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Isaiah 59:2

Isaiah 59:2 in Multiple Translations

But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.

But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, so that he will not hear.

But your sins have come between you and your God, and by your evil doings his face has been veiled from you, so that he will give you no answer.

It's your guilt that has created a barrier between you and your God; your sins have hidden his face from you so he can't hear you.

But your iniquities haue separated betweene you and your God, and your sinnes haue hidde his face from you, that he will not heare.

But your iniquities have been separating Between you and your God, And your sins have hidden The Presence from you — from hearing.

But your iniquities have separated you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.

But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

But your iniquities have divided between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you that he should not hear.

But, you have separated yourselves from your God by the sins that you have committed. Because of your sins, he has turned away from you, with the result that he does not pay attention to what you request him to do.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 59:2

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Isaiah 59:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כִּ֤י אִם עֲוֺנֹֽתֵי/כֶם֙ הָי֣וּ מַבְדִּלִ֔ים בֵּינֵ/כֶ֕ם לְ/בֵ֖ין אֱלֹֽהֵי/כֶ֑ם וְ/חַטֹּֽאותֵי/כֶ֗ם הִסְתִּ֧ירוּ פָנִ֛ים מִ/כֶּ֖ם מִ/שְּׁמֽוֹעַ
כִּ֤י kîy H3588 for Conj
אִם ʼim H518 if Conj
עֲוֺנֹֽתֵי/כֶם֙ ʻâvôn H5771 iniquity N-cp | Suff
הָי֣וּ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3cp
מַבְדִּלִ֔ים bâdal H914 to separate V-Hiphil
בֵּינֵ/כֶ֕ם bêyn H996 between Prep | Suff
לְ/בֵ֖ין bêyn H996 between Prep | Prep
אֱלֹֽהֵי/כֶ֑ם ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff
וְ/חַטֹּֽאותֵי/כֶ֗ם chaṭṭâʼâh H2403 sin Conj | N-fp | Suff
הִסְתִּ֧ירוּ çâthar H5641 to hide V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
פָנִ֛ים pânîym H6440 face N-cp
מִ/כֶּ֖ם min H4480 from Prep | Suff
מִ/שְּׁמֽוֹעַ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 59:2

כִּ֤י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
עֲוֺנֹֽתֵי/כֶם֙ ʻâvôn H5771 "iniquity" N-cp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.
Definition: : crime 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. See also: Genesis 4:13; Psalms 107:17; Psalms 18:24.
הָי֣וּ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
מַבְדִּלִ֔ים bâdal H914 "to separate" V-Hiphil
This verb means to separate or divide, and is used in various contexts, including to set apart or make a distinction. It is translated as divide, separate, or difference in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to divide, separate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to divide, separate, sever 1a2) to separate, set apart 1a3) to make a distinction, difference 1a4) to divide into parts 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to separate oneself from (reflexive of 1a2) 1b2) to withdraw from 1b3) to separate oneself unto 1b4) to be separated 1b5) to be excluded 1b6) to be set apart
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: (make, put) difference, divide (asunder), (make) separate (self, -ation), sever (out), [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 1:4; Deuteronomy 29:20; Isaiah 56:3.
בֵּינֵ/כֶ֕ם bêyn H996 "between" Prep | Suff
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
לְ/בֵ֖ין bêyn H996 "between" Prep | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
אֱלֹֽהֵי/כֶ֑ם ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וְ/חַטֹּֽאותֵי/כֶ֗ם chaṭṭâʼâh H2403 "sin" Conj | N-fp | Suff
This word describes sin, guilt, or punishment for sin, and also the sacrifice or purification made to atone for it. It is used in the Bible to describe the consequences and solutions for sin. The KJV translates it as 'punishment' or 'sin'.
Definition: sin, sinful thing
Usage: Occurs in 270 OT verses. KJV: punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering). See also: Genesis 4:7; Numbers 12:11; Psalms 25:7.
הִסְתִּ֧ירוּ çâthar H5641 "to hide" V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
This word means to hide or conceal something, like covering it up. It can also mean to keep something secret or hidden from others, as in Psalm 27:5.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to hide oneself 1a2) to be hidden, be concealed 1b) (Piel) to hide carefully 1c) (Pual) to be hidden carefully, be concealed 1d) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1e) (Hithpael) to hide oneself carefully Aramaic equivalent: se.tar (סְתַר "to hide" H5642A)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:14; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 10:11.
פָנִ֛ים pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
מִ/כֶּ֖ם min H4480 "from" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
מִ/שְּׁמֽוֹעַ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.

Study Notes — Isaiah 59:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 5:25 Your iniquities have diverted these from you; your sins have deprived you of My bounty.
2 Proverbs 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.
3 Micah 3:4 Then they will cry out to the LORD, but He will not answer them. At that time He will hide His face from them because of the evil they have done.
4 Isaiah 1:15 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.
5 Deuteronomy 31:17–18 On that day My anger will burn against them, and I will abandon them and hide My face from them, so that they will be consumed, and many troubles and afflictions will befall them. On that day they will say, ‘Have not these disasters come upon us because our God is no longer with us?’ And on that day I will surely hide My face because of all the evil they have done by turning to other gods.
6 Ezekiel 39:23–24 And the nations will know that the house of Israel went into exile for their iniquity, because they were unfaithful to Me. So I hid My face from them and delivered them into the hands of their enemies, so that they all fell by the sword. I dealt with them according to their uncleanness and transgressions, and I hid My face from them.
7 Deuteronomy 32:19–20 When the LORD saw this, He rejected them, provoked to anger by His sons and daughters. He said: “I will hide My face from them; I will see what will be their end. For they are a perverse generation— children of unfaithfulness.
8 Isaiah 57:17 I was enraged by his sinful greed, so I struck him and hid My face in anger; yet he kept turning back to the desires of his heart.
9 Ezekiel 39:29 And I will no longer hide My face from them, for I will pour out My Spirit on the house of Israel, declares the Lord GOD.”
10 Joshua 7:11 Israel has sinned; they have transgressed My covenant that I commanded them, and they have taken some of what was devoted to destruction. Indeed, they have stolen and lied, and they have put these things with their own possessions.

Isaiah 59:2 Summary

This verse means that when we sin, it creates a wall between us and God, making it hard for us to feel close to Him or hear His voice. It's like when we do something wrong and feel bad, and we don't want to talk to our parents or friends - it's similar with God. But the good news is that if we say sorry and turn away from our sins, God will forgive us and talk to us again, as seen in 1 John 1:9. We can have a close relationship with God when we choose to follow Him and live according to His ways (Psalm 119:9).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that our iniquities have built barriers between us and God?

This means that our sins create a separation between us and God, making it difficult for us to experience His presence and hear His voice, as seen in Isaiah 59:2, and also in Isaiah 1:15 where it says that God will not hear our prayers if we have blood on our hands.

Can God still hear us if we have sin in our lives?

According to Isaiah 59:2, if we have unconfessed sin in our lives, God may not hear our prayers, but as seen in 1 John 1:9, if we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us and restore our relationship with Him.

How can we remove the barriers between us and God?

We can remove these barriers by repenting of our sins and turning to God, as seen in Acts 3:19, where it says that repentance brings times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.

What is the result of our sins hiding God's face from us?

When our sins hide God's face from us, we are unable to experience His presence and guidance in our lives, leading to a lack of direction and purpose, as seen in Psalm 32:3-4, where it describes the discomfort and pain of being separated from God due to sin.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I may be allowing sin to build barriers between me and God?
  2. How can I ensure that I am living a life that is pleasing to God and allows me to hear His voice clearly?
  3. What are some practical steps I can take to repent of my sins and restore my relationship with God?
  4. How can I balance the awareness of my sin with the knowledge of God's love and forgiveness?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 59:2

Ver. 2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God,.... Like a partition wall dividing between them, so that they enjoy no communion with him in his worship and ordinances; which is

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 59:2

But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 59:2

Have separated; have been as a thick wall between God and you; have set him at a great distance, . Have hid his face: this may be put synecdoehically for the whole person; and the prophet speaking of God by an anthropopathy, may understand his presence; and then it is, hath made him hide or withdraw his presence, as one that turns away his face from some noisome thing; or rather his favour, that though you cry to be delivered out of Babylon, yet you shall not find that favour. He will not hear, i.e. he will not grant it; thus it is used : See Poole "": see .

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 59:2

Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid [his] face from you, that he will not hear.Ver. 2. But your iniquities have severed,] i.e., Have set you at a very great distance (hinted also by the redundance of speech that is here in the original), or rather defiance. Nothing intricates our actions more than our sins, which do likewise ensnare our souls, while they are as a wall of separation between God and us, and as an interstitium, such as is the firmament that divideth the upper and the lower waters. And your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.] Crudelem modicum intemperans aeger facit. Sin is as a devil in the air, saith one, to hinder our prayers; turning from sin will charm the devil, and make him fall from heaven. Mimus.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 59:2

(2) Have separated—i.e., have become, as it were, a “middle wall of partition” excluding them from the Divine presence. His face.—Better, the face. The Hebrew has neither article nor possessive pronoun, the substantive being treated almost as a proper name.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 59:2

Verse 2. His face] For פנים panim, faces, I read panaiv, his face. So the Syriac, Septuagint, Alexandrian, Arabic, and Vulgate. פני panai, MS. Forte legendum פני panai, nam מ mem, sequitur, et loquitur Deus; confer cap. lviii. 14. "We should perhaps read פני panai; for מ mem follows, and God is the speaker." - SECKER. I rather think that the speech of God was closed with the last chapter, and that this chapter is delivered in the person of the prophet. - L.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 59:2

2. your iniquities have separated] Lit. “have been separating.” The expression is that used of the firmament in Genesis 1:6; it implies that guilt has been a permanent cause of alienation between Israel and its God. have hid his face] i.e. caused Him to withdraw His favour (cf. ch. Isaiah 8:17). Instead of “his face,” the Hebr. has simply “face” as in Job 34:29. Various explanations are offered of this peculiar expression; perhaps the easiest is that “the Face” had come to be used absolutely of the face of God.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 59:2

But your iniquities - That is, the sins which the prophet had specified in the previous chapter, and which he proceeds further to specify in this.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 59:2

1, 2. Behold — An ellipsis, as if omitting a short parley. And the prophet impliedly answers with emphasis, “No!

Sermons on Isaiah 59:2

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill Strengthen Me Just Once by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher starts by talking about the distractions and temptations of the world, comparing them to different varieties of ice cream and donuts. He then refers to
Leonard Ravenhill "America Rejecting the Light" by Leonard Ravenhill This sermon delves into the concept of God's potential withdrawal of protection from a nation that has been abundantly blessed but has turned away from Him. It explores the idea th
Duncan Campbell Sin in the Camp by Duncan Campbell In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing both the goodness and severity of God. He points out that while the goodness of God is often preached and celeb
Alan Redpath God Seeks a Man of Prayer by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the lack of justice and salvation in the world, drawing parallels to historical events such as the Vietnam War, the tragedy of the boat peop
Al Martin Puritan Evangelism by Al Martin In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing his personal journey into ministry and the importance of preaching the word of God. He then quotes J.I. Packer and Thomas Manton to em
David Wilkerson Hatching Snake Eggs by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of putting off seeking deliverance from sin and turning back to God. He calls on those who have been injured or run away from God t
Albert N. Martin National Religious Apostasy (4) by Albert N. Martin In this sermon on "God's Word to Our Nation," the speaker focuses on the theme of righteousness and sin in relation to a nation. The key scripture used is Proverbs 14:34, which sta

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