H5869} him that there was no judgment {H4941}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Honesty is lacking, he who leaves evil becomes a target. ADONAI saw it, and it displeased him that there was no justice.

Berean Standard Bible

Truth is missing, and whoever turns from evil becomes prey. The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice.

American Standard Version

Yea, truth is lacking; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey. And Jehovah saw it, and it displeased him that there was no justice.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 59:15 presents a stark and lamentable portrait of a society in profound moral and spiritual decline, where truth has become elusive and integrity a dangerous liability. The prophet vividly depicts a world so corrupted that anyone choosing to live righteously, departing from the pervasive evil, finds themselves vulnerable to exploitation and persecution. This dire state, characterized by a systemic absence of justice and accountability, is not hidden from God; the verse powerfully conveys that the LORD observes this widespread moral decay and is deeply displeased by the utter lack of righteous judgment among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 59 serves as a powerful and direct indictment of Israel's sin, immediately following a declaration of God's unhindered power and willingness to save. The chapter opens by clarifying that God's capacity to deliver is not diminished, nor is His ear deaf to their cries; rather, it is the nation's own iniquities that have created a profound chasm between them and their Holy God, separating them from His blessings and presence ([Isaiah 59:1-2](/isaiah/59-1-2 "Isaiah 59:1-2 - Sin Separates from God")). The verses preceding Isaiah 59:15 (Isaiah 59:3-8) meticulously detail a litany of specific transgressions: hands stained with bloodshed, lips speaking deceit, tongues uttering wickedness, and feet swift to rush into evil. Justice is perverted, truth is conspicuously absent from the public square, and the very paths that lead to peace are unknown or deliberately avoided. Verse 15, therefore, functions as a climactic summary of this pervasive moral collapse, highlighting its ultimate consequence: the righteous are no longer safe, and the absence of equitable judgment is palpable throughout society. This grim assessment sets the theological stage for God's divine intervention, as He perceives the moral void and resolves to act decisively Himself, since no human intercessor or champion of justice is found ([Isaiah 59:16](/isaiah/59-16 "Isaiah 59:16 - God's Intervention When No One Else Acts")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophetic messages of Isaiah often reflect the turbulent periods of Israelite history, particularly the spiritual and moral decay that ultimately led to the Babylonian exile or the challenges faced by the post-exilic community. This specific passage likely speaks to a time when the foundational societal structures, including the crucial legal and judicial systems, were deeply compromised and corrupted. Judges, elders, and leaders, who were divinely appointed to uphold God's law and ensure justice for all, had demonstrably failed in their sacred duties. This systemic failure resulted in widespread oppression, social injustice, and a profound breakdown of trust among the people. In such an environment, the covenantal relationship between Yahweh and Israel was severely strained, as the nation consistently violated the ethical and moral demands of the Mosaic Law, which formed the bedrock of their national identity and prosperity. The cultural landscape was one where power often superseded righteousness, and the relentless pursuit of personal gain overshadowed communal well-being and adherence to divine standards. The lament in Isaiah 59:15 thus speaks to a pervasive moral relativism and a stark disregard for divine ordinances that had infiltrated and corrupted all levels of society.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 59:15 powerfully underscores several critical themes that are woven throughout the book of Isaiah and indeed, much of prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the **pervasiveness of sin and human depravity**, demonstrating the profound depth to which corruption can infiltrate a society, affecting fundamental concepts like truth, justice, and even the safety of those who strive for righteousness. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the theme of **divine observation and profound displeasure**. God is not a distant, indifferent, or oblivious observer; He actively sees the injustice, the suffering it causes, and the moral decay, and His righteous character is deeply offended by the absence of true judgment and moral order. This divine grief is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, seen also in passages like [Genesis 6:6](/genesis/6-6 "Genesis 6:6 - God Grieved by Human Wickedness Before the Flood"). Thirdly, and perhaps most significantly, the verse subtly yet powerfully introduces the theme of **divine intervention**, setting the stage for God's own decisive action when human systems and institutions utterly fail. When there is no human intercessor, no one to uphold justice, and no one to stand for truth, God Himself will step in to bring about righteousness, salvation, and ultimate redemption, a theme that culminates in the glorious promise of the Suffering Servant and the Messiah ([Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant's Atoning Sacrifice")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **truth (Hebrew, _ʼemeth'_):** From H571, meaning "stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness." In this context, _ʼemeth_ signifies far more than mere factual accuracy; it embodies moral integrity, faithfulness, reliability, and adherence to divine standards and covenantal obligations. Its "failing" indicates a complete collapse of these foundational qualities within the societal fabric, leading to instability and deceit.
* **faileth (Hebrew, _ʻădar'_):** From H5737, a primitive root meaning "to arrange as a battle, a vineyard (to hoe); hence, to muster and so to miss (or find wanting)." When applied to truth, _ʻădar_ conveys the idea that truth is "missing," "lacking," or "found wanting" from its expected place. It suggests that truth has not simply stumbled or been neglected, but has utterly vanished from its rightful and necessary position, leaving a profound moral void.
* **judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** From H4941, meaning "properly, a verdict... especially a sentence or formal decree... abstractly, justice... ordinance, right." _Mishpâṭ_ is a comprehensive term encompassing legal justice, righteous governance, the upholding of moral order, and the administration of equitable laws. Its absence signifies a society where legal processes are corrupted, moral standards are ignored, and righteousness is neither enforced nor defended, leading to oppression and chaos.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, truth faileth":** This opening clause paints a profoundly bleak picture of a society where fundamental moral integrity, honesty, and faithfulness to God's established standards have completely disintegrated. It implies that truth is not merely occasionally overlooked, but has become utterly absent as a guiding principle in both public and private life, creating a foundation of instability, deception, and unreliability.
* **"and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey":** In a world where truth has failed and moral inversion is rampant, the individual who chooses to live righteously—to turn away from the prevailing wickedness and corruption—becomes acutely vulnerable. Instead of being honored, protected, or even tolerated, such an individual is exposed, exploited, persecuted, or made a target. Their integrity, rather than being a shield, becomes a liability, starkly demonstrating the inverted moral order of the society.
* **"and the LORD saw [it]":** This concise yet profound statement emphasizes God's omniscience, His active awareness, and His intimate knowledge of the human condition. He is not distant, indifferent, or oblivious to the moral chaos, injustice, and suffering unfolding on earth. He observes every act of injustice, every failure of truth, and the precarious plight of the righteous. This "seeing" is not passive observation but implies a deep understanding, recognition, and righteous assessment of the dire situation.
* **"and it displeased him that [there was] no judgment":** God's keen observation of the societal decay elicits a strong, righteous emotional response. The Hebrew phrase literally translates to "it was evil in His eyes" or "it grieved Him." The critical absence of "judgment" (_mishpâṭ_ – justice, righteousness, proper governance, and moral order) is what profoundly offends and grieves Him. This highlights God's holy and righteous character, and His inherent expectation that justice and moral order should prevail among His people. His displeasure stems from the systemic failure to uphold what is right, allowing evil to flourish unchecked and the righteous to suffer without recourse.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 59:15 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of widespread societal decay and the divine response. The phrase "truth faileth" utilizes **Personification**, attributing human action (failing, disappearing, or being found wanting) to an abstract concept (truth), thereby making its absence more vivid and impactful, underscoring the profound moral vacuum. There is a palpable tone of **Lament** throughout the prophet's expression, conveying deep sorrow and despair over the nation's spiritual and moral state. The statement that one who "departeth from evil maketh himself a prey" employs striking **Irony**, as the expected positive outcome of righteousness (blessing, protection, honor) is tragically inverted, leading instead to vulnerability and suffering. This also functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme and perverse nature of the societal corruption where virtuous conduct is paradoxically punished. Finally, the description of God seeing and being "displeased" utilizes **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like sensory perception (seeing) and emotional reaction (displeasure, grief) to God. This makes His righteous indignation relatable and powerfully underscores His active, personal engagement with and profound concern for human affairs and justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 59:15 stands as a stark and enduring testament to the devastating consequences of a society that willfully abandons divine truth and justice. Theologically, it profoundly underscores God's unwavering commitment to righteousness and His deep, active grief over human sin and its pervasive, destructive effects. It reveals that God is not a distant or indifferent deity to the moral state of humanity; rather, He actively observes and is profoundly displeased when His holy standards are violated and justice is conspicuously absent. This verse powerfully sets the stage for God's own decisive intervention, demonstrating that when human systems and institutions utterly fail to administer judgment and uphold righteousness, divine judgment and sovereign action become not only necessary but inevitable. It also highlights the precarious and often perilous position of the righteous in a fallen world, who frequently face opposition, marginalization, or become vulnerable when they choose to live in accordance with God's ways. The absence of justice is thus not merely a social or political problem, but a profound theological offense that grieves the very heart of God, ultimately necessitating His redemptive and restorative action.

* [Psalm 11:3](/psalms/11-3 "Psalm 11:3 - When Foundations are Destroyed")
* [Proverbs 28:1](/proverbs/28-1 "Proverbs 28:1 - The Wicked Flee, The Righteous Are Bold")
* [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down Like Waters")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 59:15 remains profoundly relevant for contemporary society, serving as both a sober warning and a powerful source of encouragement for believers today. In an age where objective truth is frequently questioned, personal integrity is often compromised for expediency, and moral relativism gains widespread traction, the prophet's lament that "truth faileth" resonates deeply within our modern context. Believers may find themselves in situations where upholding biblical values, speaking inconvenient truths, or simply living with integrity makes them "a prey," facing ridicule, marginalization, professional disadvantage, or even outright persecution for their convictions. This verse reminds us that such challenges are not new phenomena; they are a recurring consequence when societies drift from God's established standards and embrace moral chaos. Yet, amidst this grim reality, the verse offers immense encouragement: God sees. His awareness is not passive or detached; His profound displeasure signifies His righteous character, His active involvement in human affairs, and His ultimate commitment to justice. Even when human systems fail and the righteous suffer, our divine call to live justly, pursue truth, and embody integrity remains paramount, knowing with certainty that the Lord Himself takes notice and will ultimately bring forth true judgment and redemption. Our steadfastness in truth, even at significant personal cost, serves as a powerful witness to a God who is deeply grieved by injustice and who will ultimately set all things right.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do you observe "truth failing" in our current society, within your community, or perhaps even in areas of your own life?**
* **How might choosing to "depart from evil" and live righteously make a person "a prey" in today's world, and what is your personal or communal response to that challenge?**
* **How does knowing that "the LORD saw it, and it displeased him" deepen your understanding of God's character, His holiness, and His active involvement in human affairs?**
* **What practical, tangible steps can you take to uphold truth, promote justice, and embody righteousness in your sphere of influence, even when such actions are difficult, unpopular, or costly?**

### FAQ

**Does "truth faileth" imply that truth itself ceases to exist, or that it is merely absent from human practice?**

Answer: The phrase "truth faileth" (Hebrew: `_ʼemeth_` H571, `_ʻădar_` H5737) does not imply that objective truth, as an eternal attribute of God, ceases to exist. Rather, it signifies that truth is "missing," "lacking," or "found wanting" within human society and conduct. It describes a profound moral and spiritual crisis where integrity, faithfulness, and adherence to divine standards have vanished from public and private life. God's truth, being an intrinsic part of His immutable character, remains eternally constant, but humanity's willingness to embrace, embody, and uphold it has failed, leading to widespread corruption, deceit, and injustice. The prophet laments the *absence* of truth in *human affairs*, not the non-existence of truth itself.

**How does God's "displeasure" in this verse relate to His character of love and mercy?**

Answer: God's "displeasure" (literally, "it was evil in His eyes," from `_yâraʻ_` H3415 and `_ʻayin_` H5869) in Isaiah 59:15 is a profound manifestation of His holy and righteous character, which is inherently just and good. His love and mercy are not antithetical to His displeasure over sin; rather, they are deeply intertwined expressions of His divine nature. God's love for humanity and His fervent desire for their flourishing compel Him to be grieved when they deviate from His righteous path, as such deviation inevitably leads to suffering, injustice, and brokenness. His displeasure is a righteous indignation against evil and a lament over the profound damage caused by sin. It is this very displeasure that often motivates His redemptive acts, as seen immediately in [Isaiah 59:16](/isaiah/59-16 "Isaiah 59:16 - God's Intervention When No One Else Acts"). His justice is an expression of His perfect love for what is right and good, and His mercy is extended to those who turn from the evil that displeases Him, offering a path to reconciliation and restoration.

**What does it mean for "he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey"?**

Answer: This phrase vividly describes the perilous and inverted situation of a righteous individual in a profoundly corrupt society. When truth and justice are absent or perverted, those who choose to turn away from evil (`_çûwr_` H5493) and live righteously become vulnerable (`_shâlal_` H7997, "to plunder, make self a prey"). Instead of being protected, honored, or rewarded for their integrity, they are exposed to exploitation, mockery, persecution, or disadvantage. Their moral uprightness makes them stand out from the prevailing wickedness, potentially inviting opposition, ridicule, or even physical harm from those who thrive in the corrupt environment. It highlights a profound moral inversion where good is punished and evil is rewarded, emphasizing the dire need for divine intervention and the establishment of true and righteous judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 59:15, with its stark portrayal of a world where truth fails and the righteous are made a prey due to the pervasive absence of judgment, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of **Truth** ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), the one in whom all integrity, faithfulness, and divine righteousness perfectly reside. Yet, in a world steeped in the very corruption and moral decay that Isaiah lamented, Jesus, the perfectly righteous one, was indeed "made a prey." He was unjustly accused, mocked, persecuted, and ultimately crucified, precisely because He perfectly departed from evil and perfectly upheld God's holy standards, without sin ([1 Peter 2:22-24](/1_peter/2-22-24 "1 Peter 2:22-24 - Christ's Sinless Suffering and Atonement")). The world, unable to tolerate His blinding light and uncompromising truth, sought to extinguish it. However, the Lord's profound displeasure at the lack of judgment, as seen in Isaiah 59:15, finds its glorious redemptive answer in Christ. God "saw it" and acted decisively, not by finding another fallible human intercessor, but by sending His own Son to be the ultimate **Judge** and the **Savior** ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ took the judgment for our sin, bearing the full weight of God's righteous displeasure. Through His triumphant resurrection, He established the unshakeable foundation for true justice and righteousness to prevail. He is the one who will ultimately return to bring forth perfect judgment, ensuring that truth will no longer fail and the righteous will never again be made a prey, but will reign with Him in His eternal kingdom of perfect justice and peace ([Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - Christ the Righteous Judge and King")).

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

Micah 7:2

The good [man] is perished out of the earth: and [there is] none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.

1 John 3:11

¶ For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

1 John 3:12

Not as Cain, [who] was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

Habakkuk 1:13

[Thou art] of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, [and] holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth [the man that is] more righteous than he?

Habakkuk 1:14

And makest men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, [that have] no ruler over them?

Hebrews 11:36

And others had trial of [cruel] mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:

Hebrews 11:38

(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and [in] mountains, and [in] dens and caves of the earth.