Old Testament
Isaiah 59:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He saw that there was no one, and was amazed that there was no intercessor. So his own arm brought salvation to him, and his righteousness upheld him.
Compare translations
And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.
What Isaiah 59:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God observes the state of humanity and is troubled to find that no one is willing to stand in the gap as an intercessor for the people. This lack of a mediator leads Him to take action on His own. The phrase 'his own arm brought salvation' signifies that God Himself intervenes to save His people, demonstrating His power and righteousness. The imagery of God's arm suggests strength and capability, emphasizing that salvation is not dependent on human effort but on divine intervention. This verse highlights God's desire for intercession and the seriousness of the human condition, where sin and separation from God prevail. It also reassures believers that even in times of despair, God is actively working to bring about salvation and uphold righteousness, showing His commitment to His people despite their shortcomings.
How to apply Isaiah 59:16 to your life
This verse encourages us to be intercessors in our communities, praying for those who cannot pray for themselves. It reminds us of the importance of standing in the gap for others and trusting in God's power to bring about change and salvation in difficult situations.
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 59:16
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 59:16
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 59:16 mean?
Isaiah 59:16 means that God noticed there was no one to intercede for humanity, which led Him to take action on His own to bring salvation. It highlights God's initiative in saving His people and emphasizes His power and righteousness.
What is the significance of 'intercessor' in Isaiah 59:16?
The term 'intercessor' in Isaiah 59:16 signifies someone who mediates or pleads on behalf of others. The verse shows God's disappointment that no one was willing to take on this role, prompting Him to act independently for the salvation of His people.
What does 'his own arm brought salvation' mean in Isaiah 59:16?
The phrase 'his own arm brought salvation' in Isaiah 59:16 indicates that God Himself intervened to save His people, demonstrating His strength and capability. It emphasizes that salvation is not reliant on human efforts but on God's direct action.
What themes are present in Isaiah 59:16?
Isaiah 59:16 encompasses themes such as divine intervention, the need for intercession, the human condition of sin, salvation, righteousness, and God's power. These themes illustrate God's commitment to His people and His active role in their salvation.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.