Isaiah 59:6

Isaiah 59:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Their cobwebs cannot be made into clothing, and they cannot cover themselves with their works. Their deeds are sinful deeds, and acts of violence are in their hands.

King James Version KJV

Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands.

American Standard Version ASV

Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Their twisted threads will not make clothing, and their works will give them nothing for covering themselves: their works are works of sin, and violent acts are in their hands.

Free Bible Version FBV

Their webs can't be made into clothes; they can't cover themselves by what they produce. What they do is wicked; they use their hands to commit violence.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Their webbes shall be no garment, neither shall they couer themselues with their labours: for their workes are workes of iniquitie, and the worke of crueltie is in their handes.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Their webs become not a garment, Nor do they cover themselves with their works, Their works [are] works of iniquity, And a deed of violence [is] in their hands.

World English Bible WEB

Their webs won’t become garments. They won’t cover themselves with their works. Their works are works of iniquity, and acts of violence are in their hands.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Their webs shall not be for clothing, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are unprofitable works, and the work of iniquity is in their hands.

Translation for Translators T4T

We people cannot hide/cover our skin with clothes made of spider webs [MET], and similarly you cannot hide the evil things that you have done. You are constantly acting [MTY] violently.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 59:6

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 59:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB קֽוּרֵי/הֶם֙ לֹא יִהְי֣וּ לְ/בֶ֔גֶד וְ/לֹ֥א יִתְכַּסּ֖וּ בְּ/מַֽעֲשֵׂי/הֶ֑ם מַֽעֲשֵׂי/הֶם֙ מַֽעֲשֵׂי אָ֔וֶן וּ/פֹ֥עַל חָמָ֖ס בְּ/כַפֵּי/הֶֽם

קֽוּרֵי/הֶם֙ qûwr H6980 web N-mp | Suff

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

יִהְי֣וּ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

לְ/בֶ֔גֶד beged H899 treachery Prep | N-ms

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

יִתְכַּסּ֖וּ kâçâh H3680 to cover V-Hithpael-Imperf-3mp

בְּ/מַֽעֲשֵׂי/הֶ֑ם maʻăseh H4639 deed Prep | N-mp | Suff

מַֽעֲשֵׂי/הֶם֙ maʻăseh H4639 deed N-mp | Suff

מַֽעֲשֵׂי maʻăseh H4639 deed N-mp

אָ֔וֶן ʼâven H205 evil N-ms

וּ/פֹ֥עַל pôʻal H6467 work Conj | N-ms

חָמָ֖ס châmâç H2555 violence N-ms

בְּ/כַפֵּי/הֶֽם kaph H3709 palm Prep | N-fd | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 59:6

קֽוּרֵי/הֶם֙ qûwr H6980 "web" N-mp | Suff

This word means a web or thread, often used to describe something intricate or complex. The KJV translates it as 'web'.

Definition: thread, film, web

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: web. See also: Isaiah 59:5; Isaiah 59:6.

לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יִהְי֣וּ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

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.

לְ/בֶ֔גֶד beged H899 "treachery" Prep | N-ms

In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.

Definition: treachery, deceit

Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

יִתְכַּסּ֖וּ kâçâh H3680 "to cover" V-Hithpael-Imperf-3mp

To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.

Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself

Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.

בְּ/מַֽעֲשֵׂי/הֶ֑ם maʻăseh H4639 "deed" Prep | N-mp | Suff

This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.

Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product

Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.

מַֽעֲשֵׂי/הֶם֙ maʻăseh H4639 "deed" N-mp | Suff

מַֽעֲשֵׂי maʻăseh H4639 "deed" N-mp

אָ֔וֶן ʼâven H205 "evil" N-ms

This word refers to evil, wickedness, or trouble, often describing idolatry or iniquity, and is used in various KJV translations to convey a sense of wrongdoing.

Definition: 1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow 1a) trouble, sorrow 1b) idolatry 1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness Also means: a.ven (אָ֫וֶן ": trouble" H0205H)

Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain, vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare H369 (אַיִן). See also: Numbers 23:21; Psalms 94:23; Psalms 5:6.

וּ/פֹ֥עַל pôʻal H6467 "work" Conj | N-ms

A work or deed is what this word refers to, describing something that has been done or made. It can also mean wages or the result of an action.

Definition: 1) work, deed, doing 1a) deed, thing done 1b) work, thing made 1c) wages of work 1d) acquisition (of treasure)

Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: act, deed, do, getting, maker, work. See also: Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalms 104:23; Psalms 9:17.

חָמָ֖ס châmâç H2555 "violence" N-ms

This word describes violence, injustice, or cruelty, often referring to unfair treatment of others. In Isaiah and Jeremiah, it condemns oppressive behaviors, highlighting the need for justice and fairness. It involves wrongdoing and harm to others.

Definition: violence, wrong, cruelty, injustice

Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, [idiom] oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong. See also: Genesis 6:11; Proverbs 10:11; Psalms 7:17.

בְּ/כַפֵּי/הֶֽם kaph H3709 "palm" Prep | 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.

Study Notes — Isaiah 59:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Isaiah 59:6 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 59:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 59:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 59:6
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 59:6
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 59:6
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 59:6
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 59:6
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 59:6
Sermons on Isaiah 59:6

Context — Sin Separates Us from God

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.

6Their cobwebs cannot be made into clothing, and they cannot cover themselves with their works. Their deeds are sinful deeds, and acts of violence are in their hands.

7Their feet run to evil; they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are sinful thoughts; ruin and destruction lie in their wake. 8The way of peace they have not known, and there is no justice in their tracks. They have turned them into crooked paths; no one who treads on them will know peace.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 57:12	I will expose your righteousness and your works, and they will not profit you.
2	Revelation 3:17–18	You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.
3	Jeremiah 6:7	As a well gushes its water, so she pours out her evil. Violence and destruction resound in her; sickness and wounds are ever before Me.
4	Amos 3:10	“For they know not how to do right,” declares the LORD. “They store up violence and destruction in their citadels.”
5	Zephaniah 1:9	On that day I will punish all who leap over the threshold, who fill the house of their master with violence and deceit.
6	Isaiah 58:4	You fast with contention and strife to strike viciously with your fist. You cannot fast as you do today and have your voice be heard on high.
7	Job 8:14–15	His confidence is fragile; his security is in a spider’s web. He leans on his web, but it gives way; he holds fast, but it does not endure.
8	Genesis 6:11	Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and full of violence.
9	Romans 3:20–22	Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction,
10	Ezekiel 7:23	Forge the chain, for the land is full of crimes of bloodshed, and the city is full of violence.

Isaiah 59:6 Summary

This verse means that the wicked cannot use their own efforts or works to cover their sin or make themselves righteous. Their sinful deeds and acts of violence show that they are separated from God and need His forgiveness and salvation, as seen in Isaiah 59:6. This is why we need to trust in God's mercy and forgiveness, rather than trying to rely on our own works or efforts, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-9. By recognizing our own sin and helplessness, we can turn to God and receive His salvation and forgiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that their cobwebs cannot be made into clothing?

This phrase is a metaphor that means the wicked cannot use their own efforts or works to cover their sin or make themselves righteous, as seen in Isaiah 59:6 and also in Proverbs 28:13, where it says that whoever conceals their transgressions will not prosper.

How can I apply this verse to my own life?

This verse reminds us that our own works and efforts are insufficient to cover our sin or make us righteous, and that we need to rely on God's mercy and forgiveness, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-9, which says that salvation is a gift from God, not from our own works.

What does it mean that their deeds are sinful deeds and acts of violence are in their hands?

This phrase means that the wicked are characterized by sinful and violent actions, which is a result of their sinful nature, as seen in Jeremiah 17:9, which says that the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.

How does this verse relate to the concept of salvation?

This verse highlights the fact that we cannot save ourselves through our own works or efforts, but rather we need to rely on God's salvation, as seen in Romans 3:20, which says that no one will be justified in God's sight by the works of the law.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I try to 'cover myself' with my own works or efforts, rather than relying on God's mercy and forgiveness?
How can I recognize and repent of sinful deeds and acts of violence in my own life?
What does it mean to 'weave a spider's web' of sin and deceit, and how can I avoid doing so in my own life?
How can I trust in God's salvation and forgiveness, rather than trying to rely on my own works or efforts?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 59:6

Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works,.... As spiders' webs are not fit to make garments of, are too thin to cover naked bodies, or shelter from

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 59:6

Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 59:6

Their webs shall not become garments, i.e. their contrivances and deep designs shall not advantage them, they being like a thin and raw garment, either through which all their wretchedness and malice will appear, as the next words intimate; or, for want of solidity and substance, shall not be able to defend them from their impending evils. Works of iniquity, i.e. works of injustice, whereby their grieve and vex their brethren, which the next words do clear. The act of violence is in their hands, i.e. they exercise themselves in all acts of violence and oppression.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 59:6

Isaiah 59:6 Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works [are] works of iniquity, and the act of violence [is] in their hands.Ver. 6. Their webs shall not become garments.] "Garments" quasi gardments; one use of them being to guard our bodies from the injury of wind and weather. Wicked devices and false doctrines profit not those that are therein occupied. In the day of God’ s wrath, they will prove but as a coat of cobweb. Their works are works of iniquity.] Here ministers may learn roundly to reprove the sins of the people.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 59:6

(6) Their webs shall not become garments.—See the same figure in Isaiah 30:1. The point of the comparison lies chiefly in the uselessness of the spider’s webs, but the second clause emphasises also the fact that the only purpose which the webs serve is one of mischief. They may catch flies, they cannot clothe men.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 59:6

6. Development of the second image of Isa 59:5, the point of comparison being the uselessness for any good social end of the schemes devised by the ungodly. shall not become garments] i.e. “shall not serve for a garment.” neither shall they cover themselves &c.] Better, neither shall men cover themselves &c. (indefinite subj.).

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 59:6

Their webs shall not become garments - The spider’s web is unfit for clothing; and the idea here is, that their works are as unfit to secure salvation as the attenuated web of a spider is for raiment.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 59:6

5, 6. Cockatrice’s eggs — Hatched into basilisks, (see Isaiah 11:8;) a fabulous reptile — its gaze supposed to be fatal, its eggs, as food, certainly poisonous.

Sermons on Isaiah 59:6

	Sermon	Description
	The Best, Not the Good by Vance Havner	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making choices in life between the bad, the good, and the best. He highlights the danger of settling for the good when we c
	Burning Fire of the Spirit - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the description of the throne of God in Revelation 4:5. They emphasize that their aim is to provide practical teachings that lead to real-lif
	Blind Man's Bluff by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the question of why people should go to church. He explains that going to church is not just a commandment, but also a testimony of one's bel
	Babylon Is Falling by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the emergence of a new wave of Holy Ghost music in the church. He emphasizes the importance of worship and praise, particularly through the r
	I Wish That You Were Cold or Hot by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of losing focus on God amidst worldly success and prosperity. He highlights the story of a wealthy city that had become self-suff
	Eyes to See (2 of 2) by Jackie Pullinger	In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a kind-hearted Indian pastor who had a small church in his home. Despite his limited resources, the pastor and his congregation wer
	Gathering in Jesus Name (Tamil) by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual progress and becoming more like Jesus Christ each year. It highlights the need to forget past accomplishments and focus on contin