Isaiah 57:20 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 57:20 mean?

Isaiah 57:20 uses the image of a restless, stormy sea to describe people who do evil, saying their lives are in constant turmoil and disturbance, always churning up trouble and impurity. The verse paints a picture of inner unrest and the inability to find peace, much like waves that keep tossing up mud and debris.

In this part of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking to the people of Israel, contrasting the peace promised to those who trust in God with the ongoing turmoil experienced by the wicked. The verse uses vivid natural imagery to help listeners understand the deep, unsettled state of those who reject what is right, showing that their lack of peace is both visible and unavoidable.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 57:20

• "wicked" (רָשָׁע, rashaʿ): This word refers to those who act unjustly or are morally wrong. The focus is on a pattern of life, not just a single act.
• "troubled" (גָּרַשׁ, garash): This word means to be driven or tossed about, giving the sense of being forcefully disturbed, not just gently stirred.
• "rest" (שָׁקַט, shaqat): This word means to be quiet or at peace. The verse highlights that the sea—and by comparison, the wicked—cannot settle down or find calm.
• "mire" (רֵפֶשׁ, rephesh) and "dirt" (טִיט, tit): These words refer to mud and filth stirred up from the bottom, emphasizing the pollution and chaos that come from the wicked, not just surface-level disturbance.

Why Isaiah 57:20 matters

• The verse clarifies that the unrest of the wicked is not just an outside problem but comes from within, like the sea’s own waters churning up mud.
• Isaiah 57:20 sets up a strong contrast with the next verse, which promises peace to the faithful, making the difference between the two groups even clearer.
• The imagery helps readers understand that the lack of peace is a natural result of wickedness, not just a punishment from outside forces.