Isaiah 57:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its waves churn up mire and muck.

American Standard Version

But the wicked are like the troubled sea; for it cannot rest, and its waters cast up mire and dirt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 57:20 offers a profound and vivid metaphor, likening the wicked to a restless, turbulent sea that perpetually churns up mire and dirt. This imagery powerfully conveys the spiritual and moral disquiet inherent in a life alienated from God, where an absence of divine peace leads to incessant internal agitation and an outward manifestation of impurity and corruption. The verse serves as a stark contrast to the peace and healing offered by God to the repentant, underscoring the inescapable consequences of rebellion against His ways.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of Isaiah (chapters 56-59) where the prophet meticulously details the spiritual condition of Israel, drawing a sharp distinction between the righteous and the unfaithful. Immediately preceding [Isaiah 57:20](/isaiah/57-20 "Isaiah 57:20 - The Wicked Like a Troubled Sea"), [Isaiah 57:19](/isaiah/57-19 "Isaiah 57:19 - Peace for Near and Far") proclaims God's promise of peace to both those who are far off and those who are near, offering healing and comfort. This divine offer of tranquility serves as a crucial backdrop, highlighting the stark contrast with the chaotic, restless state of the wicked described in verse 20. The passage as a whole emphasizes the spiritual divide and the consequences of choosing rebellion over repentance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah prophesied during a tumultuous period for the Southern Kingdom of Judah, marked by moral decay, rampant idolatry, and political instability. The people frequently sought security through alliances with foreign powers rather than trusting in the Lord, engaging in syncretistic worship and social injustice. This spiritual apostasy led to a deep-seated inner turmoil and a profound lack of true peace, which the prophet eloquently captures. The imagery of the sea, a powerful and often unpredictable force in the ancient Near East, would have resonated deeply with an audience familiar with its potential for both life-giving sustenance and destructive chaos.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of [Isaiah 57](/isaiah/57 "Isaiah 57 - God's Judgment and Mercy") and particularly [Isaiah 57:20](/isaiah/57-20 "Isaiah 57:20 - The Wicked Like a Troubled Sea") is the **restlessness and spiritual agitation** of those who reject God's covenant and commands. Unlike the "peace, peace" promised to the repentant in [Isaiah 57:19](/isaiah/57-19 "Isaiah 57:19 - Peace for Near and Far"), the wicked are depicted as perpetually unsettled, unable to find genuine tranquility for their souls. This internal disquiet is a direct consequence of their ungodly actions and spiritual rebellion. Furthermore, the imagery of "casting up mire and dirt" underscores the theme of **defilement and impurity**. The inner turmoil of the wicked inevitably manifests outwardly in actions, words, and attitudes that are corrupting and spiritually defiling, impacting both themselves and their communities. This reflects the biblical principle that a person's inner state profoundly influences their outward conduct, often leading to unrighteous fruit, as seen in passages like [Mark 7:21-23](/mark/7-21 "Mark 7:21-23 - What Defiles a Person"). Implicit in this vivid portrayal is the theme of **divine justice and the natural consequences** of living apart from God. The lack of peace and the production of defilement are not arbitrary punishments but the inherent outcomes of choosing a path contrary to God's design for human flourishing, echoing the declaration in [Isaiah 48:22](/isaiah/48-22 "Isaiah 48:22 - No Peace for the Wicked") that "There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wicked (Hebrew, _râshâʻ'_):** (H7563) This term describes one who is morally wrong, an actively bad person. It denotes a state of guilt and ungodliness, highlighting not merely a passive lack of righteousness but an active opposition to God's will and moral order. The wicked are those who have strayed from the path of justice and truth.
* **troubled (Hebrew, _gârash'_):** (H1644) This primitive root means "to drive out from a possession," "to expatriate," or "to divorce." In the context of the sea, it conveys the idea of being driven, tossed about, or expelled. It emphasizes the violent, uncontrolled, and agitated nature of the sea, reflecting the inner turmoil and lack of stability characteristic of the wicked.
* **rest (Hebrew, _shâqaṭ'_):** (H8252) This word signifies to repose, to be quiet, or to settle. It implies a state of tranquility, peace, or cessation from disturbance. The negation "cannot rest" powerfully underscores the perpetual agitation and inability to find peace that defines the spiritual condition of the wicked, contrasting sharply with the promised divine peace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the wicked [are] like the troubled sea":** This opening clause immediately establishes a powerful **simile**, comparing the spiritual state of the wicked to a sea in turmoil. The "wicked" (`râshâʻ`) are those who actively live in rebellion against God's moral order. The "troubled sea" (`yâm` - sea, `gârash` - troubled) evokes an image of constant agitation, violent churning, and an inability to find calm. This metaphor suggests an internal state of disquiet, anxiety, and instability, rather than external circumstances.
* **"when it cannot rest":** This phrase intensifies the preceding imagery, emphasizing the perpetual and inherent nature of the sea's (and thus the wicked's) unrest. The Hebrew word for "rest" (`shâqaṭ`) implies quietness, repose, or settling. The negation ("cannot rest" - `yâkôl` - to be able, negated) highlights an intrinsic inability to achieve tranquility. This speaks to the profound spiritual void and unceasing internal agitation experienced by those who are alienated from God, unable to find true peace.
* **"whose waters cast up mire and dirt":** This final clause describes the outward manifestation of the inner turmoil. The "waters" (`mayim`) of the troubled sea do not produce anything good or clean; instead, they "cast up" (`gârash` - also meaning to cast up/out) "mire" (`rephesh` - mud, as roiled) and "dirt" (`ṭîyṭ` - mud or clay, figuratively calamity). This imagery symbolizes the defiling and corrupting influence that emanates from the wicked. Their inner unrest and rebellion against God result in actions, words, and character that are impure, morally corrupt, and spiritually defiling, impacting themselves and those around them.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 57:20 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is the **Simile**, where the wicked are explicitly compared to "the troubled sea." This comparison is then extended into a rich **Metaphor**, as the characteristics of the sea—its ceaseless motion, inability to rest, and the expulsion of foul substances—become symbolic representations of the inner state and outward actions of the wicked. The "troubled sea" itself serves as a powerful **Symbolism** for spiritual agitation, moral instability, and the absence of divine peace. Furthermore, the "mire and dirt" are potent symbols of defilement, impurity, and the corrupting influence that emanates from a life lived in rebellion against God. The verse also implicitly uses **Contrast**, standing in stark opposition to the "peace, peace" offered to the righteous in the preceding verse, thereby amplifying the dire consequences of wickedness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates a core biblical truth: true peace and spiritual rest are fundamentally tied to one's relationship with God. The incessant turmoil and defiling output of the wicked are not arbitrary punishments but the natural, inescapable consequences of a life lived in opposition to the divine order. When humanity disconnects from its Creator, the source of all peace and purity, the result is an internal chaos that inevitably spills over into corrupting actions and influences. This spiritual restlessness is a profound theological statement about the human condition apart from God's grace, emphasizing that genuine tranquility is not an external circumstance but an internal state cultivated through righteousness and submission to the Lord.

* [Isaiah 48:22](/isaiah/48-22 "Isaiah 48:22 - No Peace for the Wicked") - "There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked."
* [Proverbs 4:16](/proverbs/4-16 "Proverbs 4:16 - The Wicked Cannot Sleep Without Mischief") - "For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall."
* [James 1:8](/james/1-8 "James 1:8 - A Double-Minded Man") - "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 57:20 serves as a stark and sobering mirror, inviting us to examine the depths of our own souls. It challenges the common misconception that peace is found in external circumstances, wealth, or worldly achievements. Instead, it powerfully asserts that genuine rest and purity are internal conditions, direct consequences of our spiritual alignment. If our lives are characterized by constant anxiety, internal turmoil, and the production of "mire and dirt"—manifesting as bitterness, envy, malice, or destructive behaviors—this verse calls us to profound introspection. It urges us to consider whether we are living in opposition to God's will, thereby forfeiting the peace He so freely offers. The path to true tranquility and a life that produces righteousness is found not in self-effort or external fixes, but in turning wholeheartedly to the Lord, allowing His peace to settle the troubled waters of our hearts and His Spirit to cleanse away all defilement.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I experience a lack of genuine peace or persistent inner turmoil?**
* **What "mire and dirt"—unwholesome words, actions, or attitudes—might my inner state be casting up into the world?**
* **How does my pursuit of peace compare with the peace offered by God through faith and repentance?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper relationship with God, allowing His peace to calm the "troubled sea" within me?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "troubled sea" metaphor in Isaiah 57:20?**

Answer: The "troubled sea" metaphor is highly significant because it vividly portrays the internal and external state of the wicked. In ancient Near Eastern thought, the sea was often associated with chaos, instability, and even evil forces. By likening the wicked to a sea that "cannot rest," the prophet emphasizes their perpetual spiritual agitation, anxiety, and lack of inner peace. Just as a stormy sea constantly churns and casts up debris, so too do the wicked, whose lives are marked by an inability to find true tranquility and whose actions produce defilement and corruption. It highlights that their unrest is not merely circumstantial but intrinsic to their nature apart from God.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of inner peace in the Bible?**

Answer: This verse provides a powerful negative example of inner peace, or rather, the lack thereof. While God offers profound peace to those who turn to Him (as seen in [Isaiah 57:19](/isaiah/57-19 "Isaiah 57:19 - Peace for Near and Far")), [Isaiah 57:20](/isaiah/57-20 "Isaiah 57:20 - The Wicked Like a Troubled Sea") demonstrates that true inner peace is unattainable for those who reject God's ways. The Bible consistently teaches that genuine peace (Hebrew: _shalom_) is a holistic well-being that flows from a right relationship with God, encompassing spiritual, mental, and emotional tranquility. The restless sea imagery underscores that without this divine connection, a person's inner world remains turbulent, unable to settle or find lasting rest.

**Does this verse imply eternal judgment for the wicked?**

Answer: While [Isaiah 57:20](/isaiah/57-20 "Isaiah 57:20 - The Wicked Like a Troubled Sea") does not explicitly detail eternal judgment, it certainly describes the profound and inescapable consequences of living a life separated from God. The perpetual unrest and defiling output are presented as the inherent state of the wicked, a spiritual reality that has implications for their ultimate destiny. Other passages in Isaiah and throughout Scripture speak more directly to divine judgment and the eternal fate of those who persist in wickedness (e.g., [Isaiah 66:24](/isaiah/66-24 "Isaiah 66:24 - The Worm Does Not Die"), [Matthew 25:46](/matthew/25-46 "Matthew 25:46 - Eternal Punishment and Life")). This verse, however, focuses on the present spiritual condition and its immediate, self-inflicted consequences.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 57:20, with its vivid depiction of the wicked as a restless, defiling sea, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The turmoil and impurity described in this verse perfectly encapsulate the human condition apart from God – a soul in perpetual agitation, unable to find true rest, and continually producing the "mire and dirt" of sin. Humanity's rebellion against God created this spiritual chaos, a storm within the heart that no human effort could calm. Yet, Jesus Christ enters this turbulent scene as the divine Son, the one who possesses authority over all creation. Just as He literally calmed the raging storm on the Sea of Galilee with a simple command, "Peace, be still!" ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), so too does He offer to calm the spiritual storms within the human heart. He is the true source of rest, inviting all who are weary and heavy-laden to "Come unto me, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus takes away the sin that produces the "mire and dirt," offering not just a temporary reprieve but a complete cleansing and transformation by the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit ([Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Washing of Regeneration")). In Christ, the restless soul finds its true Sabbath, and the defiled heart is made pure, enabling believers to bear the fruit of righteousness rather than the mire of sin ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - A Sabbath Rest Remains"), [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). He is the "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")), whose reign brings an end to the spiritual chaos and defilement, offering a peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace 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 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.