Isaiah 59:4

KJV

None calleth for justice, nor [any] pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.

KJV (with Strong's)

None calleth {H7121} for justice {H6664}, nor any pleadeth {H8199} for truth {H530}: they trust {H982} in vanity {H8414}, and speak {H1696} lies {H7723}; they conceive {H2029} mischief {H5999}, and bring forth {H3205} iniquity {H205}.

Complete Jewish Bible

No one sues with just cause, no one pleads honestly in court, they trust in empty words and say worthless things; they conceive trouble and give birth to evil.

Berean Standard Bible

No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case honestly. They rely on empty pleas; they tell lies; they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity.

American Standard Version

None sueth in righteousness, and none pleadeth in truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 59:4 powerfully exposes the profound moral and spiritual decay of a society that has utterly abandoned the pursuit of justice and truth. Instead of upholding divine standards, the people place their confidence in worthless deceptions and routinely engage in falsehood. This pervasive corruption is depicted as an insidious internal process, where malevolent intentions are conceived within the heart and inevitably culminate in wicked actions, illustrating a systemic breakdown of integrity and righteousness that separates the community from God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 59 is a deeply poignant prophetic indictment, immediately following a chapter that contrasts superficial religious observance with the true, transformative worship of God, which is characterized by genuine social justice and compassion for the oppressed, as detailed in [Isaiah 58](/isaiah/58 "Isaiah 58 - True Fasting and Justice"). While [Isaiah 58](/isaiah/58 "Isaiah 58 - The Nature of True Fasting and Justice") outlines the path to blessing through obedience, [Isaiah 59](/isaiah/59 "Isaiah 59 - Sin, Separation, and Salvation") starkly reveals the opposite reality: the people's pervasive sin has created an impassable chasm between them and God, preventing their prayers from being heard and their salvation from arriving, as declared in [Isaiah 59:1-2](/isaiah/59-1-2 "Isaiah 59:1-2 - God's Power and Sin's Separation"). Verse 4, specifically, meticulously details the ethical breakdown at both societal and individual levels, providing concrete examples of the widespread iniquity that characterizes the nation. This grim depiction serves as the crucial backdrop for the prophet's profound confession of sin on behalf of the people in [Isaiah 59:12-13](/isaiah/59-12-13 "Isaiah 59:12-13 - Confession of Sin and Its Consequences") and God's subsequent, glorious promise of a Redeemer who will bring salvation and justice in [Isaiah 59:20-21](/isaiah/59-20-21 "Isaiah 59:20-21 - The Redeemer Comes to Zion").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies within [the book of Isaiah](/isaiah "The Book of Isaiah") often span various periods of Israelite history, but [Isaiah 59](/isaiah/59 "Isaiah 59 - Sin, Separation, and Salvation") most profoundly reflects the moral and spiritual climate in Judah leading up to or during the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), or possibly a post-exilic period where the people had returned to the land but had not truly returned to the Lord in repentance. The society described is one where the very foundations of legal and social structures are corrupted. Courts are rife with injustice, honest advocacy for the vulnerable is virtually nonexistent, and deceit is a commonplace, accepted mode of interaction. This environment would have been marked by a severe lack of righteous leadership, widespread oppression of the poor and marginalized, and a general disregard for the covenant principles that were divinely ordained to govern Israelite life. The "vanity" mentioned could refer to the prevalent idolatry, empty religious rituals, or reliance on political alliances with foreign nations rather than placing exclusive trust in Yahweh, all common temptations and failures for ancient Israel. This pervasive breakdown of truth and justice was not merely an ethical failure; it was a direct and grievous affront to the holy character of Yahweh, who is inherently and perfectly just and true.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several critical themes prevalent throughout [the prophetic book of Isaiah](/isaiah "The Book of Isaiah"). Firstly, it highlights the **pervasiveness of sin** and its destructive impact on both individual integrity and the entire fabric of societal order. The lamentable absence of justice and truth points to a deep-seated moral corruption that permeates all levels of human interaction. Secondly, it emphasizes the dire **consequences of forsaking God's ways**, as the people's reliance on "vanity" and "lies" directly contrasts with the divine call to trust in the Lord alone for salvation and strength, as articulated in [Isaiah 30:15](/isaiah/30-15 "Isaiah 30:15 - Trust in Repentance and Rest"). Thirdly, the vivid imagery of conceiving mischief and bringing forth iniquity illustrates the **internal origin and progressive nature of sin**, demonstrating with chilling clarity that wicked actions are not random occurrences but stem from deliberate, corrupt intentions nurtured within the heart. This profound theme resonates with other prophetic warnings about the deceitful condition of the human heart, such as in [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart"). Finally, the verse serves as a crucial component of the broader narrative of **God's righteous judgment** against sin, a judgment that ultimately paves the way for His redemptive intervention and the establishment of true justice through the coming Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **calleth (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** This primitive root, meaning "to call out to," "address by name," or "to proclaim," implies a public and active advocacy. In the context of Isaiah 59:4, it signifies that no one is stepping forward to demand, champion, or even speak up for justice. It is not merely a passive absence but an active failure to engage in righteous advocacy, indicating a profound moral apathy, fear, or complicity within the community. The lack of this "calling" highlights a society where the voice of righteousness has been silenced.
* **truth (Hebrew, _ʼĕmûwnâh'_):** This feminine noun, derived from a root meaning "firmness," denotes "security," "fidelity," and is often translated as "faith" or "faithfulness." Here, it refers to reliability, integrity, and adherence to reality and God's established standards. The absence of pleading for "truth" suggests a society where honesty, trustworthiness, and faithfulness to covenant principles have profoundly eroded, replaced by pervasive deceit and unreliability. It speaks to a loss of moral and spiritual stability.
* **vanity (Hebrew, _tôhûw'_):** Derived from an unused root meaning "to lie waste," this term signifies "desolation," "emptiness," "nothingness," or "worthlessness." It is famously used in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - Earth Without Form and Void") to describe the earth as "without form and void." In Isaiah 59:4, it denotes that the people's trust is misplaced in things that are ultimately empty, futile, or deceptive, lacking any real substance or lasting value. This often implies reliance on idols, false ideologies, human strength, or empty promises rather than the living God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"None calleth for justice, nor [any] pleadeth for truth:"** This opening clause establishes the dire moral vacuum at the heart of the society. It signifies a complete absence of moral courage and integrity among the people. No one is willing to stand up for what is right (justice) or advocate for what is honest and reliable (truth). This points to a pervasive societal failure where the systems meant to uphold righteousness, such as the courts or community leaders, have become utterly compromised, or where individuals are too corrupted, apathetic, or fearful to act.
* **"they trust in vanity, and speak lies;"** This clause elucidates the underlying reason for the absence of justice and truth. The people have fundamentally misplaced their trust, relying on "vanity"—things that are empty, worthless, or deceptive, such as idols, false promises, or their own flawed human schemes—instead of placing their faith in the one true God or genuine righteousness. As a direct and inevitable consequence of this misplaced trust, their communication is characterized by "lies," indicating a pervasive culture of deceit where falsehood is not only normalized but actively preferred over honesty.
* **"they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity."** This powerful and disturbing imagery vividly depicts the internal, deliberate, and progressive process of sin. "Conceiving mischief" implies the formation and nurturing of wicked, harmful, or perverse plans and intentions within the mind or heart. Just as a woman conceives and carries a child to term, these evil thoughts and designs are nurtured and developed internally. The natural and inevitable outcome is to "bring forth iniquity"—to manifest these malicious intentions into concrete, wicked actions, deeds, and societal structures. This highlights that their sin is not accidental or impulsive but a product of deep-seated internal corruption and deliberate choice.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 59:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of profound moral decay and spiritual corruption. **Personification** is evident in the declaration that "none calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth," attributing active roles to abstract concepts like justice and truth, which are then depicted as being neglected or abandoned by humanity. The verse also utilizes a striking and visceral **metaphor** of conception and birth: "they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity." This vivid imagery draws a powerful parallel between the biological process of procreation and the spiritual process of sin, illustrating that evil actions are not random but are the natural, deliberate outgrowth of wicked thoughts and intentions, much like a child is the product of its conception. This **progression** from internal thought ("conceive mischief") to external action ("bring forth iniquity") emphasizes the internal origin and inevitable manifestation of sin. Furthermore, the skillful use of **parallelism** in phrases such as "calleth for justice" and "pleadeth for truth," and "trust in vanity" and "speak lies," reinforces the pervasive nature of the moral failure, highlighting the interconnectedness of their ethical and spiritual corruption.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 59:4 serves as a stark and sobering reminder of humanity's fallen condition and the pervasive nature of sin, which originates in the heart and manifests in destructive actions and societal breakdown. The abandonment of justice and truth, coupled with a reliance on deceit and vanity, reflects a fundamental turning away from God, who is the ultimate source of all truth and righteousness. Theologically, this verse profoundly underscores the concept of humanity's utter inability to save itself or achieve righteousness through its own efforts, as its very thoughts and actions are corrupted from within. It highlights the desperate need for radical divine intervention to restore integrity, establish true justice, and reconcile humanity to its Creator. This lament over the absence of justice and truth is a recurring and foundational theme in prophetic literature, emphasizing God's unwavering standard for righteousness and His inevitable judgment against those who pervert it, while simultaneously pointing to His ultimate plan for redemption.

* [Psalm 14:1](/psalm/14-1 "The Fool Says There Is No God")
* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Guard Your Heart Above All Else")
* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14-15 "Temptation and the Birth of Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 59:4 offers a profound and challenging mirror for both individual self-examination and societal critique in any era. It compels us to honestly assess whether we, as individuals and within our communities, truly champion justice and truth, or if we remain silent in the face of injustice and tolerate falsehoods for comfort or convenience. In a world saturated with misinformation, alternative facts, and often driven by self-interest, the divine call to "call for justice" and "plead for truth" is more urgent and counter-cultural than ever. We must diligently beware of placing our trust in "vanity"—whether it be fleeting trends, material possessions, human philosophies, political ideologies, or empty promises—which ultimately leads to deception, moral decay, and spiritual barrenness. The vivid imagery of conceiving mischief and bringing forth iniquity serves as a powerful reminder that our outward actions are often the bitter fruit of our inward thoughts and intentions. Therefore, cultivating a pure heart and mind, filled with God's truth and a fervent desire for righteousness, is paramount for genuine transformation. This verse compels us to actively pursue integrity, speak truth with courage, and advocate for justice in our spheres of influence, thereby reflecting the righteous character of the God we serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my personal life, or within my community, do I observe a noticeable lack of calling for justice or pleading for truth?**
* **What "vanities" might I be trusting in, either consciously or unconsciously, that subtly distract me from God's truth or lead me to compromise my integrity?**
* **How can I be more intentional about guarding my thoughts and ensuring that I "conceive" only what is good, true, and righteous, rather than allowing "mischief" to take root?**
* **What practical and courageous steps can I take to speak truth and advocate for justice in my sphere of influence, even when it is difficult, unpopular, or carries personal cost?**

### FAQ
**What does "trust in vanity" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Isaiah 59:4, "trust in vanity" refers to placing one's confidence, hope, or reliance on things that are inherently empty, worthless, futile, or deceptive. This can encompass a wide range of misplaced trusts, including the worship of idols, adherence to false gods, reliance on human schemes or political alliances, belief in empty promises, or anything that lacks true substance, divine backing, or eternal value. It stands in stark contrast to placing one's trust in the one true God, who is the ultimate source of all truth, stability, and genuine hope. Such misplaced trust inevitably leads to speaking lies and engaging in wicked actions, as the very foundation of one's life is built on falsehood rather than divine truth.

**How does "conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity" illustrate the nature of sin?**

Answer: This powerful and disturbing metaphor illustrates that sin is not merely an accidental or impulsive act but often originates from deliberate, internal processes within the human heart and mind. Just as a living being is conceived, nurtured, and then born, so too are wicked actions ("iniquity") the natural and inevitable outcome of malicious thoughts, plans, or intentions ("mischief") that are conceived and nurtured internally. It highlights the progressive nature of sin, moving from an inner, hidden state of corruption to outward, manifest behavior. This imagery emphasizes that sinful deeds are the direct manifestation of a corrupted inner state and deliberate choice, a concept echoed in the New Testament, such as in [James 1:15](/james/1-15 "James 1:15 - Desire Gives Birth to Sin"), where desire "when it has conceived gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 59:4 paints a bleak and unsparing picture of humanity's inherent inability to achieve righteousness on its own, a profound condition that necessitates radical divine intervention. The lamentable absence of anyone calling for justice or pleading for truth, coupled with the pervasive trust in vanity and the conception of mischief leading to iniquity, perfectly sets the stage for the glorious coming of the Messiah. Jesus Christ is the ultimate and perfect fulfillment of the justice and truth that humanity so desperately lacked and failed to uphold. He is not merely one who *calls* for justice, but He *is* [Justice incarnate](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Righteousness"), the very embodiment of God's righteous standard. He is not merely one who *pleads* for truth, but He *is* the [Truth](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life") Himself, the very Word of God made flesh, dwelling among us full of grace and truth [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). While humanity conceived mischief and brought forth iniquity, Christ, through His perfectly obedient life, His atoning death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection, broke the tyrannical power of sin and death. He bore the iniquity of us all, as foretold in [Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray"), and established a new covenant where God's righteousness is freely imputed to all who believe in Him [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith"). Through Him, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to genuinely seek justice, speak truth, and live lives that are no longer conceived in mischief but are transformed by the new creation of God in Christ [2_corinthians/5-17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"), reflecting His character and advancing His kingdom.

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

Job 15:35

They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit.

James 1:15

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

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.

Micah 7:5

Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.

Jeremiah 7:8

Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit.

Jeremiah 7:4

Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, [are] these.

Isaiah 30:12

Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon: