The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.

ISAIAH 59:8KJV
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Isaiah 59:8 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 59:8 mean?

Isaiah 59:8 describes people who do not know the way to peace and have no justice in their actions; instead, they choose crooked paths, so anyone who follows them will never experience peace. The verse highlights a deep disconnect from what is right and a life marked by turmoil rather than harmony.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel, calling out their persistent wrongdoing and lack of justice. The language paints a picture of a society where people have turned away from fairness and righteousness, making their lives and the lives of those who follow them troubled and unsettled. Isaiah uses strong imagery to show that, without justice and right living, true peace is impossible.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 59:8

  • "Way" (דֶּרֶךְ, derek, H1870) means a road, path, or manner of life. Here, it emphasizes not just a physical path but a chosen lifestyle or direction.
  • "Peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom, H7965) often means more than just the absence of conflict; it includes wholeness, well-being, and harmony. The verse stresses that this deeper peace is missing.
  • "Judgment" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat, H4941) refers to justice or right decision-making. Its absence in their "goings" shows a lack of fairness and moral order.
  • "Crooked" (עִקֵּשׁ, iqqesh, H6140) means twisted or perverted. The people have intentionally made their paths dishonest or corrupt, not just mistaken.

Why Isaiah 59:8 matters

  • Isaiah 59:8 clears up the idea that peace is simply about calm circumstances; it shows that real peace is tied to justice and right living.
  • The verse emphasizes personal responsibility, warning that those who choose unjust or crooked ways not only harm themselves but also mislead others.
  • This verse connects to the wider chapter, where Isaiah lists the ways the people have separated themselves from God, explaining why their prayers go unanswered and their society is in distress.

Where else these words appear

“crooked” Hebrew H6140 · used in 5 verses

  • Job 9:20 If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.
  • Proverbs 10:9 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.
  • Proverbs 28:18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

“goings” Hebrew H4570 · used in 16 verses

  • 1 Samuel 17:20 And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.
  • Psalms 65:11 Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.
  • Proverbs 4:11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.

“paths” Hebrew H5410 · used in 26 verses

  • Judges 5:6 In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways.
  • Psalms 78:50 He made a way to his anger; he spared not their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence;
  • Proverbs 8:20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

“goeth” Hebrew H1869 · used in 59 verses

  • Numbers 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
  • Psalms 7:12 If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
  • Jeremiah 9:3 And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.