Isaiah 55:7

KJV

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let the wicked {H7563} forsake {H5800} his way {H1870}, and the unrighteous {H205} man {H376} his thoughts {H4284}: and let him return {H7725} unto the LORD {H3068}, and he will have mercy {H7355} upon him; and to our God {H430}, for he will abundantly {H7235} pardon {H5545}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let the wicked person abandon his way and the evil person his thoughts; let him return to ADONAI, and he will have mercy on him; let him return to our God, for he will freely forgive.

Berean Standard Bible

Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.

American Standard Version

let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto Jehovah, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 55:7 issues a profound divine invitation, urging a radical transformation of life and mind for the wicked and unrighteous. It calls for a decisive turning away from sinful ways and thoughts, and a turning back to the LORD, promising in return God's boundless mercy and abundant, complete pardon. This verse stands as a powerful beacon of hope, underscoring God's compassionate character and His readiness to reconcile with humanity, regardless of past transgressions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 55:7 is situated within a pivotal section of Isaiah (chapters 40-55), often referred to as the "Book of Comfort" or "Second Isaiah." This particular chapter, [Isaiah 55](/isaiah/55 "Isaiah 55 - An Invitation to God's Grace") itself, is a magnificent call to spiritual nourishment and a renewed covenant relationship, following prophecies of Israel's restoration from exile. The preceding verses (e.g., [Isaiah 55:1-3](/isaiah/55-1-3 "Isaiah 55:1-3 - God's Free Invitation to All")) present a universal invitation to all who are thirsty and hungry to come to God for sustenance without cost, promising an everlasting covenant. This sets the stage for the call to repentance in verse 7, emphasizing that God's grace and provision are freely available to those who respond to His invitation. The chapter then continues to highlight the vast difference between God's thoughts and ways and human thoughts and ways ([Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Higher Ways")), reinforcing the necessity of aligning with divine wisdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah primarily addresses the nation of Israel, spanning periods leading up to, during, and after the Babylonian exile. While Isaiah himself prophesied in the 8th century BCE, chapters 40-55 are often understood to speak to the exilic and post-exilic communities, offering comfort, hope, and a vision of restoration. The people had suffered greatly due to their disobedience and idolatry, leading to their dispersion. In this context, the call to "forsake his way" and "return unto the LORD" is a direct appeal to a people who had strayed from their covenant obligations. The concept of "return" (Hebrew: *shuv*) was deeply embedded in Israelite thought, signifying repentance and a re-establishment of the covenant relationship with Yahweh, their God. The promise of "mercy" and "pardon" would have been incredibly significant for a people burdened by collective guilt and longing for restoration to their land and God's favor.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found throughout Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Repentance and Transformation**, emphasizing a dual change: forsaking outward actions ("his way") and inward intentions ("his thoughts"). This holistic understanding of repentance is crucial, as seen in the broader prophetic call for a return to God's covenant, such as in [Jeremiah 3:22](/jeremiah/3-22 "Jeremiah 3:22 - Return, O Backsliding Children"). Secondly, it underscores the **Sovereignty and Compassion of God**, portraying Him as the initiator of reconciliation, actively calling His people back to Himself with promises of abundant grace, rather than immediate judgment. This divine initiative is a cornerstone of God's character revealed in the Old Testament, as seen in passages like [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord's Compassion and Mercy"). Lastly, the verse speaks to the theme of **Restoration and Forgiveness**, offering a clear path for individuals and the nation to be reconciled with God, leading to renewed fellowship and blessing, a promise echoed throughout the prophetic books concerning Israel's future, such as in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **forsake (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** This primitive root means "to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc." In the context of Isaiah 55:7, it implies a decisive and complete abandonment of one's sinful course of life. It's not merely a temporary pause or a slight modification, but a definitive break from the "wicked way" and "unrighteous thoughts," signifying a radical turning away from that which is contrary to God's will.
* **return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** A fundamental concept in biblical theology, this primitive root means "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively." Here, it signifies a turning away from sin and, crucially, a turning back *to* the LORD. It's the active, volitional movement of the heart and life towards God, indicating a desire for reconciliation and restoration of relationship, a true spiritual pivot.
* **pardon (Hebrew, _çâlach'_):** This primitive root means "to forgive." When coupled with the preceding "abundantly" (H7235, _râbâh_, meaning "to increase, multiply"), it paints a vivid picture of God's limitless capacity and willingness to forgive. It's not a grudging or minimal forgiveness, but a comprehensive and overflowing absolution of guilt, emphasizing the vastness and completeness of God’s grace for those who truly repent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let the wicked forsake his way":** This clause issues a direct imperative to those characterized by moral wrongness ("wicked," H7563, _râshâʻ_). The "way" (H1870, _derek_) refers to one's course of life, conduct, or mode of action. It demands a decisive abandonment of sinful practices and outward behavior that is contrary to God's will and covenant.
* **"and the unrighteous man his thoughts":** This extends the call for repentance beyond external actions to the internal realm. The "unrighteous man" (H205, _ʼâven_, meaning "nothingness, trouble, wickedness" and H376, _ʼîysh_, "a man") is urged to abandon his "thoughts" (H4284, _machăshâbâh_), which encompass intentions, plans, and inner dispositions. True repentance involves a transformation of the mind and heart, not just outward conformity.
* **"and let him return unto the LORD":** This is the positive command, the turning *to* God after turning *from* sin. "Return" (H7725, _shûwb_) signifies a restoration of relationship and allegiance to "the LORD" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), the self-existent, covenant-keeping God of Israel. This is the ultimate goal of repentance: reconciliation with the divine.
* **"and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God":** This introduces God's promised response to genuine repentance. "Mercy" (H7355, _râcham_) implies deep compassion, love, and pity. The repetition "and to our God" (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_) emphasizes the personal and intimate relationship God desires with His people, highlighting His character as a compassionate and forgiving deity who is accessible.
* **"for he will abundantly pardon.":** This final clause provides the reason and assurance for God's mercy. The phrase "abundantly pardon" combines "abundantly" (H7235, _râbâh_, "to increase, multiply") with "pardon" (H5545, _çâlach_, "to forgive"). It signifies that God's forgiveness is not limited, grudging, or conditional on human merit, but is vast, complete, and overflowing, readily available to all who genuinely turn to Him.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 55:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent and hopeful message. **Parallelism** is evident in the structure, contrasting the "wicked" with the "unrighteous man," and "his way" with "his thoughts," emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the required repentance—affecting both external actions and internal intentions. The verse functions as a divine **Imperative** and **Invitation**, using commanding language ("Let... forsake," "let... return") that simultaneously extends a gracious offer of reconciliation. The phrase "abundantly pardon" utilizes **Hyperbole** or **Intensification** to powerfully emphasize the boundless nature of God's forgiveness, assuring the reader that no sin is too great for His mercy to overcome. This rich use of language serves to underscore the profound depth of God's grace and the radical, holistic transformation He calls for.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 55:7 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God and the path to reconciliation. It reveals God as merciful, patient, and eager to forgive, actively inviting humanity to turn from their self-destructive paths. This invitation is not based on human merit or ability to earn forgiveness, but solely on God's character and His desire for fellowship. The verse establishes a clear theological framework for repentance: it is a dual turning—away from sin (both action and thought) and towards God—which is met with divine compassion and limitless pardon. This concept of God's willingness to forgive the repentant is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, foundational to both Old and New Covenants, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness even when His people stray.

* [Psalm 103:10-12](/psalms/103-10-12 "Psalm 103:10-12 - God's Compassion and Forgiveness")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Lord's Great Love and Faithfulness")
* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 55:7 remains profoundly relevant for every individual today, regardless of their past. It serves as a timeless call to radical self-examination and decisive action. We are challenged to honestly assess not only our outward behaviors—our "ways"—but also the hidden recesses of our hearts and minds—our "thoughts," intentions, and attitudes. True repentance, as taught here, is a holistic turning: a conscious decision to abandon that which separates us from God, coupled with an active turning towards Him. This verse offers immense comfort and hope, assuring us that God's grace is not limited by the depth or frequency of our transgressions. His promise to "abundantly pardon" means that no one is beyond the reach of His forgiveness. It encourages us to embrace the freedom found in surrendering our will to His, trusting in His boundless mercy for a fresh start and a renewed, vibrant relationship with our Creator, walking in His ways and thinking His thoughts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "ways" or "thoughts" in my life do I need to consciously forsake and turn away from today, aligning myself with God's perfect will?**
* **In what specific areas do I need to "return unto the LORD" with a renewed commitment and trust, seeking deeper communion with Him?**
* **How does the promise of God's "abundant pardon" encourage me to seek forgiveness and reconciliation, even for sins I feel are unforgivable or too numerous?**
* **What practical steps can I take to align my inner thoughts and outer actions more closely with God's character and His revealed will for my life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "forsaking his way" and "his thoughts"?**

Answer: This dual emphasis highlights that true repentance is comprehensive, involving both outward behavior and inward disposition. "His way" (Hebrew: _derek_) refers to one's external conduct, habits, and lifestyle—the observable patterns of life. "His thoughts" (Hebrew: _machăshâbâh_) refers to one's internal intentions, plans, attitudes, and the very inclinations of the heart—the unseen motivations. God desires a holistic transformation, where both actions and the motivations behind them are aligned with His will. It signifies that merely changing behavior without a change of heart is insufficient for genuine reconciliation with God, as seen in the broader biblical call for a renewed mind in passages like [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformation by Renewing Your Mind").

**Does "abundantly pardon" mean God will forgive any sin, no matter how grievous?**

Answer: Yes, the phrase "abundantly pardon" (Hebrew: _harbah lisloach_) emphasizes the vastness and completeness of God's forgiveness. It signifies that God's capacity and willingness to forgive are limitless for those who genuinely repent and turn to Him. The only "unforgivable sin" in Scripture is typically understood as the persistent, unrepentant rejection of God and His Holy Spirit, which is a final and deliberate refusal of God's grace, as referenced in [Matthew 12:31-32](/matthew/12-31-32 "Matthew 12:31-32 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit"). For those who sincerely turn from their sin and seek God's mercy, there is no transgression too great for Him to pardon, for His mercy triumphs over judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 55:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The call for the wicked to "forsake his way" and the unrighteous to abandon "his thoughts" is perfectly embodied in the New Testament's invitation to repentance, which is always a turning *from* sin *to* Christ. Jesus Himself proclaimed, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" ([Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Jesus Begins His Ministry")), initiating a new covenant of grace. The "return unto the LORD" is fully realized through faith in Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")), the sole mediator through whom humanity can approach God and be reconciled. Furthermore, the promise that God "will have mercy upon him" and "abundantly pardon" is fully actualized through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross. His blood was shed for the forgiveness of sins, offering a pardon that is not just abundant but complete, eternal, and freely available for all who believe ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")). In Christ, God's mercy is poured out without measure, demonstrating that the divine invitation in [Isaiah 55](/isaiah/55 "Isaiah 55 - God's Invitation to Life") is not merely a prophetic hope, but a glorious reality made accessible to all through the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 28:13

¶ He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy.

James 4:8

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.

James 4:10

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Ezekiel 18:21

¶ But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

Ezekiel 18:23

Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: [and] not that he should return from his ways, and live?

Isaiah 44:22

I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.

Luke 15:10

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.