According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence.

ISAIAH 59:18KJV
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Isaiah 59:18 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 59:18 mean?

Isaiah 59:18 says that God will repay people according to what they have done, showing anger toward those who oppose Him and giving back to His enemies what they deserve, even reaching distant lands. The verse emphasizes that God’s response is measured and just, matching each person’s actions.

In this part of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking to the people of Israel about God’s coming judgment against wrongdoing. The verse highlights that God is not indifferent to evil; He will act with “fury” against adversaries and “recompence” to enemies, including those far away (“the islands”), showing that His justice is far-reaching and not limited to one group or place.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 59:18

  • The word for “deeds” is גְּמוּל (gemul), which means actions or what someone deserves. This shows that God’s response is directly tied to what people have done, not random or unfair.
  • “Repay” comes from שָׁלַם (shalam), meaning to pay back or make whole. This word often carries the sense of settling accounts, so God’s repayment is about restoring balance or justice.
  • “Fury” is חֵמָה (chemah), which means intense anger or wrath. This highlights the seriousness of God’s response to those who oppose Him.
  • “Islands” is אִי (’iy), which can also mean distant coastlands. This suggests that God’s justice is not just for Israel but extends to far-off nations as well.

Why Isaiah 59:18 matters

  • Isaiah 59:18 clarifies that God’s judgment is not arbitrary; it is based on people’s actual deeds, correcting the idea that God punishes without reason.
  • The verse stresses that God’s justice reaches beyond Israel, showing His concern for all nations and not just His own people.
  • This verse connects to the wider message of Isaiah 59, where the prophet describes a time when God will intervene directly because of widespread injustice and wrongdoing, making clear that no one is beyond the reach of His justice.

Where else these words appear

“deeds” Hebrew H1578 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Samuel 19:36 Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward?
  • Jeremiah 51:56 Because the spoiler is come upon her, even upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, every one of their bows is broken: for the LORD God of recompences shall surely requite.

“recompence” Hebrew H1576 · used in 17 verses

  • Judges 9:16 Now therefore, if ye have done truly and sincerely, in that ye have made Abimelech king, and if ye have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have done unto him according to the deserving of his hands;
  • Psalms 137:8 O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.
  • Isaiah 66:6 A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the LORD that rendereth recompence to his enemies.

“islands” Hebrew H339 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 10:5 By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.
  • Isaiah 41:5 The isles saw it, and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid, drew near, and came.
  • Jeremiah 31:10 Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.

“to” Hebrew H5921 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
  • Genesis 31:50 If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee.
  • 1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.