For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them;

ISAIAH 59:12KJV
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Isaiah 59:12 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 59:12 mean?

Isaiah 59:12 describes how the people openly admit that their wrongdoings have grown many, and their sins stand as evidence against them before God. The verse shows a clear awareness and confession that their offenses and guilt are not hidden—they know exactly what they have done wrong.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking on behalf of the people of Israel, acknowledging to God that their repeated disobedience and moral failures are obvious and undeniable. The setting is one of honest confession, where the people do not try to hide or excuse their behavior but instead recognize the seriousness and the weight of their sins.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 59:12

  • "Transgressions" (פֶּשַׁע, pesha‘, H6588) refers to deliberate acts of rebellion or breaking away from what is right, not just accidental mistakes. This word highlights the intentional nature of their wrongdoing.
  • "Multiplied" (רָבָה, rabah, H7231) means to become many or increase. The use of this word stresses that their offenses are not just isolated incidents, but have grown numerous over time.
  • "Sins" (חַטָּאָה, chatta’ah, H2403) is a general word for moral failures or missing the mark. Here, it is paired with "testify" to show that these sins act as witnesses, making their guilt obvious.
  • "Testify" (עָנָה, ‘anah, H6030) means to answer or give evidence. The verse pictures their sins as if they are speaking up in court, making it impossible to deny what has happened.
  • "Iniquities" (עָוֹן, ‘avon, H5771) often refers to guilt or twisted behavior, adding another layer to the seriousness of their moral state.
  • "Know" (יָדַע, yada‘, H3045) means to be aware of or recognize. The people are not ignorant of their actions—they fully understand their guilt.

Why Isaiah 59:12 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that the people were unaware or innocent of their wrongdoing; instead, they are fully conscious and admit their guilt.
  • Isaiah 59:12 emphasizes that sin is not just a private matter—it accumulates and becomes undeniable, even standing as evidence in God’s presence.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of Isaiah 59, where the people’s separation from God is not because God is distant, but because their own actions have built a barrier. This confession is a step toward seeking restoration.

Where else these words appear

“multiplied” Hebrew H7231 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 6:1 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,
  • Psalms 25:19 Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:11 When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?

“transgressions” Hebrew H6588 · used in 90 verses

  • Genesis 31:36 And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?
  • Psalms 51:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
  • Lamentations 1:14 The yoke of my transgressions is bound by his hand: they are wreathed, and come up upon my neck: he hath made my strength to fall, the Lord hath delivered me into their hands, from whom I am not able to rise up.