Isaiah 57:12
Isaiah 57:12 in Multiple Translations
I will expose your righteousness and your works, and they will not profit you.
I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee.
I will declare thy righteousness; and as for thy works, they shall not profit thee.
I will make clear what your righteousness is like and your works; you will have no profit in them.
I'm going to let everyone know about how you're “so good” and the things you do—but they won't help you!
I will declare thy righteousnes and thy workes, and they shall not profite thee.
I declare thy righteousness, and thy works, And they do not profit thee.
I will declare your righteousness; and as for your works, they will not benefit you.
I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee.
I will declare thy justice, and thy works shall not profit thee.
You think that [IRO] the things that you have done are right, but I will tell the truth. It will not help you to do any of those things.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 57:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 57:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֲנִ֥י
אַגִּ֖יד
צִדְקָתֵ֑/ךְ
וְ/אֶֽת
מַעֲשַׂ֖יִ/ךְ
וְ/לֹ֥א
יוֹעִילֽוּ/ךְ
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
אַגִּ֖יד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
צִדְקָתֵ֑/ךְ
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
righteousness
N-fs | Suff
וְ/אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
מַעֲשַׂ֖יִ/ךְ
maʻăseh
H4639
deed
N-mp | Suff
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יוֹעִילֽוּ/ךְ
yaʻal
H3276
to gain
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 57:12
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
אַגִּ֖יד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
צִדְקָתֵ֑/ךְ
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
"righteousness"
N-fs | Suff
Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.
Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)
Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.
וְ/אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מַעֲשַׂ֖יִ/ךְ
maʻăseh
H4639
"deed"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יוֹעִילֽוּ/ךְ
yaʻal
H3276
"to gain"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means to gain or ascend, and can also mean to be valuable or beneficial. It is used in various forms in the Bible to convey the idea of profit or advantage.
Definition: (Hiphil) to gain, profit, benefit, avail
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, set forward, can do good, (be, have) profit, (able). See also: 1 Samuel 12:21; Isaiah 44:10; Proverbs 10:2.
Study Notes — Isaiah 57:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 57:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 57:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 57:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 57:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 57:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 57:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 57:12
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 57:12
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 57:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 57:12
- Sermons on Isaiah 57:12
Context — God Condemns Idolatry
10You are wearied by your many journeys, but you did not say, “There is no hope!” You found renewal of your strength; therefore you did not grow weak.
11Whom have you dreaded and feared, so that you lied and failed to remember Me or take this to heart? Is it not because I have long been silent that you do not fear Me?
12I will expose your righteousness and your works, and they will not profit you.
13When you cry out, let your companies of idols deliver you! Yet the wind will carry off all of them, a breath will take them away. But he who seeks refuge in Me will inherit the land and possess My holy mountain.” 14And it will be said, “Build it up, build it up, prepare the way, take every obstacle out of the way of My people.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 23:13 | Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter. |
| 2 | Micah 3:2–4 | You hate good and love evil. You tear the skin from my people and strip the flesh from their bones. You eat the flesh of my people after stripping off their skin and breaking their bones. You chop them up like flesh for the cooking pot, like meat in a cauldron.” Then they will cry out to the LORD, but He will not answer them. At that time He will hide His face from them because of the evil they have done. |
| 3 | Isaiah 1:11–15 | “What good to Me is your multitude of sacrifices?” says the LORD. “I am full from the burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I take no delight in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. When you come to appear before Me, who has required this of you— this trampling of My courts? Bring your worthless offerings no more; your incense is detestable to Me— your New Moons, Sabbaths, and convocations. I cannot endure iniquity in a solemn assembly. I hate your New Moons and your appointed feasts. They have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. |
| 4 | Romans 3:10–20 | As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one. There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The venom of vipers is on their lips.” “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” “Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery lie in their wake, and the way of peace they have not known.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 7:4–11 | Do not trust in deceptive words, chanting: ‘This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD.’ For if you really correct your ways and deeds, if you act justly toward one another, if you no longer oppress the foreigner and the fatherless and the widow, and if you no longer shed innocent blood in this place or follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers forever and ever. But look, you keep trusting in deceptive words to no avail. Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known, and then come and stand before Me in this house, which bears My Name, and say, ‘We are delivered, so we can continue with all these abominations’? Has this house, which bears My Name, become a den of robbers in your sight? Yes, I too have seen it, declares the LORD. |
| 6 | Isaiah 64:5 | You welcome those who gladly do right, who remember Your ways. Surely You were angry, for we sinned. How can we be saved if we remain in our sins? |
| 7 | Isaiah 66:3–4 | Whoever slaughters an ox is like one who slays a man; whoever sacrifices a lamb is like one who breaks a dog’s neck; whoever presents a grain offering is like one who offers pig’s blood; whoever offers frankincense is like one who blesses an idol. Indeed, they have chosen their own ways and delighted in their abominations. So I will choose their punishment and I will bring terror upon them, because I called and no one answered, I spoke and no one listened. But they did evil in My sight and chose that in which I did not delight.” |
| 8 | Isaiah 29:15 | Woe to those who dig deep to hide their plans from the LORD. In darkness they do their works and say, “Who sees us, and who will know?” |
| 9 | Matthew 23:5 | All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. |
| 10 | Romans 10:2–3 | For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge. Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. |
Isaiah 57:12 Summary
[This verse means that God will show us that our good deeds and efforts to be righteous are not enough to save us or make us right with Him, as seen in Isaiah 57:12, and also in Romans 3:20, which tells us that no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by the works of the law.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to expose our righteousness and works?
It means that God will reveal the true nature and motivation behind our actions, and we will see that they are not sufficient to save us, as stated in Isaiah 57:12, and also echoed in Ephesians 2:8-9, which tells us that our salvation is a gift from God, not a result of our own works.
Why will our righteousness and works not profit us?
Our righteousness and works will not profit us because they are imperfect and tainted by sin, as seen in Isaiah 64:6, which says that our righteous acts are like filthy rags, and therefore, they cannot earn us salvation or favor with God, as stated in Romans 3:20.
Is this verse saying that we should not do good works or try to be righteous?
No, this verse is not saying that we should not do good works or try to be righteous, but rather that we should not rely on our own righteousness or works to save us, as stated in Titus 3:5, which tells us that we are saved by God's mercy and not by our own works, and instead, we should trust in God's mercy and grace, as seen in Psalm 103:8-12.
How can we have true righteousness and works that are pleasing to God?
We can have true righteousness and works that are pleasing to God by trusting in Jesus Christ and allowing Him to live through us, as seen in Galatians 2:20, and by obeying God's commands and living a life of love and service to others, as stated in Matthew 22:37-40, and also in 1 John 3:18, which tells us to love not only in words, but in actions.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I try to earn God's favor or salvation through my own works or righteousness, and how can I surrender these efforts to God?
- How can I distinguish between doing good works out of a desire to please God versus doing them to earn His favor or salvation?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's mercy and grace rather than my own abilities or works?
- How can I cultivate a heart of humility and recognition of my own sinfulness, as seen in Isaiah 57:12, and what role does this play in my relationship with God?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 57:12
I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works,.... For, notwithstanding all the idolatry, superstition, irreligion, and cruelty of the church of Rome, she makes large pretences to righteousness, by
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 57:12
I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee. Declare thy righteousness - I will expose publicly thy (hypocritical) righteousness.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 57:12
I will declare; I will no longer be silent and patient towards thee. Thy righteousness and thy works; which may be put for the righteousness of thy works, by that known figure, of which See Poole "", whereby he means their wickedness, which he calleth their righteousness, either ironically, or because it was covered with a pretence of righteousness, and they alleged that this was a just and lawful thing, when they were distressed to seek for help from their neighbours or allies. The sense is, I will discover whether thy works be righteous, as thou pretendest they are; my punishments shall manifest the wickedness of thy actions. They shall not profit thee; these actions shall do thee no good, but much hurt.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 57:12
Isaiah 57:12 I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee.Ver. 12. I will declare thy righteousness,] i.e., Thine unrighteousness, by an irony; or, Thy righteousness secundum dici, non secundum esse, thine hypocrisy. For they shall not profit thee.] Nay, they shall undo thee. Antiphrasis ironica.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 57:12
(12) I will declare thy righteousness . . .—Accepting the Hebrew text, we must look on the word as used ironically, the righteousness which is no righteousness. Comp. Isaiah 64:6. A slight alteration, adopted by many critics, gives “my righteousness.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 57:12
Verse 12. Thy righteousness - "My righteousness"] For צדקתך tsidkathech, THY righteousness, the Syriac, Septuagint, MSS. Alex. and Pachom., and I. D. II., and Marchal. and οἱΓ, and the Arabic, read צדקי tsidki, MY righteousness.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 57:12
3–13. Invective against an idolatrous party.—With regard to the reference of this obscure and difficult passage the following points have to be noticed: (1) The scenery of Isa 57:5-6 is unmistakeably Palestinian (wadis, clefts of the rock, terebinths). (2) Several of the rites specified bear the complexion of Canaanitish heathenism, and could not have been performed in Babylonia. (3) The opening words (“But ye”) seem to imply that the people addressed are distinct from those whose leaders are denounced in Isaiah 56:10-12. (4) Those spoken of are animated by contempt and hatred of the cause and people of Jehovah (Isaiah 57:4), while at the same time they advance pretensions to “righteousness” or correctness of religious standing (Isaiah 57:12). (5) They have persisted in their abominations down to the time of the prophecy (Isaiah 57:10-13). On the supposition that the prophecy was written after the return from Babylon, there is much plausibility in the view that the party here addressed is the Samaritan community. This theory is at all events simpler than that advocated by the majority of critics, who have felt the force of the objections against exilic authorship, and have accordingly supposed that the passage (or its original) was written at some time previous to the Captivity and borrowed by the great prophet of the Exile as a warning against idolatrous tendencies which still manifested themselves in Babylon. (See further Introduction, pp. lvii, lix). The connexion between this section and the preceding would be explained by the fact that the Jewish aristocracy cultivated friendly relations with the Samaritans; there was a serious danger that the struggling Jewish community should by these alliances be dragged down to the level of their semi-pagan neighbours.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 57:12
I will declare thy righteousness - This is evidently spoken ironically. The sense is, ‘you have devoted yourselves to idols, and you have sought the aid of foreigners.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 57:12
12, 13. About the whole case only words of irony can be suitable. These we have in Isaiah 57:12, etc. I will declare thy righteousness — Israel’s righteousness was more than profitless — it was outrageous impiety.
Sermons on Isaiah 57:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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As for Me by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher references historical figures like Patrick Henry and Joshua from the Old Testament to emphasize the importance of making a firm decision to serve God. |
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It's Harvest Time by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of harvest time and how it relates to the current generation. He emphasizes that God knew the unique challenges this generation wo |
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Grain Offering - Leviticus 2 by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the speaker discusses his visit to the Airport Vineyard Church in Toronto and expresses his shock at the extreme and unscriptural practices he witnessed there. He e |
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(Basics) 59. Hypocrisy by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the parable of the ten virgins who went to meet the bridegroom. Externally, all ten virgins appeared the same, wearing white dresses and going |
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Reality Through the Cross by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reality in the kingdom of God. He explains that simply preaching the word or having knowledge of the Bible is not enough. J |
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Parables of Jesus - 04 the Danger of Legalism by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the two sons from Matthew's Gospel. He emphasizes the importance of judging ourselves rather than others, as God will ultimate |
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Identifying Some Signs of the Last Days by William Crews | This sermon delves into the dangers of false prophets and teachers, emphasizing their deceptive tactics, the rise of false doctrines, and the impact on individuals and society. It |