Isaiah 59:4

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

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

Isaiah 59 is a powerful chapter that vividly describes the spiritual and moral decline of God's people. Following the call to true worship and justice in Isaiah 58, chapter 59 outlines the consequences of their sin, emphasizing how their iniquities have created a separation between them and God (Isaiah 59:2). Verse 4 specifically highlights the breakdown of societal and individual integrity, where righteousness is absent and deceit prevails. This lament sets the stage for God's eventual intervention and the promise of a Redeemer.

Key Themes

  • Absence of Justice and Truth: The verse laments a society where no one genuinely advocates for what is right or true. This signifies a profound moral decay and a lack of integrity in public and private life.
  • Reliance on Deception: "They trust in vanity, and speak lies." This points to a reliance on empty, worthless things (idols, false promises, deceit) rather than on God or genuine truth. Their words are not trustworthy.
  • Conception and Birth of Evil: The imagery of "conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity" illustrates a deliberate and natural progression from evil thoughts and intentions to wicked actions. Sin is not accidental but a product of internal corruption.
  • Widespread Corruption: The language implies that this moral failure is pervasive, affecting the very fabric of society and individual character.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV text uses strong terms that convey deep meaning from the original Hebrew:

  • "Vanity" (Hebrew: shav, שָׁוְא): This word often denotes emptiness, worthlessness, falsehood, or deceit. It can refer to idols, futile pursuits, or empty promises. Here, it underscores that their trust is placed in things that have no substance or truth.
  • "Mischief" (Hebrew: amal, עָמָל): This term signifies toil, trouble, and wickedness. It refers to perverse and malicious plans or intentions.
  • "Iniquity" (Hebrew: aven, אָוֶן): This word denotes wickedness, trouble, or sorrow, often specifically linked to evil deeds or idolatry. The pairing with "mischief" emphasizes that their thoughts lead directly to sinful actions.

Practical Application

Isaiah 59:4 serves as a timeless warning and a call to introspection for believers today:

  • Examine Our Own Hearts: Do we genuinely seek justice and truth in our lives and communities? Are we quick to call out injustice or do we remain silent?
  • Beware of Deception: In a world filled with misinformation and empty promises, this verse reminds us of the danger of trusting in things that are ultimately worthless or deceitful, whether they are worldly philosophies, material possessions, or outright lies. As believers, we are called to speak truth.
  • Mind Our Thoughts: The progression from "conceive mischief" to "bring forth iniquity" highlights the importance of our thoughts. Sinful actions often begin as sinful intentions. Guarding our minds is crucial in living a righteous life, as emphasized in Philippians 4:8.
  • Strive for Integrity: This verse underscores the value of integrity and honesty in all our dealings, reflecting the character of God who is truth itself.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:
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