Definition: The profane word Isaiah 9:19 is a mysterious and often misunderstood verse from the Hebrew Bible known to Jews as Exodus 20:8, where God's Law of Righteousness was described in detail.

Isaiah 9:19 states: "Thou shalt not make any addition unto nor subtract from it." The phrase "addition" and "subtraction," while both important parts of the law, have a more ominous tone when used without careful context. The Hebrew word for subtraction is halakha (halakhah), which is an ancient Jewish tradition that governs religious practices. In this verse, Isaiah 9:19 means that one cannot change the Law by adding or subtracting from it. It's like trying to alter God's blueprint of the world while still adhering to His laws and commandments. For example, if you wanted to add something to God’s law, you could argue that your actions were in line with His will because they reflected His divine standards. But if you tried to subtract something from His law, it wouldn't be within His will or the meaning of His Word. This verse is often used to illustrate how much Judaism values absolute adherence to religious laws and teachings over personal or temporal gains. The fear of deviation from these principles can be unsettling when one feels they are losing their place in God's kingdom.