Isaiah 57:20
Isaiah 57:20 in Multiple Translations
But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its waves churn up mire and muck.
But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
But the wicked are like the troubled sea; for it cannot rest, and its waters cast up mire and dirt.
But the evil-doers are like the troubled sea, for which there is no rest, and its waters send up earth and waste.
But the wicked are like the sea that is tossed about, never keeping still, churning up the mud and muck with its waves.
But the wicked are like the raging sea, that can not rest, whose waters cast vp myre and dirt.
And the wicked [are] as the driven out sea, For to rest it is not able, And its waters cast out filth and mire.
But the wicked are like the troubled sea; for it can’t rest and its waters cast up mire and mud.
But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
But the wicked are like the raging sea, which cannot rest, and the waves thereof cast up dirt and mire.
Wicked people do not have peace in their inner beings; they are like [SIM] a sea whose waves are always churning up mud,
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 57:20
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 57:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָ/רְשָׁעִ֖ים
כַּ/יָּ֣ם
נִגְרָ֑שׁ
כִּ֤י
הַשְׁקֵט֙
לֹ֣א
יוּכָ֔ל
וַ/יִּגְרְשׁ֥וּ
מֵימָ֖י/ו
רֶ֥פֶשׁ
וָ/טִֽיט
וְ/הָ/רְשָׁעִ֖ים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Conj | Art | Adj
כַּ/יָּ֣ם
yâm
H3220
West
Prep | N-ms
נִגְרָ֑שׁ
gârash
H1644
to drive out
V-Niphal
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הַשְׁקֵט֙
shâqaṭ
H8252
to quiet
V-Hiphil-Ptc
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יוּכָ֔ל
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וַ/יִּגְרְשׁ֥וּ
gârash
H1644
to drive out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מֵימָ֖י/ו
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp | Suff
רֶ֥פֶשׁ
rephesh
H7516
mire
N-ms
וָ/טִֽיט
ṭîyṭ
H2916
mud
Conj | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 57:20
וְ/הָ/רְשָׁעִ֖ים
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Conj | Art | Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
כַּ/יָּ֣ם
yâm
H3220
"West"
Prep | N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
נִגְרָ֑שׁ
gârash
H1644
"to drive out"
V-Niphal
This Hebrew word means to drive out or expel, often used in the context of divorce or being forced to leave a place, as seen in the story of Israel's exile. It can also mean to trouble or cast out. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : drive out 1) to drive out, expel, cast out, drive away, divorce, put away, thrust away, trouble, cast up 1a) (Qal) to thrust out, cast out 1b) (Niphal) to be driven away, be tossed 1c) (Piel) to drive out, drive away 1d) (Pual) to be thrust out Also means: ga.rash (גָּרַשׁ ": divorce" H1644H)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: cast up (out), divorced (woman), drive away (forth, out), expel, [idiom] surely put away, trouble, thrust out. See also: Genesis 3:24; Joshua 24:18; Psalms 34:1.
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הַשְׁקֵט֙
shâqaṭ
H8252
"to quiet"
V-Hiphil-Ptc
To quiet or be at peace is what this Hebrew word means, like the stillness after a storm, as described in Psalm 107:30.
Definition: 1) to be quiet, be tranquil, be at peace, be quiet, rest, lie still, be undisturbed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be quiet, be undisturbed 1a1a) to be at peace (of land) 1a2) to be quiet, be inactive 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to show quietness 1b1a) quietness, display of quietness (subst) 1b2) to quiet, be quiet 1b3) to cause quietness, pacify, allay
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: appease, idleness, (at, be at, be in, give) quiet(-ness), (be at, be in, give, have, take) rest, settle, be still. See also: Joshua 11:23; Psalms 76:9; Psalms 83:2.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
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.
יוּכָ֔ל
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
וַ/יִּגְרְשׁ֥וּ
gârash
H1644
"to drive out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to drive out or expel, often used in the context of divorce or being forced to leave a place, as seen in the story of Israel's exile. It can also mean to trouble or cast out. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : drive out 1) to drive out, expel, cast out, drive away, divorce, put away, thrust away, trouble, cast up 1a) (Qal) to thrust out, cast out 1b) (Niphal) to be driven away, be tossed 1c) (Piel) to drive out, drive away 1d) (Pual) to be thrust out Also means: ga.rash (גָּרַשׁ ": divorce" H1644H)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: cast up (out), divorced (woman), drive away (forth, out), expel, [idiom] surely put away, trouble, thrust out. See also: Genesis 3:24; Joshua 24:18; Psalms 34:1.
מֵימָ֖י/ו
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp | Suff
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
רֶ֥פֶשׁ
rephesh
H7516
"mire"
N-ms
Muddy or roiled water is what this word describes, like in Psalm 40:2 where the writer is stuck in the mud. It's a messy and difficult situation to be in.
Definition: mire, mud
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: mire. See also: Isaiah 57:20.
וָ/טִֽיט
ṭîyṭ
H2916
"mud"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to mud or clay, and is also used figuratively to describe a difficult or calamitous situation. It appears in the Bible as a symbol of chaos or mess.
Definition: 1) mud, clay, mire, damp dirt 1a) mud, mire 1b) clay (poetical) Aramaic equivalent: tin (טִין "common" H2917)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: clay, dirt, mire. See also: 2 Samuel 22:43; Isaiah 57:20; Psalms 18:43.
Study Notes — Isaiah 57:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 57:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 57:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 57:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 57:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 57:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 57:20
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 57:20
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 57:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 57:20
- Sermons on Isaiah 57:20
Context — Healing for the Repentant
18I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will guide him and restore comfort to him and his mourners,
19bringing praise to their lips. Peace, peace to those far and near,” says the LORD, “and I will heal them.”
20But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its waves churn up mire and muck.
21“There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 3:11 | Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done. |
| 2 | Proverbs 4:16–17 | For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; they are deprived of slumber until they make someone fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. |
| 3 | Job 18:5–14 | Indeed, the lamp of the wicked is extinguished; the flame of his fire does not glow. The light in his tent grows dark, and the lamp beside him goes out. His vigorous stride is shortened, and his own schemes trip him up. For his own feet lead him into a net, and he wanders into its mesh. A trap seizes his heel; a snare grips him. A noose is hidden in the ground, and a trap lies in his path. Terrors frighten him on every side and harass his every step. His strength is depleted, and calamity is ready at his side. It devours patches of his skin; the firstborn of death devours his limbs. He is torn from the shelter of his tent and is marched off to the king of terrors. |
| 4 | Psalms 73:18–20 | Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin. How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors! Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form. |
| 5 | Jude 1:12 | These men are hidden reefs in your love feasts, shamelessly feasting with you but shepherding only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried along by the wind; fruitless trees in autumn, twice dead after being uprooted. |
| 6 | Job 20:11–29 | The youthful vigor that fills his bones will lie down with him in the dust. Though evil is sweet in his mouth and he conceals it under his tongue, though he cannot bear to let it go and keeps it in his mouth, yet in his stomach his food sours into the venom of cobras within him. He swallows wealth but vomits it out; God will force it from his stomach. He will suck the poison of cobras; the fangs of a viper will kill him. He will not enjoy the streams, the rivers flowing with honey and cream. He must return the fruit of his labor without consuming it; he cannot enjoy the profits of his trading. For he has oppressed and forsaken the poor; he has seized houses he did not build. Because his appetite is never satisfied, he cannot escape with his treasure. Nothing is left for him to consume; thus his prosperity will not endure. In the midst of his plenty, he will be distressed; the full force of misery will come upon him. When he has filled his stomach, God will vent His fury upon him, raining it down on him as he eats. Though he flees from an iron weapon, a bronze-tipped arrow will pierce him. It is drawn out of his back, the gleaming point from his liver. Terrors come over him. Total darkness is reserved for his treasures. A fire unfanned will consume him and devour what is left in his tent. The heavens will expose his iniquity, and the earth will rise up against him. The possessions of his house will be removed, flowing away on the day of God’s wrath. This is the wicked man’s portion from God, the inheritance God has appointed him.” |
| 7 | Job 15:20–24 | A wicked man writhes in pain all his days; only a few years are reserved for the ruthless. Sounds of terror fill his ears; in his prosperity the destroyer attacks him. He despairs of his return from darkness; he is marked for the sword. He wanders about as food for vultures; he knows the day of darkness is at hand. Distress and anguish terrify him, overwhelming him like a king poised to attack. |
Isaiah 57:20 Summary
[This verse says that people who do not follow God are like a stormy sea that cannot be calm, and this means that they are always restless and unhappy. This is because they are separated from God, who is the source of all peace, as seen in John 14:27. The 'mire and muck' that the sea churns up represents the evil and wickedness that these people stir up in their lives. As it says in Isaiah 57:21, 'There is no peace' for those who do not follow God, but we can find peace by turning to Him and following His ways, as seen in Matthew 11:28-30.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the wicked to be like a storm-tossed sea?
This means that the wicked are restless and unable to find peace, just like the constant motion of a stormy sea, as described in Isaiah 57:20, and this lack of peace is a result of their separation from God, as seen in Isaiah 48:22.
Why do the waves of the sea churn up mire and muck?
The churning up of mire and muck represents the wickedness and evil that the wicked stir up in their lives, and this is a consequence of their sinful nature, as described in Romans 3:10-18.
Is there any hope for the wicked to find peace?
According to the Bible, the wicked can find peace through repentance and turning to God, as seen in Isaiah 55:7, but as long as they remain in their wicked ways, they will not know peace, as stated in Isaiah 57:21.
How does this verse relate to the previous verses in Isaiah 57?
The previous verses, such as Isaiah 57:18-19, speak of God's desire to heal and comfort His people, but Isaiah 57:20 serves as a contrast, highlighting the fate of the wicked who do not turn to God, and this contrast is also seen in Isaiah 3:10-11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can recognize the 'storm-tossed sea' in my own life, and how can I find calm in the midst of turmoil?
- How do I know if I am stirring up 'mire and muck' in my own life, and what steps can I take to repent and turn to God?
- In what ways can I be a source of peace and comfort to those around me, as described in Isaiah 57:19?
- What are some practical ways that I can turn away from wickedness and turn to God, as described in Isaiah 55:7?
- How can I trust in God's promise of peace, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, as seen in Philippians 4:7?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 57:20
But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest,.... Disturbed by winds, storms, and hurricanes, when its waves rise, rage, and tumble about, and beat against the shore and sand,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 57:20
But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 57:20
Their minds are restless, being perpetually hurried and tormented with their own lusts and passions, and with the horror of their guilt, and the dread of the Divine vengeance due unto them, and ready to come upon them.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 57:20
Isaiah 57:20 But the wicked [are] like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.Ver. 20. But the wicked are like the troubled sea.] Whose surges are not more lofty than muddy. The sea is of itself unquiet and troublesome, much more when tossed with winds and tempests; so wicked men, when it is at best with them, are restless; but under terrors and temptations, they cast up the mire and dirt of desperation and blasphemy, as did Cain, Judas, Julian, Latomus, &c. God in afflictions marks men out; and then conscience will prey upon them, as Simeon and Levi did upon the Shechemites when sore. Then, men shall cry out, "How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof!" Then, afflictions are to the soul as storms are to the sea, or as earthquakes to the ground, which reveals a great deal of filth. Vatablus rendereth the text thus, Impii autem Euripi instar fremunt. Now Euripus ebbeth and floweth seven times a day, and must needs therefore be in continual motion and agitation. Mr Dod was wont to compare wicked men to the waves of the sea: those which were of a great estate were great waves, said he; those that were of small estate were small waves; but all were restless as waves. His Life in Mr Clark.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 57:20
(20) The wicked are like the troubled sea . . .—The promise of healing is, however, not unconditional. The acceptance of peace requires calmness; but for the wicked, whose thoughts are restlessly seething with evil ripening into act, this true peace is, in the nature of the case, impossible. We note the recurrence of the watchword of Isa 48:22, as indicating the close of another section of the prophecy. The MSS. and versions present a curious variation in Isaiah 57:21 : some “saith Jehovah,” some “God,” some “the Lord God.” It would almost seem as if transcribers and translators had shrunk from the prophet’s boldness in claiming God as in some special sense his God. It has a parallel, however, in Isaiah 7:13, and may be noted, accordingly, as one of the characteristic touches common to the two parts of Isaiah. The “Sea” of which Isaiah speaks may possibly have been the Dead Sea, casting up its salt bituminous deposits.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 57:20
14–21. In striking contrast to the menacing tone of Isa 57:3 ff. is the impressive and elevated language in which the prophet now sets forth the gracious thoughts of Jehovah towards His erring but repentant people.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 57:20
But the wicked - All who are transgressors of the law and who remain unpardoned. The design of this is to contrast their condition with that of those who should enjoy peace.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 57:20
20, 21. But the wicked — The incorrigible, the rejected of Israel — type of the wicked, always and everywhere — have no peace at all.
Sermons on Isaiah 57:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Ii Timothy - Part 1 - Continue in the Gospel by John Stott | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the word of God and not being influenced by the world. He reminds Timothy of his past and present loyalty |
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(John - Part 47): Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of having faith in God rather than relying on worldly things. He emphasizes that while material possessions and achievements m |
|
No Peace for the Wicked by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of King David and his guilt after taking the widow of a fallen soldier as his wife. David felt restless and burdened by his wrongdoi |
|
Comfort and Security in Christ by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the passage from Mark chapter 4, verses 35 to the end of the chapter. He begins by explaining that he chose to preach on something comforting |
|
Contentment and Covetousness by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life of rest and contentment in God. It highlights the need to focus on obeying all of God's commandments and claiming His promise |
|
The God of Peace by Thomas Wilson | The video is a sermon transcript that covers various topics. It starts with a description of a powerful waterfall and the awe it inspires, relating it to the anticipation of seeing |
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Psalm 47 by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal anecdote about a young boy who was fascinated by a particular object. The speaker then relates this story to the idea of putting our t |