Isaiah 57:17

KJV

¶ For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the iniquity {H5771} of his covetousness {H1215} was I wroth {H7107}, and smote {H5221} him: I hid {H5641} me, and was wroth {H7107}, and he went on {H3212} frowardly {H7726} in the way {H1870} of his heart {H3820}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was because of their flagrant greed that I was angry and struck them; I hid myself and was angry, but they continued on their own rebellious way.

Berean Standard Bible

I was enraged by his sinful greed, so I struck him and hid My face in anger; yet he kept turning back to the desires of his heart.

American Standard Version

For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him; I hid my face and was wroth; and he went on backsliding in the way of his heart.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 57:17 powerfully articulates God's righteous indignation and disciplinary action against His people, Israel, specifically pinpointing their deep-seated covetousness as a primary provocation for divine wrath. The verse reveals God's response of judgment and withdrawal, symbolized by His "hiding" Himself and "smiting" them. Despite this severe discipline, the people's persistent rebellion is highlighted, as they stubbornly continued "frowardly in the way of his heart," demonstrating an unrepentant and self-willed attitude that deepened their spiritual separation from God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 57:17 is situated within a broader prophetic indictment (chapters 56-57) against the spiritual and moral decay pervasive among the Israelites, particularly after the death of the righteous (Isaiah 57:1-2). The preceding verses in chapter 57 vividly describe their rampant idolatry, engaging in pagan rituals, and spiritual prostitution with foreign gods (Isaiah 57:3-13). The prophet condemns their false worship, their reliance on idols for security, and their departure from the covenant. Following this condemnation, verses 14-19 offer a glimmer of hope and a path to restoration for the repentant, contrasting sharply with the fate of the wicked. Verse 17 acts as a pivotal explanation for God's prior judgment and withdrawal, bridging the detailed accusations of sin with the subsequent promise of healing and peace for those who turn back to Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Isaiah's prophecy (8th century BCE) was marked by significant political instability, the rise of Assyria, and the constant temptation for Israel and Judah to align with foreign powers and adopt their idolatrous practices. Economically, covetousness often manifested as social injustice, exploitation of the poor, and dishonest gain, which were rampant in Israelite society, despite the Mosaic Law's clear prohibitions against such practices. The "way of his heart" refers to a deeply ingrained pattern of behavior driven by internal desires, often in defiance of God's revealed will. God's "hiding" Himself or "smiting" them would have been experienced as national calamities, military defeats, economic hardship, or a perceived absence of divine favor and protection, leading to a sense of abandonment or despair.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. It underscores **Divine Justice and Wrath**, portraying God's anger not as arbitrary emotion but as a righteous, measured response to profound sin, particularly the insidious nature of covetousness and unfaithfulness. The phrase "was I wroth, and smote him" speaks to an active, just judgment that seeks to correct. It also highlights the **Destructive Nature of Covetousness**, identifying it as a core sin that provokes divine displeasure, illustrating how unchecked desire for material gain or unjust profit leads to spiritual decay and severe consequences, a theme echoed in the New Testament's warning against greed as idolatry (see [Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Covetousness as Idolatry")). Furthermore, the concept of **Divine Withdrawal and Discipline** is prominent, as God's act of "hiding Himself" signifies a form of discipline intended to prompt repentance and a return to Him, a concept also found in [Deuteronomy 31:17](/deuteronomy/31-17 "Deuteronomy 31:17 - God Hiding His Face"). Finally, the verse powerfully illustrates **Human Stubbornness and Rebellion**, as the people's choice to go "frowardly in the way of his heart" despite divine discipline emphasizes their persistent, defiant pursuit of sinful desires, a recurring biblical theme concerning the [deceitfulness of the human heart](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Covetousness (Hebrew, _betsaʻ'_):** This term (H1215) denotes plunder, gain, or profit, often carrying the strong connotation of unjust or dishonest acquisition. It's not merely a desire for wealth but a willingness to obtain it through illicit or exploitative means. In this context, it points to a deep-seated greed that permeated the societal and spiritual fabric of Israel, leading to injustice and a departure from God's righteous standards.
* **Wroth (Hebrew, _qâtsaph'_):** The word (H7107) signifies to "crack off" or "burst out in rage," indicating intense anger, indignation, or displeasure. When applied to God, it describes His righteous fury against sin, a holy wrath that is a necessary response to the violation of His character and covenant, rather than a capricious outburst. The repetition of "was I wroth" emphasizes the depth and persistence of God's displeasure.
* **Frowardly (Hebrew, _shôwbâb'_):** This term (H7726) derives from a root meaning "to turn back" or "apostate." It describes someone who is backsliding, rebellious, or stubbornly turning away from the right path. It conveys a deliberate and persistent refusal to change one's ways, even in the face of divine discipline, highlighting the people's entrenched defiance and unrepentant heart.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him:"** This clause establishes the direct cause-and-effect relationship between Israel's sin and God's judgment. The "iniquity" (H5771, _ʻâvôn'_, meaning perversity, moral evil, or fault) is specifically identified as their "covetousness" (H1215, _betsaʻ_). This was not a minor transgression but a pervasive, unjust gain that provoked God's righteous anger (H7107, _qâtsaph_). His response was active judgment, "smiting" (H5221, _nâkâh_), which implies a severe, disciplinary blow intended to correct or punish.
* **"I hid me, and was wroth,"** This second part of God's response describes a withdrawal of His manifest presence, favor, or protection (H5641, _çâthar_). This "hiding" was not abandonment but a disciplinary act, often experienced as a period of hardship or a perceived absence of divine guidance. The repetition of "was wroth" (H7107, _qâtsaph_) underscores the sustained nature of God's righteous indignation, indicating that His anger was not fleeting but a deep-seated response to their ongoing sin.
* **"and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart."** This final clause describes the people's stubborn and unrepentant reaction to God's discipline. Despite being "smote" and experiencing God's "hiding," they "went on" (H3212, _yâlak_, to walk or proceed) "frowardly" (H7726, _shôwbâb_, rebelliously, backsliding). This phrase emphasizes their deliberate choice to persist in their sinful desires, following "the way of his heart" (H1870, _derek_, a course of life; H3820, _lêb_, the will or intellect), rather than turning back to God. It highlights their deep-seated spiritual rebellion and self-will.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 57:17 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the portrayal of God as experiencing human emotions like "wrath" and performing human actions like "smiting" and "hiding." This makes God's response relatable and underscores the personal nature of His relationship with His people, emphasizing that their sin deeply affects Him. The **Repetition** of "was I wroth" serves to intensify the gravity of God's displeasure and highlight the persistent nature of His righteous anger against their unrepentant behavior. Furthermore, the phrase "the way of his heart" functions as a **Metaphor** for a person's chosen course of life, guided by their inner desires and intentions. In this context, it vividly illustrates Israel's stubborn adherence to their own sinful path, driven by their corrupt will, rather than submitting to God's righteous ways.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 57:17 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of God's justice, the destructive power of sin, and the human propensity for stubborn rebellion. It teaches that God's wrath is not arbitrary but a holy and necessary response to iniquity, particularly the insidious sin of covetousness which often manifests in social injustice and a disregard for God's commands. His disciplinary actions, including withdrawal of favor, are not abandonment but a means to bring His people to repentance. However, the verse also laments the tragic reality of human unresponsiveness, where even divine discipline fails to break the stubborn will, leading to a deeper entrenchment in sin. This dynamic underscores the critical need for a transformed heart, one that is responsive to God's promptings rather than defiantly pursuing its own corrupt desires.

* [Proverbs 1:32](/proverbs/1-32 "Proverbs 1:32 - The Backslider's Consequences")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")
* [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline for His Children")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 57:17 offers a mirror for self-examination, urging us to consider the state of our own hearts and our responsiveness to God. It reminds us that covetousness, in its various forms—whether a craving for material possessions, power, or status—is not a trivial matter but a serious spiritual ailment that provokes God's righteous displeasure. When we experience periods of spiritual dryness, hardship, or a sense of God's distance, this verse prompts us to humbly examine if our own "froward" ways, our stubborn adherence to sinful desires, or our unrepentant hearts are contributing factors. God's discipline, though painful, is ultimately an expression of His love, designed to draw us back into right relationship with Him. True wisdom lies in recognizing His hand in our circumstances and responding with humility, repentance, and a willingness to align our "way of the heart" with His divine will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might "covetousness" manifest, and how might it be subtly influencing your decisions or relationships?**
* **How do you typically respond when you sense God's discipline or a period of spiritual distance? Is your heart inclined to repent or to persist in its own way?**
* **What specific "froward" ways or stubborn habits in your life might be hindering your spiritual growth or relationship with God?**
* **How can you cultivate a heart that is more sensitive and responsive to the Holy Spirit's conviction, rather than stubbornly following its own desires?**

### FAQ
**What does "the iniquity of his covetousness" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: In Isaiah 57:17, "the iniquity of his covetousness" refers to the pervasive and unjust gain or dishonest profit that characterized the people's behavior. The Hebrew word for "covetousness" (_betsaʻ_) often implies acquiring wealth through exploitation, oppression, or illicit means, rather than simply desiring it. This was a deep-seated moral failing that led to social injustice and a profound spiritual corruption, directly violating God's covenant commands and provoking His righteous anger. It signifies a heart consumed by material gain at the expense of righteousness and neighborly love.

**Why did God "hide" Himself from His people, and what does that signify?**

Answer: God's act of "hiding" Himself (Hebrew: _çâthar_) signifies a withdrawal of His manifest presence, favor, or protection. This was not an act of abandonment but a form of divine discipline, intended to bring His people to repentance. When God "hides," it often results in a perceived absence of His guidance, blessing, or intervention, leading to hardship, vulnerability, or a sense of spiritual desolation. It's a severe but loving measure, meant to expose the consequences of their sin and compel them to seek His face once more, as seen in the warning found in [Deuteronomy 31:17](/deuteronomy/31-17 "Deuteronomy 31:17 - God Hiding His Face").

**What does it mean that the people "went on frowardly in the way of his heart"?**

Answer: This phrase describes the people's stubborn and rebellious response to God's discipline. "Frowardly" (Hebrew: _shôwbâb_) means backsliding or stubbornly turning away. "The way of his heart" refers to their chosen course of life, guided by their own desires, will, and intellect (Hebrew: _lêb_). Despite experiencing God's wrath and discipline, they persisted in their sinful patterns, demonstrating an entrenched defiance and an unwillingness to repent. It highlights their self-will and the deep-seated nature of their rebellion, a theme also explored in [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart") regarding the deceitfulness of the human heart.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 57:17, with its stark depiction of divine wrath against sin and humanity's stubborn rebellion, finds its ultimate resolution and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "iniquity of his covetousness" and the "frowardness of his heart" represent the universal human condition of sin, which justly incurs God's wrath. In Christ, God did not merely "hide" Himself or "smite" His people from a distance; rather, He fully entered into the human condition, bearing the full weight of that wrath upon Himself. On the cross, Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), became the propitiation for our sins, satisfying the righteous demands of God's justice and absorbing the divine anger that our covetousness and rebellion deserved (see [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation")). Furthermore, while Israel "went on frowardly in the way of his heart," Christ offers a new "way"—the way of life and truth (as He declares in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Through His Spirit, He transforms the "heart of stone" into a "heart of flesh" (as promised in [Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")), enabling believers to walk in obedience and righteousness, no longer stubbornly pursuing their own sinful desires but living according to God's will. Thus, the very wrath and hiddenness of God described in Isaiah are overcome by the revelation of God's love and grace in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who reconciles us to God and empowers us for a new life.

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

Isaiah 56:11

Yea, [they are] greedy dogs [which] can never have enough, and they [are] shepherds [that] cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.

Jeremiah 6:13

For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one [is] given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.

Colossians 3:5

¶ Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

2 Peter 2:14

Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

Ephesians 5:3

¶ But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

Ephesians 5:5

For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Jeremiah 5:3

O LORD, [are] not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, [but] they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.