Isaiah 59:3
Isaiah 59:3 in Multiple Translations
For your hands are stained with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters injustice.
For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.
For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue muttereth wickedness.
For your hands are unclean with blood, and your fingers with sin; your lips have said false things, and your tongue gives out deceit.
Your hands are covered in blood and your fingers tainted with guilt, your lips speak lies and your mouth whispers evil things.
For your handes are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquitie: your lips haue spoken lies and your tongue hath murmured iniquitie.
For your hands have been polluted with blood, And your fingers with iniquity, Your lips have spoken falsehood, Your tongue perverseness doth mutter.
For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity. Your lips have spoken lies. Your tongue mutters wickedness.
For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath uttered perverseness.
For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity: your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue uttereth iniquity.
You do violent things [MTY] to others, with the result that your hands are stained with their blood. You constantly tell [MTY] lies, and you say [MTY] evil things about others.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 59:3
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 59:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
כַפֵּי/כֶם֙
נְגֹאֲל֣וּ
בַ/דָּ֔ם
וְ/אֶצְבְּעוֹתֵי/כֶ֖ם
בֶּֽ/עָוֺ֑ן
שִׂפְתֽוֹתֵי/כֶם֙
דִּבְּרוּ
שֶׁ֔קֶר
לְשׁוֹנְ/כֶ֖ם
עַוְלָ֥ה
תֶהְגֶּֽה
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
כַפֵּי/כֶם֙
kaph
H3709
palm
N-fd | Suff
נְגֹאֲל֣וּ
gâʼal
H1351
to defile
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
בַ/דָּ֔ם
dâm
H1818
blood
Prep | N-ms
וְ/אֶצְבְּעוֹתֵי/כֶ֖ם
ʼetsbaʻ
H676
finger
Conj | N-fp | Suff
בֶּֽ/עָוֺ֑ן
ʻâvôn
H5771
iniquity
Prep | N-cs
שִׂפְתֽוֹתֵי/כֶם֙
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fp | Suff
דִּבְּרוּ
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
שֶׁ֔קֶר
sheqer
H8267
deception
N-ms
לְשׁוֹנְ/כֶ֖ם
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
N-cs | Suff
עַוְלָ֥ה
ʻevel
H5766
injustice
N-cs
תֶהְגֶּֽה
hâgâh
H1897
to mutter
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 59:3
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.
כַפֵּי/כֶם֙
kaph
H3709
"palm"
N-fd | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
נְגֹאֲל֣וּ
gâʼal
H1351
"to defile"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to make something unclean or impure, often used in Leviticus to describe defiling the temple or oneself. It can also mean to stain or desecrate something, like in Ezekiel 20:16. The concept is about ruining something's purity or holiness.
Definition: 1) to defile, pollute, desecrate 1a) (Niphal) to be defiled, be polluted 1b) (Piel) to pollute, desecrate 1c)(Pual) to be desecrated (of removal from priesthood) 1d) (Hiphil) to pollute, stain 1e) (Hithpael) to defile oneself
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: defile, pollute, stain. See also: Ezra 2:62; Lamentations 4:14; Isaiah 59:3.
בַ/דָּ֔ם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
Prep | N-ms
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
וְ/אֶצְבְּעוֹתֵי/כֶ֖ם
ʼetsbaʻ
H676
"finger"
Conj | N-fp | Suff
In Hebrew, this word refers to a finger or a toe, something used to grasp or hold things. It is used in the Bible to describe both the fingers on the hand and the toes on the feet. The Aramaic equivalent is also 'digit'.
Definition: finger, toe Aramaic equivalent: ets.ba (אֶצְבַּע "digit" H0677)
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: finger, toe. See also: Exodus 8:15; Numbers 19:4; Psalms 8:4.
בֶּֽ/עָוֺ֑ן
ʻâvôn
H5771
"iniquity"
Prep | N-cs
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.
שִׂפְתֽוֹתֵי/כֶם֙
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fp | Suff
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
דִּבְּרוּ
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
שֶׁ֔קֶר
sheqer
H8267
"deception"
N-ms
This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.
Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain
Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.
לְשׁוֹנְ/כֶ֖ם
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
N-cs | Suff
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
עַוְלָ֥ה
ʻevel
H5766
"injustice"
N-cs
Injustice or moral evil is what this word represents, covering violent deeds, unfair speech, and general wrongdoing. It is used to describe actions that go against God's standards of righteousness.
Definition: injustice, unrighteousness Another spelling of av.lah (עַוְלָה "injustice" H5766B)
Usage: Occurs in 51 OT verses. KJV: iniquity, perverseness, unjust(-ly), unrighteousness(-ly); wicked(-ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 64:7; Psalms 7:4.
תֶהְגֶּֽה
hâgâh
H1897
"to mutter"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To mutter or ponder, as seen in Psalm 1:2 where it means to meditate on God's law, and also in Psalm 37:35 where it describes plotting evil.
Definition: 1) to moan, growl, utter, muse, mutter, meditate, devise, plot, speak 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to roar, growl, groan 1a2) to utter, speak 1a3) to meditate, devise, muse, imagine 1b) (Poal) to utter 1c) (Hiphil) to mutter
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: imagine, meditate, mourn, mutter, roar, [idiom] sore, speak, study, talk, utter. See also: Joshua 1:8; Proverbs 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
Study Notes — Isaiah 59:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 59:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 59:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 59:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 59:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 59:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 59:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 59:3
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 59:3
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 59:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 59:3
- Sermons on Isaiah 59:3
Context — Sin Separates Us from God
1Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear.
2But 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.
3For your hands are stained with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters injustice.
4No 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. 5They hatch the eggs of vipers and weave a spider’s web. Whoever eats their eggs will die; crack one open, and a viper is hatched.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 13:8 | Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Because you have uttered vain words and seen false visions, I am against you, declares the Lord GOD. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 2:34 | Moreover, your skirts are stained with the blood of the innocent poor, though you did not find them breaking in. But in spite of all these things |
| 4 | Isaiah 1:21 | See how the faithful city has become a harlot! She once was full of justice; righteousness resided within her, but now only murderers! |
| 5 | Jeremiah 2:30 | “I have struck your sons in vain; they accepted no discipline. Your own sword has devoured your prophets like a voracious lion.” |
| 6 | Micah 6:12 | For the wealthy of the city are full of violence, and its residents speak lies; their tongues are deceitful in their mouths. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 35:6 | therefore as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will give you over to bloodshed and it will pursue you. Since you did not hate bloodshed, it will pursue you. |
| 8 | Hosea 7:13 | Woe to them, for they have strayed from Me! Destruction to them, for they have rebelled against Me! Though I would redeem them, they speak lies against Me. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 7:23 | Forge the chain, for the land is full of crimes of bloodshed, and the city is full of violence. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 7:8 | But look, you keep trusting in deceptive words to no avail. |
Isaiah 59:3 Summary
[This verse is saying that when we hurt others, whether on purpose or not, it's like having blood on our hands. We need to be careful with our words and actions because they can cause harm. As it says in Matthew 5:23-24, we should make things right with others before coming to God. We can cleanse our hands and hearts by confessing our sins to God and asking for forgiveness, as seen in 1 John 1:9.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that our hands are stained with blood in Isaiah 59:3?
This phrase is likely metaphorical, symbolizing the harm and violence we inflict on others, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, as seen in verses like Matthew 5:21-22, where Jesus teaches about the seriousness of anger and hatred towards others.
How can our lips speak lies and our tongue mutter injustice?
According to Psalm 12:2, flattering lips and a double heart can lead to deceitful speech, and in Ephesians 4:25, we are instructed to put away falsehood and speak truthfully to our neighbors, highlighting the importance of honesty and integrity in our words.
Is this verse only talking about physical violence or can it also refer to other types of harm?
While the verse does mention blood, the context of Isaiah 59:3 and surrounding verses suggests that it encompasses various forms of sin and injustice, such as oppression, dishonesty, and other forms of harm, as seen in Micah 6:8, where we are called to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
How can we cleanse our hands and fingers from iniquity as mentioned in this verse?
According to 1 John 1:9, if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness, and in James 4:8, we are instructed to draw near to God, and He will draw near to us, cleansing our hands and purifying our hearts.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be contributing to injustice or harm, even if unintentionally, and how can I make amends?
- In what ways have I spoken lies or muttered injustice with my tongue, and how can I work on speaking the truth in love?
- How can I examine my heart and actions to identify areas where I may be stained with the blood of others, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually?
- What are some practical steps I can take to promote justice, honesty, and mercy in my daily life, as instructed in verses like Isaiah 59:3 and Micah 6:8?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 59:3
For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity,.... From a general charge, the prophet proceeds to a particular enumeration of sins they were guilty of; and idolatry not being
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 59:3
For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 59:3
Your hands are defiled with blood: here the prophet comes from a more general to a more particular charge against them; by blood we are to understand either murders and bloodshed properly so called; or ways of injustice, extortion, oppression, and cruelties, whereby men are deprived of a livelihood; hence hating our brother is called murder, , and the inhabitants of Jerusalem called murderers. See how the prophet phraseth their oppression, . Your fingers: this is not added to protract the discourse, but to aggravate their sin: q.d. Not only your hands, but your fingers; you are not free from the least part of injustice. Your lips have spoken lies; not only properly so called, but perjuries, and wronging’ your neighbours by slanders and false accusations; wherein he shows they did not only offer violence by the hand, but they had ways of circumventing with their lips. Your tongue hath muttered: the verb doth properly signify to muse, or meditate; then the meaning is, that what they mutter, or utter with the tongue, they do it out of premeditated malice, from a perverse spirit; you may have a larger comment upon this . Perverseness: perverse words are such as are contrary to God’ s word, and it is put here in the abstract, to intimate that their words were every way contrary to God’ s will.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 59:3
Isaiah 59:3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.Ver. 3. For your hands are defiled with blood.] The prophet well knew that these perverse Jews would stand upon their justification, and put God to his proofs, as their posterity also did, catalogum ergo bene longum texit; therefore he here brings in a long bead roll of their sins, wherein their hands, lips, heart, feet, &c., were found guilty of high offence. See Isaiah 1:15. Your lips have spoken lies.] Those very "lips" of yours that have uttered prayers, have muttered lies. See James 3:10. And your tongue hath muttered perverseness.] How this was done, none hath better set forth than the prophet Jeremiah
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 59:3
(3) Your hands are defiled with blood.—The accusation of the “grand indictment” of Isaiah 1:15 is reproduced verbatim.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 59:3
Verse 3. Your tongue - "And your tongue"] An ancient MS., and the Septuagint and Vulgate, add the conjunction.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 59:3
3. your hands are defiled with blood] Cf. ch. Isaiah 1:15. hath uttered] Better muttereth (as R.V.).
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 59:3
For your hands are defiled with blood - The prophet proceeds here more particularly to specify the sins of which they were guilty; and in order to show the extent and depth of their depravity, he
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 59:3
3, 4. Hands… fingers… lips — The sins of Israel are sins of deed and word, by which accusation is to be found in every organ.
Sermons on Isaiah 59:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Strange Incense by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the opening of the seventh seal in the book of Revelation. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared and having a strong prayer life in |
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Doctrine of the Remnant - Part 1 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by praying for mercy upon America and for people to turn away from idols and serve God. He emphasizes the importance of not just worshiping God |
|
Blessed Are the Pure in Heart by Dwight Pentecost | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the poor quality of the recording but expresses hope that the message will still be a blessing. The speaker then reads from Psal |
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Knowing and Doing Good by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the importance of knowing and doing good, emphasizing that sinning knowingly and presumptuously is a heinous offense before God. He explains that to si |
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The Giver's Hand by John Henry Jowett | John Henry Jowett emphasizes the importance of offering gifts to the Lord with clean hands, highlighting that God looks at the heart of the giver rather than the gift itself. He st |
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Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 6 by Alan Cairns | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not forgetting the innocent bloodshed and the consequences of a nation turning away from God's covenant mercies. It warns against being div |
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K-026 I Love the lord...but by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Peter's denial of Jesus and the disciples' failure to stand firm in their faith. He then transitions to discussing the first ch |