New International Version So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. New Living Translation Our courts oppose the righteous, and justice is nowhere to be found. Truth stumbles in the streets, and honesty has been outlawed. English Standard Version Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away; for truth has stumbled in the public squares, and uprightness cannot enter. Berean Standard Bible So justice is turned away, and righteousness stands at a distance. For truth has stumbled in the public square, and honesty cannot enter. Berean Literal Bible And justice is driven back, and righteousness stands afar off; for truth has stumbled in the plaza, and straightness is not able to enter. King James Bible And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. New King James Version Justice is turned back, And righteousness stands afar off; For truth is fallen in the street, And equity cannot enter. New American Standard Bible Justice is turned back, And righteousness stands far away; For truth has stumbled in the street, And uprightness cannot enter. NASB 1995 Justice is turned back, And righteousness stands far away; For truth has stumbled in the street, And uprightness cannot enter. NASB 1977 And justice is turned back, And righteousness stands far away; For truth has stumbled in the street, And uprightness cannot enter. Legacy Standard Bible Justice is turned back, And righteousness stands far away; For truth has stumbled in the street, And rightness cannot enter. Amplified Bible Justice is pushed back, And righteous behavior stands far away; For truth has fallen in the city square, And integrity cannot enter. Berean Annotated Bible So justice is turned away, and righteousness stands at a distance. For truth has stumbled in the public square, and honesty cannot enter. Christian Standard Bible Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far off. For truth has stumbled in the public square, and honesty cannot enter. Holman Christian Standard Bible Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far off. For truth has stumbled in the public square, and honesty cannot enter. American Standard Version And justice is turned away backward, and righteousness standeth afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and uprightness cannot enter. Contemporary English Version Injustice is everywhere; justice seems far away. Truth is chased out of court; honesty is shoved aside. English Revised Version And judgment is turned away backward, and righteousness standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and uprightness cannot enter. GOD'S WORD® Translation Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away. Truth has fallen in the street, and honesty can't come in. Good News Translation Justice is driven away, and right cannot come near. Truth stumbles in the public square, and honesty finds no place there. International Standard Version I'll drive back justice, and righteousness stands at a distance; for truth has fallen in the public square, and honesty cannot enter. NET Bible Justice is driven back; godliness stands far off. Indeed, honesty stumbles in the city square and morality is not even able to enter. New Heart English Bible Justice is turned away backward, and righteousness stands afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and uprightness can't enter. Webster's Bible Translation And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo justice is turned away, and righteousness stands at a distance. For truth has stumbled in the public square, and honesty cannot enter. World English Bible Justice is turned away backward, and righteousness stands far away; for truth has fallen in the street, and uprightness can’t enter. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd judgment is removed backward, "" And righteousness stands far off, "" For truth has been feeble in the street, "" And straightforwardness is not able to enter, Berean Literal Bible And justice is driven back, and righteousness stands afar off; for truth has stumbled in the plaza, and straightness is not able to enter. Young's Literal Translation And removed backward is judgment, And righteousness afar off standeth, For truth hath been feeble in the street, And straightforwardness is not able to enter, Smith's Literal Translation And judgment was turned away behind, and justice shall stand from far off: for truth fainted in the street, and right will not be able to come in. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd judgment is turned away backward, and justice hath stood far off: because truth bath fallen down in the street, and equity could not come in. Catholic Public Domain Version And judgment has been turned backwards, and justice has stood far away. For truth has fallen down in the street, and fairness was not able to enter. New American Bible Judgment is turned away, and justice stands far off; For truth stumbles in the public square, and uprightness cannot enter. New Revised Standard Version Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands at a distance; for truth stumbles in the public square, and uprightness cannot enter. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleJudgment is turned backward, and righteousness stands afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated We have turned judgment backward and we have stood righteousness at a distance, because the truth has fallen down in the road and reproof cannot come OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And justice is turned away backward, And righteousness standeth afar off; For truth hath stumbled in the broad place, And uprightness cannot enter. Brenton Septuagint Translation And we have turned judgment back, and righteousness has departed afar off: for truth is consumed in their ways, and they could not pass by a straight path. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Sin Separates Us from God…13rebelling and denying the LORD, turning away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering lies from the heart. 14So justice is turned away, and righteousness stands at a distance. For truth has stumbled in the public square, and honesty cannot enter. 15Truth is missing, and whoever turns from evil becomes prey. The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice.… Cross References So justice is turned away, Amos 5:7 There are those who turn justice into wormwood and cast righteousness to the ground. Psalm 82:3 Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.” and righteousness stands at a distance. Isaiah 46:13 I am bringing My righteousness near; it is not far away, and My salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion and adorn Israel with My splendor. Proverbs 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous. Romans 3:10-12 As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one. / There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. / All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” For truth has stumbled in the public square, Amos 5:10 There are those who hate the one who reproves in the gate and despise him who speaks with integrity. Jeremiah 5:1 “Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem. Look now and take note; search her squares. If you can find a single person, anyone who acts justly, anyone who seeks the truth, then I will forgive the city. Zechariah 8:16 These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another, render true and sound judgments in your gates, and honesty cannot enter. Psalm 101:7 No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who tells lies shall stand in my presence. Revelation 21:27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Psalm 15:2 He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart, Jeremiah 7:28 Therefore you must say to them, ‘This is the nation that would not listen to the voice of the LORD their God and would not receive correction. Truth has perished; it has disappeared from their lips. Hosea 4:1 Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel, for the LORD has a case against the people of the land: “There is no truth, no loving devotion, and no knowledge of God in the land! Micah 3:9 Now hear this, O leaders of the house of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel, who despise justice and pervert all that is right, Psalm 82:5 They do not know or understand; they wander in the darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. Treasury of Scripture And judgment is turned away backward, and justice stands afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. 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. Isaiah 5:23 Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! Isaiah 10:1,2 Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed; … Jump to Previous Able Afar Backward Behaviour Broad Driven Enter Equity Faith Fallen Far Good Judgment Justice Places Public Right Righteousness Squares Standeth Stands Straightforwardness Street Stumbled Truth Turned Upright UprightnessJump to Next Able Afar Backward Behaviour Broad Driven Enter Equity Faith Fallen Far Good Judgment Justice Places Public Right Righteousness Squares Standeth Stands Straightforwardness Street Stumbled Truth Turned Upright UprightnessIsaiah 59 1. Calamities are not due to lack of saving power in God, but to their own sins16. Salvation is only of God 20. The covenant of the Redeemer So justice is turned away, Israel’s courts and public life had rejected the standards God gave through His law. Those charged with defending the weak and judging rightly had allowed corruption and self-interest to prevail. Justice, meant to reflect the righteous rule of God, had been pushed aside, as Amos likewise condemned those who turned justice into bitterness. Amo 5:7 There are those who turn justice into wormwood… and righteousness stands at a distance. Conduct pleasing to God had become absent from the nation’s common life. The people had separated themselves from the holiness God required, leaving righteousness as though it were an unwelcome stranger. Their condition revealed the need for the righteous Servant who would fulfill God’s will perfectly and bring salvation. Isa 46:13 I am bringing My righteousness near; it is not far away… For truth has stumbled in the public square, The public square was the place of commerce, assembly, and legal judgment. Truth had fallen there because false testimony, deception, and unjust decisions governed matters that affected the whole community. Jeremiah similarly described a people from whose mouths truth had perished. Amo 5:10 There are those who hate the one who reproves in the gate… and honesty cannot enter. Integrity was excluded from the institutions meant to preserve order and administer justice. A society that bars honesty cannot correct its evil by human strength alone. The Lord would later act as Redeemer, bringing the righteousness and truth His people had forsaken, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the truth. Psa 101:7 No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house… Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book that bears his name. He prophesied to the Kingdom of Judah during a time of moral and spiritual decline. 2. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, which was often the focus of Isaiah's prophecies. During Isaiah's time, Judah faced threats from surrounding nations and internal corruption. 3. Public Square Represents the societal and communal life of the people. In ancient times, the public square was a place for gathering, discussion, and decision-making. 4. Justice and Righteousness These are key themes in Isaiah's prophecies, often representing God's standards and expectations for His people. 5. Truth and Honesty These concepts are central to the moral and ethical life of the community, reflecting God's character and His desire for His people to live in integrity. Teaching Points The Consequences of Moral DeclineWhen justice and righteousness are absent, society suffers. This verse serves as a warning about the dangers of turning away from God's standards. The Importance of Truth in Society Truth is foundational for a healthy community. As believers, we are called to uphold truth in all areas of life, reflecting God's character. The Role of Believers in Upholding Justice Christians are called to be agents of justice and righteousness, advocating for these values in their communities and personal lives. The Need for Personal Integrity Honesty and truthfulness should characterize the life of every believer. We must examine our own lives to ensure we are living in accordance with God's truth. Restoration through Christ While Isaiah highlights the problem, the New Testament provides the solution in Christ, who embodies truth and righteousness and empowers us to live accordingly. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Isaiah 59:14?2. How does Isaiah 59:14 describe the state of justice and truth today? 3. What actions can Christians take to uphold truth and justice in society? 4. How does Isaiah 59:14 connect with Jesus' teachings on truth in John 14:6? 5. What role does prayer play in addressing the issues highlighted in Isaiah 59:14? 6. How can the church actively restore "truth" and "justice" in the community? 7. How does Isaiah 59:14 reflect the state of justice in today's world? 8. What historical context influenced the message of Isaiah 59:14? 9. How does Isaiah 59:14 challenge our understanding of truth and morality? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 59? What Does Isaiah 59:14 Mean So justice is turned away• Isaiah describes a society where fair judgment is no longer practiced. The courts—meant to reflect God’s character—have been twisted by human sin. • In Isaiah 1:23 the prophet already lamented, “Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts.” That same corruption surfaces here. • Amos 5:7 warns of those who “turn justice into wormwood,” showing that when people abandon God’s standards, bitterness replaces fairness. • God’s heart for justice is clear in Deuteronomy 16:19: “You must not distort justice.” When His standard is rejected, society feels the consequences—especially the poor and vulnerable. and righteousness stands at a distance • Righteousness pictures right living that lines up with God’s law. When justice is shoved aside, righteousness has nowhere to land. • Proverbs 14:34 reminds us, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” Distance from righteousness brings national decline. • Psalm 11:7 affirms, “For the LORD is righteous, He loves justice.” If people drift from the Lord, they naturally drift from what He loves. • Isaiah 5:23 shows how unrighteous leaders “acquit the guilty for a bribe,” underscoring the gap between God’s standard and human practice. For truth has stumbled in the public square • “Public square” points to civic life—law, media, education, everyday conversation. Truth is pictured tripping and falling, unable to stand. • Hosea 4:1 similarly observes, “There is no faithfulness, no love, no knowledge of God in the land.” When God’s truth is ignored, deception gains ground. • Psalm 12:1-2 adds, “Everyone lies to his neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts.” • In John 18:37 Jesus declares, “Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.” A culture that silences His voice inevitably watches truth stumble. and honesty cannot enter • The gate to public life is shut against integrity; deceit becomes the accepted currency. • Zechariah 8:16 counsels, “Speak truth to one another; render true and sound judgments.” Closing the door to honesty violates this command. • Ephesians 4:25 urges believers, “Put away falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor.” The verse in Isaiah shows the tragic opposite. • Psalm 15:2 celebrates the one “who walks with integrity.” When honesty is barred, genuine fellowship with God and neighbor breaks down. summary Isaiah 59:14 paints a sobering picture: when a people reject God’s standards, justice is sidelined, righteousness retreats, truth collapses, and honesty is locked out. The verse exposes the spiritual root of social decay and urges a return to the Lord who alone anchors justice, righteousness, truth, and integrity in every sphere of life. (14) Truth is fallen in the street—i.e., the broad open place, or agora, of the city. The words point naturally to Jerusalem. If they refer to Babylon, we must assume, unless we deal with the language as altogether figurative, that the exiles had a quarter of their own, in which they had an agora for business and judicial proceedings.Verse 14. - Judgment is turned away backward. In conclusion, the crying sin of perversion of justice is admitted with much amplification.(1) Right judgment is exactly inverted - the innocent are condemned, the guilty acquitted. (2) Justice standeth afar off - too far off to be able to hear those who make appeal to it. (3) Truth is fallen in the street; i.e. false witness prevails over true in the courts of justice. . . . Hebrew So justiceמִשְׁפָּ֔ט (miš·pāṭ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style is turned away, וְהֻסַּ֤ג (wə·hus·saḡ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hofal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5253: Departing away, remove, take hold, turn away and righteousness וּצְדָקָ֖ה (ū·ṣə·ḏā·qāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 6666: Rightness, subjectively, objectively stands תַּעֲמֹ֑ד (ta·‘ă·mōḏ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations at a distance. מֵרָח֣וֹק (mê·rā·ḥō·wq) Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7350: Remote, of place, time, precious For כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction truth אֱמֶ֔ת (’ĕ·meṯ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 571: Stability, certainty, truth, trustworthiness has stumbled כָשְׁלָ֤ה (ḵā·šə·lāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 3782: To totter, waver, to falter, stumble, faint, fall in the public square, בָֽרְחוֹב֙ (ḇā·rə·ḥō·wḇ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 7339: A broad open place, plaza and honesty וּנְכֹחָ֖ה (ū·nə·ḵō·ḥāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5229: Straightforwardness, integrity, a truth cannot לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no enter. לָבֽוֹא׃ (lā·ḇō·w) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go Additonal Resources Isaiah 59:14 Blue Letter BibleIsaiah 59:14 Bible Gateway Isaiah 59:14 Bible.com Isaiah 59:14 NIV |
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