Isaiah 3:10

Say ye to the righteous, that [it shall be] well [with him]: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

Say {H559} ye to the righteous {H6662}, that it shall be well {H2896} with him: for they shall eat {H398} the fruit {H6529} of their doings {H4611}.

Say that it will go well with the righteous, that they will enjoy the fruit of their actions;

Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their labor.

Say ye of the righteous, that it shall be well with him; for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

Isaiah 3:10 offers a profound declaration of divine justice and assurance amidst a chapter largely focused on God's judgment against Judah and Jerusalem. This verse stands as a clear distinction between the fate of the righteous and the impending doom for the wicked, emphasizing the principle that one will ultimately experience the consequences of their deeds.

Context

To fully appreciate Isaiah 3:10, it's crucial to understand its surrounding verses. The prophet Isaiah is delivering a stern prophecy against the kingdom of Judah and its capital, Jerusalem. Verses 1-9 detail God's impending judgment, describing a society in decay: leadership is removed, social order crumbles, and the people are oppressed and morally bankrupt. There is a lament over the lack of true leaders and the widespread sin, particularly the oppression of the poor by the rich. Amidst this bleak pronouncement of societal breakdown and divine wrath, verse 10 serves as a powerful counterpoint, highlighting God's unwavering commitment to righteousness and justice, contrasting with the dire warnings given to the wicked in Isaiah 3:11.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: The verse underscores God's righteous character, affirming that He sees and responds to human actions. It's a statement of moral order where good deeds are met with good outcomes.
  • Assurance for the Righteous: Despite widespread corruption and impending judgment, God provides comfort and a promise of well-being to those who remain faithful and live righteously. Their integrity does not go unnoticed or unrewarded.
  • Principle of Consequences: The phrase "they shall eat the fruit of their doings" highlights the universal biblical truth that actions have consequences. This principle of consequences is echoed throughout Scripture, notably in the idea that a person reaps what they sow.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "it shall be well [with him]" translates the Hebrew word tov (טוֹב), which means good, pleasant, or prosperous. It encompasses a holistic sense of well-being, peace, and blessing, indicating that the righteous will experience a favorable state. The "fruit of their doings" is a vivid metaphor. The Hebrew for "doings" (ma'alalîm - מַעֲלָלִים) refers to deeds or practices, while "fruit" (pĕrî - פְּרִי) naturally denotes the outcome or result. This imagery powerfully conveys that one's actions will inevitably lead to their corresponding rewards or consequences.

Practical Application

Isaiah 3:10 offers timeless encouragement and a sober warning. For believers today, it serves as a powerful reminder that living righteously, even amidst a world that may seem chaotic or unjust, is never in vain. God observes and ultimately rewards faithfulness. This verse encourages perseverance in good deeds, integrity, and obedience to God's commands, assuring us that true well-being comes from a life aligned with His will. It motivates us to sow seeds of righteousness, knowing that the harvest will be good, providing hope and a foundation for trusting in God's ultimate justice and His care for His people. Further promises for the righteous can be found in Psalm 1:3.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 128:1

    ¶ A Song of degrees. Blessed [is] every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.

  • Psalms 128:2

    For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy [shalt] thou [be], and [it shall be] well with thee.

  • Hebrews 6:10

    For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

  • Ecclesiastes 8:12

    Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his [days] be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:

  • Galatians 6:7

    Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

  • Galatians 6:8

    For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

  • Ezekiel 18:9

    Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he [is] just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord GOD.

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