Isaiah 59:7 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 59:7 mean?

Isaiah 59:7 describes people who are eager to do wrong, rushing to commit violence and harm others, with their minds filled with plans for injustice and destruction left wherever they go. The verse paints a picture of active, intentional wrongdoing rather than accidental or passive mistakes.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel, confronting them about their sinful behavior and the brokenness it causes in their society. This verse is part of a larger passage where Isaiah lists the ways people have turned away from what is right, showing how deeply injustice and violence have taken root among them.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 59:7

• "Feet" (רֶגֶל, regel; H7272) and "run" (רוּץ, ruts; H7323): These words together emphasize eagerness and speed, showing that the people are not just drifting into evil but are quick and willing to go toward it.
• "Iniquity" (אָוֶן, aven; H205): This word often refers to moral evil or wickedness, highlighting that their thoughts are not just misguided but deeply corrupt.
• "Wasting" (שֹׁד, shod; H7701) and "destruction" (שֶׁבֶר, shever; H7667): These words describe the results of their actions—ruin and devastation—making it clear that their behavior leads to real, tangible harm in their community.

Why Isaiah 59:7 matters

• Isaiah 59:7 clarifies that the problem is not just isolated bad acts but a pattern of eager, deliberate wrongdoing, which helps explain why justice and peace are missing from the community.
• The verse connects personal thoughts ("thoughts of iniquity") with public consequences ("wasting and destruction"), showing how inner attitudes lead to outward harm.
• This verse sets up the larger argument in Isaiah 59 about why God seems distant: it is the people's own persistent injustice that has created separation, not God's unwillingness to save.