Old Testament
Isaiah 59:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Listen — the LORD's hand is not too weak to save you, and his ear is not too dull to hear you.
Compare translations
Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
What Isaiah 59:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 59:1, the prophet emphasizes that God is fully capable of saving His people and listening to their cries for help. The verse reassures believers that God's power and ability to intervene in their lives are not limited. It highlights that any perceived distance or silence from God is not due to His inability but rather the consequences of sin and separation from Him. The message encourages individuals to recognize that God is always ready to respond to their needs and that they should not lose hope in His saving grace. This verse serves as a reminder that God is attentive and powerful, urging people to turn back to Him for help and restoration.
How to apply Isaiah 59:1 to your life
When feeling distant from God, remember that He is always ready to help and listen. Reflect on any barriers caused by sin and seek to restore your relationship with Him. Trust in His ability to save and guide you through difficult times.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Isaiah 59:1
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Isaiah 59:1
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 59:1 mean?
Isaiah 59:1 conveys that God is always capable of saving His people and listening to their prayers. It reassures believers that any sense of distance from God is not due to His inability but rather the effects of sin.
What is the meaning of 'the LORD's hand is not too weak to save you' in Isaiah 59:1?
This phrase means that God's power to save is limitless and not diminished. It emphasizes that He can intervene in any situation, no matter how dire.
How does Isaiah 59:1 relate to human separation from God?
The verse suggests that while God is powerful and attentive, human sin creates a separation that can make people feel distant from Him. It calls for recognition of this separation and a return to God.
What themes are present in Isaiah 59:1?
Key themes in Isaiah 59:1 include God's power to save, His attentiveness to prayers, the consequences of sin, and the hope for restoration through repentance.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.