Isaiah 59:18

KJV

According to [their] deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence.

KJV (with Strong's)

According to {H5921} their deeds {H1578}, accordingly he will repay {H7999}, fury {H2534} to his adversaries {H6862}, recompence {H1576} to his enemies {H341}; to the islands {H339} he will repay {H7999} recompence {H1576}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He repays according to their deeds - fury to his foes, reprisal to his enemies; to the coastlands he will repay their due;

Berean Standard Bible

So He will repay according to their deeds: fury to His enemies, retribution to His foes, and recompense to the islands.

American Standard Version

According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, wrath to his adversaries, recompense to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompense.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 59:18 powerfully declares God's unwavering commitment to righteous judgment, asserting that He will meticulously and decisively repay all according to their deeds. This verse underscores the direct and inevitable correlation between human actions and divine retribution, promising intense fury to His adversaries and just recompense to His enemies. The sweeping scope of this judgment, extending universally even to the most distant "islands," signifies the global reach of God's sovereign authority and the certainty of accountability for all who oppose His holy will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 59 is a profound prophetic lament and indictment, articulating Judah's deep spiritual and moral decay. The preceding verses, particularly [Isaiah 59:1-8](/isaiah/59-1-8 "Isaiah 59:1-8 - The People's Sins Separate Them from God"), vividly portray how the people's pervasive iniquities—including injustice, violence, and deceit—have created an insurmountable barrier between them and God, hindering His ability to hear their prayers or intervene on their behalf. Their hands are stained with blood, their lips speak lies, and their feet are swift to shed innocent blood. Despite this bleak spiritual landscape, the narrative shifts in [Isaiah 59:9-15a](/isaiah/59-9-15 "Isaiah 59:9-15a - Confession of Sin and Longing for Justice") to a poignant confession of sin and a desperate longing for light and justice amidst the prevailing darkness. It is against this backdrop of profound human failure and the absence of any human intercessor that God Himself is depicted as seeing the injustice and being appalled that there is no one to intervene or uphold righteousness ([Isaiah 59:15b-16](/isaiah/59-15-16 "Isaiah 59:15b-16 - God Sees and Is Appalled")). This sets the stage for God's personal and decisive intervention, with verse 18 articulating the nature of His righteous response: a just and universal repayment for wickedness, initiated by His own divine zeal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings (Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah). While the immediate context of chapter 59 might reflect the spiritual decline leading up to or during the Babylonian exile, its themes are timeless, addressing the covenant relationship between God and His people and the consequences of their faithfulness or rebellion. The concept of "recompense" or "repayment" was deeply embedded in ancient Near Eastern legal and moral codes, often reflecting a principle of "an eye for an eye" (lex talionis), though God's justice is always perfectly righteous and not merely retributive. This was a culture where deeds were understood to have direct consequences, often seen as divine blessing or curse, directly tied to covenant faithfulness or rebellion, as outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The mention of "islands" (or coastlands) reflects the common prophetic understanding of the known world extending beyond the immediate geographical boundaries of Judah, emphasizing God's universal sovereignty and the global scope of His judgment and eventual salvation, a concept familiar to a people aware of international trade and distant lands.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 59:18 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Justice and Retribution**, proclaiming God's unwavering commitment to righting wrongs and ensuring that sin does not go unpunished. This is a core aspect of His holy character, demonstrating His righteousness and moral governance, a truth echoed throughout scripture, such as in [Psalm 9:8](/psalm/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God Judges the World in Righteousness"). Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Sin**, making it clear that human "deeds" inevitably lead to a divine response, whether blessing or judgment. The "fury" and "recompense" are direct outcomes of rebellion and unrighteousness, serving as a solemn warning against spiritual complacency and moral corruption, a principle consistently taught in wisdom literature and prophetic warnings. Lastly, the reference to "the islands" underscores **God's Sovereignty and Universal Reach**. His authority and judgment are not confined to Judah or any specific nation but extend to all peoples and nations, demonstrating His dominion over all creation and His ultimate role as the just Judge of the entire earth, a theme prevalent in prophetic literature, such as [Amos 1-2](/amos/1-2 "Amos 1-2 - Oracles Against the Nations") and [Psalm 96:13](/psalm/96-13 "Psalm 96:13 - The Lord Comes to Judge the Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **deeds (Hebrew, _gᵉmûwlâh'_):** From H1578, meaning "deed" or "recompense." In this context, it refers to the actions, conduct, or behavior of God's adversaries and enemies. It emphasizes the direct link between human activity and the divine response, implying that the nature of the repayment will correspond to the nature of the deeds. This word highlights the principle of *lex talionis* (law of retaliation) in a divine context, where God's response is perfectly just and proportional to the offense.
* **fury (Hebrew, _chêmâh'_):** From H2534, signifying intense "heat," "anger," "indignation," or "wrath." This word conveys the severity and passionate nature of God's righteous anger against sin and injustice. It is not an uncontrolled outburst but a holy indignation stemming from His perfect character in response to unrighteousness. This "fury" is a manifestation of His absolute opposition to evil, a necessary attribute for a perfectly just God.
* **repay (Hebrew, _shâlam'_):** From H7999, a primitive root meaning "to be safe," "to be completed," or "to reciprocate." While often associated with "peace" (shalom), in this context, it denotes the completion or settlement of an account, implying a full, just, and deserved retribution for wrongdoing. It signifies that God will bring things to their proper and final conclusion, ensuring that justice is fully rendered and the divine balance is restored.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay":** This opening clause establishes the fundamental principle of divine justice: God's response is directly proportionate to human actions. There is a precise and inevitable correlation between what is done and what is received. This is not arbitrary punishment but a righteous rendering based on observed conduct, emphasizing God's meticulous attention to justice.
* **"fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies":** This segment specifies the nature of the repayment for those who oppose God. "Fury" (chêmâh) indicates the intense, righteous wrath of God, while "recompence" (gᵉmûwl) denotes a just and deserved requital. The parallelism between "adversaries" (tsar, H6862, meaning "opponent" or "distresser") and "enemies" (ʼôyêb, H341, meaning "hating") emphasizes the comprehensive scope of those who stand against God and the certainty of their just deserts.
* **"to the islands he will repay recompence":** This concluding phrase expands the reach of God's judgment beyond Judah or any specific geographic locale. "Islands" (ʼîy, H339, meaning "habitable spot," "coast," or "island") symbolizes the farthest reaches of the earth, signifying the universal and inescapable nature of God's justice. No one, no matter how distant or seemingly isolated, is beyond the purview of His righteous judgment, affirming His absolute sovereignty over all creation.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 59:18 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine justice with profound impact. **Parallelism** is prominently featured in the symmetrical structure: "fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies," where similar concepts are expressed in different but equivalent phrases, intensifying the message of deserved retribution and reinforcing the comprehensive nature of God's judgment against all who oppose Him. The repetition of "repay" and "recompence" throughout the verse creates a strong sense of **Emphasis**, underscoring the certainty and inevitability of God's judgment. The phrase "to the islands he will repay recompence" utilizes **Merism** or **Synecdoche**, where "islands" represents the entirety of the known world, symbolizing the universal scope of God's judgment, implying that no place or person is beyond His reach. This also functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the reach to underscore its boundlessness and the inescapable nature of divine accountability. Finally, the description of God's "fury" uses **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human emotion (intense anger) to God to help human readers grasp the severity and passionate nature of His righteous indignation against sin, while always understanding that divine anger is holy, just, and perfectly controlled, unlike human wrath.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 59:18 is a profound declaration of God's immutable character as the righteous Judge. It articulates a core biblical principle: God is not passive in the face of unrighteousness but actively intervenes to ensure justice. This verse underscores that while God is merciful and patient, His holiness demands that sin be addressed. His "fury" is not capricious but a just response to rebellion, a necessary aspect of His moral governance of the universe. The universal scope of His judgment, extending to "the islands," highlights His sovereignty over all creation and His commitment to establishing righteousness everywhere. This truth provides both a solemn warning for those who persist in sin and a comforting assurance for the oppressed and those who long for justice, knowing that God sees and will ultimately set all things right, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant and His creation.

* [Psalm 62:12](/psalm/62-12 "Psalm 62:12 - God Repays According to Deeds")
* [Jeremiah 17:10](/jeremiah/17-10 "Jeremiah 17:10 - The Lord Searches the Heart and Repays")
* [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God Will Repay Each Person According to What They Have Done")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 59:18 serves as a powerful reminder of the ultimate accountability we all have before a just and holy God. In a world often characterized by injustice, where wrongdoers seem to escape consequences, this verse offers profound reassurance that God sees every deed and will unfailingly render what is due. For the believer, it provides comfort and hope, strengthening faith in God's perfect governance and His eventual triumph over evil. It encourages perseverance in righteousness, knowing that our actions, both good and bad, are not unseen and that a just reward awaits those who faithfully serve Him. Conversely, for those who might be tempted to disregard God's commands or engage in unrighteousness, it stands as a stark and inescapable warning: there is a divine reckoning for all unrighteousness. This truth should prompt sincere self-examination, heartfelt repentance where necessary, and a renewed commitment to living lives that honor God, marked by justice, truth, and compassion, knowing that our ultimate judge is both perfectly righteous and perfectly just. It calls us to align our lives with His standards, not out of fear, but out of reverence for His holy character and gratitude for His redemptive plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's "fury" and "recompense" in Isaiah 59:18 shape your understanding of His character and attributes?**
* **In what ways does the universal reach of God's justice ("to the islands") provide comfort to you, knowing that no injustice will ultimately go unaddressed?**
* **Considering that God "will repay according to their deeds," what implications does this have for how you live your daily life, make moral choices, and interact with others?**

### FAQ
**Does God's "fury" imply human-like anger or a loss of control?**

Answer: No, God's "fury" (Hebrew: *chêmâh*) does not imply a human-like loss of control or an irrational outburst. Instead, it refers to His intense, righteous indignation and holy wrath against sin and injustice. Unlike human anger, which is often tainted by sin, selfishness, or personal offense, God's fury is a pure and perfect expression of His holiness and justice. It is a necessary aspect of His character, demonstrating His absolute opposition to evil and His commitment to upholding His moral order. It signifies the severity of His judgment and the seriousness with which He views rebellion against His righteous standards, as seen in passages like [Nahum 1:2-3](/nahum/1-2-3 "Nahum 1:2-3 - The Lord is a Jealous and Avenging God"). It is a controlled, purposeful, and just response to unrighteousness.

**Who are God's "adversaries" and "enemies" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: In the context of Isaiah 59:18, God's "adversaries" and "enemies" refer to all who stand in opposition to His will, His people, and His righteous ways. This includes those who actively rebel against Him, practice injustice, and perpetuate wickedness. While it can refer to specific nations or individuals who historically opposed Israel (and thus God's purposes), it also encompasses anyone, regardless of their background, whose "deeds" are characterized by unrighteousness and a rejection of God's moral law. Ultimately, anyone who persists in sin and refuses to acknowledge God's sovereignty places themselves in opposition to Him, making them His adversaries. This concept is highlighted throughout the prophetic books and even in the New Testament, such as [Romans 8:7](/romans/8-7 "Romans 8:7 - The Mind Governed by the Flesh is Hostile to God"), which states that "the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 59:18, with its stark declaration of God's righteous repayment of "fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in both the first and second comings of Jesus Christ. While the verse speaks of divine judgment, the New Testament reveals how God's justice is perfectly satisfied through Christ's atoning work. On the cross, Jesus became the ultimate recipient of God's righteous wrath against sin, taking upon Himself the "recompence" that humanity's "deeds" deserved ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). He, the sinless Lamb of God, bore the "fury" of divine judgment, thereby providing a way for humanity to be reconciled to God and escape the just repayment for their sins ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25-26 "Romans 3:25-26 - God Presented Christ as a Sacrifice of Atonement")). However, the verse also powerfully foreshadows Christ's role as the final and universal Judge. While His first coming was for salvation, His second coming will be for judgment, where He will indeed "repay" all according to their deeds, extending His righteous authority to "the islands" and every corner of the earth ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Those who reject His atoning sacrifice and persist as God's "adversaries" and "enemies" will face the full measure of divine justice. Thus, Christ perfectly embodies both the means by which God's just "recompence" for sin was absorbed and the agent through whom ultimate, universal justice will be administered at the end of the age ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Entrusted All Judgment to the Son")). He is the one who will make all things right, fully satisfying the demands of divine justice.

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

Jeremiah 17:10

I the LORD search the heart, [I] try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, [and] according to the fruit of his doings.

Isaiah 63:6

And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth.

Romans 2:6

Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

Matthew 16:27

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Nahum 1:2

¶ God [is] jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and [is] furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth [wrath] for his enemies.

Isaiah 63:3

I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people [there was] none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.

Job 34:11

For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to [his] ways.