Isaiah 59:9-11
New English Translation
Israel Confesses its Sin
9 For this reason deliverance[a] is far from us[b]
and salvation does not reach us.
We wait for light,[c] but see only darkness;[d]
we wait for[e] a bright light,[f] but live[g] in deep darkness.[h]
10 We grope along the wall like the blind,
we grope like those who cannot see;[i]
we stumble at noontime as if it were evening.
Though others are strong, we are like dead men.[j]
11 We all growl like bears,
we coo mournfully like doves;
we wait for deliverance,[k] but there is none,
for salvation, but it is far from us.
Footnotes
- Isaiah 59:9 tn מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat), which refers to “justice” in the earlier verses, here refers to “justice from God,” or “vindication.” Because the people are unjust, God refuses to vindicate them before their enemies. See v. 11.
- Isaiah 59:9 sn The prophet speaks on behalf of the sinful nation and confesses its sins.
- Isaiah 59:9 sn Light here symbolizes prosperity and blessing.
- Isaiah 59:9 tn Heb “but, look, darkness”; NIV “but all is darkness.”
- Isaiah 59:9 tn The words “we wait for” are supplied in the translation; the verb is understood by ellipsis (note the preceding line).
- Isaiah 59:9 tn The plural noun form may indicate degree here.
- Isaiah 59:9 tn Or “walk about”; NCV “all we have is darkness.”
- Isaiah 59:9 tn The plural noun form may indicate degree here.
- Isaiah 59:10 tn Heb “like there are no eyes.”
- Isaiah 59:10 tn Heb among the strong, like dead men.”
- Isaiah 59:11 tn See the note at v. 9.
Isaiah 59:9-11
New International Version
9 So justice is far from us,
and righteousness does not reach us.
We look for light, but all is darkness;(A)
for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows.
10 Like the blind(B) we grope along the wall,
feeling our way like people without eyes.
At midday we stumble(C) as if it were twilight;
among the strong, we are like the dead.(D)
11 We all growl like bears;
we moan mournfully like doves.(E)
We look for justice, but find none;
for deliverance, but it is far away.
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