Isaiah 57:20

But the wicked [are] like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.

But the wicked {H7563} are like the troubled {H1644} sea {H3220}, when it cannot {H3201} rest {H8252}, whose waters {H4325} cast up {H1644} mire {H7516} and dirt {H2916}.

But the wicked are like the restless sea - unable to be still, its waters toss up mud and dirt.

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; for it cannot rest, and its waters cast up mire and dirt.

Isaiah 57:20 KJV vividly portrays the restless and defiling nature of those who live in opposition to God. This verse uses a powerful natural metaphor to describe the profound spiritual and moral unrest experienced by the wicked.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Isaiah (chapters 56-59) where the prophet addresses the spiritual state of Israel, contrasting the righteous who trust in God with the idolatrous and unfaithful. Just prior to this verse, in Isaiah 57:19, God proclaims peace to those who are far off and near, promising healing. This sets up a stark contrast: while God offers profound peace and healing to the repentant, the wicked find no such tranquility.

Historically, Isaiah prophesied during a time of moral decline and political instability for Judah. The people often sought security in alliances with foreign nations and engaged in idolatry, turning away from the Lord. This spiritual rebellion led to inner turmoil and a lack of true peace, which the prophet eloquently describes.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Restlessness of the Wicked: The central theme is the perpetual agitation and lack of peace experienced by those who reject God's ways. Unlike the serene calm that can come from faith, the wicked are depicted as constantly troubled, unable to find genuine rest for their souls. This internal disquiet is a direct consequence of their actions and spiritual state.
  • Defilement and Impurity: The imagery of the "troubled sea" casting up "mire and dirt" signifies that the inner turmoil of the wicked manifests outwardly in actions and attitudes that are impure, corrupting, and defiling. Their ungodly lives produce spiritual filth, impacting themselves and those around them. This reflects the biblical principle that what comes from within a person defiles them.
  • Divine Justice and Consequences: The verse implicitly highlights a form of divine justice. The lack of peace and the defiling output are not arbitrary punishments but natural consequences of living apart from God. This echoes Isaiah 48:22, which states, "There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "troubled" (נִגְרָשׁ, nigraš) can mean "driven out" or "tossed about," emphasizing the violent and uncontrolled nature of the sea. The term for "mire" (רֶפֶשׁ, rephash) refers to mud or dirt, often associated with something foul or worthless. "Dirt" (טִיט, ṭîṭ) also denotes clay or mud, reinforcing the idea of something base and defiling being churned up and expelled.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual consequences of living outside of God's will. It teaches us that:

  • True Peace Comes from God: Genuine inner peace and rest are not found in worldly pursuits or self-reliance but in a right relationship with the Creator. For those seeking rest for their souls, Jesus offers an invitation: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).
  • Our Inner State Affects Our Outer Life: What we harbor in our hearts—whether peace or turmoil—will inevitably manifest in our words, actions, and character. A life lived in rebellion against God will naturally produce "mire and dirt," whereas a life submitted to Him will bear the fruit of righteousness and peace.
  • The Importance of Repentance: The contrast with the preceding verse's offer of peace implies that turning away from wickedness and toward God is the path to finding true rest and cleansing from defilement.

Reflection

Isaiah 57:20 offers a stark warning about the unceasing turmoil and impurity that characterize a life alienated from God. It underscores the profound difference between the restless, defiling existence of the wicked and the promised peace and healing available to those who turn to the Lord. It encourages introspection, prompting us to examine the state of our own hearts and the fruit our lives are producing.

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.

  • Proverbs 4:16

    For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause [some] to fall.

  • Proverbs 4:17

    For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.

  • Isaiah 3:11

    Woe unto the wicked! [it shall be] ill [with him]: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

  • Job 18:5

    ¶ Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine.

  • Job 18:14

    His confidence shall be rooted out of his tabernacle, and it shall bring him to the king of terrors.

  • Jude 1:12

    These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds [they are] without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

  • Job 20:11

    His bones are full [of the sin] of his youth, which shall lie down with him in the dust.

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