Isaiah 59:7

KJV

Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts [are] thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction [are] in their paths.

KJV (with Strong's)

Their feet {H7272} run {H7323} to evil {H7451}, and they make haste {H4116} to shed {H8210} innocent {H5355} blood {H1818}: their thoughts {H4284} are thoughts {H4284} of iniquity {H205}; wasting {H7701} and destruction {H7667} are in their paths {H4546}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Their feet run to evil, they rush to shed innocent blood, their thoughts are thoughts of wickedness, their paths lead to havoc and ruin.

Berean Standard Bible

Their feet run to evil; they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are sinful thoughts; ruin and destruction lie in their wake.

American Standard Version

Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; desolation and destruction are in their paths.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 59:7 powerfully exposes the profound moral decay and active pursuit of wickedness characterizing the people of Judah, revealing the root cause of their alienation from God. The verse vividly portrays an eager inclination towards evil, a swift readiness to commit violence against the innocent, and an internal landscape dominated by malevolent intentions. This pervasive iniquity inevitably culminates in societal breakdown, bringing desolation and ruin in its wake, highlighting the devastating consequences of a people estranged from divine righteousness and justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 59 stands as a stark prophetic indictment against the pervasive sin and injustice within Judah, serving as a divine explanation for why God's saving hand appears withheld. The chapter commences with a declaration that God's power remains undiminished and His ear is not deaf, but rather, "your iniquities have separated between you and your God" [Isaiah 59:1-2](/isaiah/59-1-2 "Isaiah 59:1-2 - Sin Separates from God"). Verses 3-8 meticulously detail the specific manifestations of this widespread moral corruption, encompassing bloodshed, lying, injustice, and a general embrace of malevolence. Verse 7, in particular, functions as a potent summary statement of the people's active and eager pursuit of wickedness, illustrating the profound depth of their depravity. It forms an integral part of a larger lament over the absence of justice and truth in the land, thereby setting the stage for the divine intervention and promise of a Redeemer described later in the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah prophesied during a turbulent period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings (Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah). This era was characterized by significant political instability, widespread spiritual apostasy, and rampant social injustice, often despite outward religious observance. The prophet consistently condemned the corruption of leaders, the systemic oppression of the poor and vulnerable, and the pervasive idolatry that permeated society. The imagery of "shedding innocent blood" points to the rampant violence, judicial corruption, and profound disregard for human life that plagued society, potentially reflecting unjust executions, assassinations, or even the practice of child sacrifice, which was a known abomination. The "paths" mentioned in the verse would have been the public thoroughfares, legal systems, and societal structures where such injustices were not hidden but openly practiced, indicating a society where wickedness was normalized and even, by some, celebrated.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 59:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes evident throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it profoundly underscores the theme of **human depravity**, demonstrating that sin is not merely an external action but originates in the heart and mind, as explicitly stated by "their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity." This resonates deeply with earlier biblical accounts of humanity's fallen nature, such as the description of the wickedness of man's heart in [Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "Genesis 6:5 - The Wickedness of Man's Heart"). Secondly, the verse highlights the critical theme of **social injustice**, where the powerful oppress the vulnerable, leading directly to "wasting and destruction" within the community. This aligns perfectly with Isaiah's consistent and passionate call for righteousness and justice, particularly on behalf of the marginalized, a theme powerfully echoed in [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Learn to Do Good, Seek Justice"). Lastly, it implicitly sets the profound stage for the theme of **divine judgment and ultimate redemption**, as such pervasive and profound sin necessitates God's righteous intervention, which is graciously promised later in the chapter through the coming of a Redeemer [Isaiah 59:20](/isaiah/59-20 "Isaiah 59:20 - The Redeemer Comes to Zion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **machăshâbâh (Hebrew, _machăshâbâh'_):** This word, translated as "thoughts" (H4284), denotes a contrivance, intention, or plan, which can be either good or evil. Its powerful repetition in "their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity" serves to emphasize that their very mental processes, internal designs, and deliberate schemes are thoroughly saturated with wickedness. This highlights that their external, destructive actions do not arise spontaneously but stem from a deeply rooted, corrupted inner disposition and premeditated purpose.
* **ʼâven (Hebrew, _ʼâven'_):** Translated as "iniquity" (H205), this term carries a strong connotation of nothingness, trouble, vanity, or wickedness. When applied to "thoughts," it suggests that their mental constructs are not only morally wrong but are also ultimately futile, empty, and inherently destructive, leading to naught but sorrow and affliction. It speaks to the inherent perversity and spiritual emptiness of a life lived apart from God's righteousness and truth.
* **dâm (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** Meaning "blood" (H1818), this term specifically refers to that which, when shed, causes death. The phrase "shed innocent blood" powerfully conveys the heinous act of taking a blameless life, often through violence, murder, or unjust execution. This word underscores the extreme gravity of their actions, pointing to the ultimate violation of God's covenant, the sanctity of human life created in His image, and the profound defilement of the land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Their feet run to evil":** This clause vividly portrays an eager, swift, and unhesitating pursuit of wrongdoing. It is not merely a passive yielding to temptation but an active, intentional, and even zealous movement towards what is morally corrupt and contrary to God's will. The imagery of "running" suggests urgency, determination, and a complete lack of hesitation in embracing wickedness.
* **"and they make haste to shed innocent blood":** Building upon the previous phrase, this part emphasizes the premeditated, unprovoked, and urgent nature of their violence. "Making haste" signifies a readiness, eagerness, and even an impetuous desire to commit acts of murder or inflict unjust harm upon those who are blameless and undeserving of such cruelty. This highlights a profound disregard for justice, the sanctity of human life, and God's divine law.
* **"their thoughts [are] thoughts of iniquity":** This clause delves into the internal origin and spiritual root of their outward destructive actions. It reveals that the ultimate source of their malevolent behavior lies in their corrupted minds and intentions. Their very mental fabric is woven with schemes, designs, and purposes that are inherently wicked, perverse, and ultimately futile, demonstrating a deep-seated moral depravity that permeates their being.
* **"wasting and destruction [are] in their paths":** This final clause describes the inevitable and devastating consequences that flow from their chosen way of life. The "paths" refer to their chosen course of action, their societal influence, or the trajectory of their lives. "Wasting" (Hebrew: _shôd_, meaning desolation, ravage) and "destruction" (Hebrew: _sheber_, meaning ruin, fracture, breaking) are the direct and unavoidable outcomes, indicating that their actions bring about widespread desolation, societal ruin, and profound breakdown, both for themselves and for the communities around them.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 59:7 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message of pervasive sin and its devastating consequences. **Personification** is evident in "Their feet run to evil," which attributes human agency, eagerness, and a sense of purpose to their physical actions, thereby emphasizing the active and intentional pursuit of wickedness. The phrase "make haste to shed innocent blood" utilizes **hyperbole** to underscore the extreme and urgent nature of their violence, suggesting an almost insatiable and unhesitating desire for harm. The repetition in "their thoughts [are] thoughts of iniquity" functions as a form of **intensification** or **pleonasm**, stressing the complete and utter saturation of their minds with evil and corrupted intentions. Furthermore, the entire verse can be understood as a form of **metonymy**, where the specific physical actions (feet running, hands shedding blood) and internal states (thoughts) stand representatively for the entire moral character and the deteriorated societal condition of the people. The concluding phrase, "wasting and destruction [are] in their paths," employs **consequence as imagery**, painting a stark and grim picture of the inevitable outcome of their chosen way of life, serving as a potent **prophetic warning**.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 59:7 serves as a profound theological statement on the pervasive nature of human sin, asserting its comprehensive reach from the innermost thoughts to the outermost actions, and its devastating societal impact. It underscores the biblical truth that sin is not merely a transgression of external laws but a deep-seated corruption of the heart and mind, actively pursued and leading inevitably to chaos, injustice, and ruin. This verse highlights the universal human condition of depravity, demonstrating that without divine intervention, humanity's default trajectory is away from God's righteousness and towards self-serving, destructive paths. It thus sets the stage for understanding the profound need for a divine solution to sin—a righteousness that comes from God alone and is manifested in His redemptive plan.

* [Proverbs 6:18](/proverbs/6-18 "Proverbs 6:18 - Wicked Thoughts and Swift Feet")
* [Romans 3:15-17](/romans/3-15-17 "Romans 3:15-17 - Paul's Quotation of Isaiah 59:7")
* [Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - Origin of Evil Thoughts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 59:7 stands as a sobering mirror, reflecting the profound human capacity for active and intentional evil, an evil that originates from the very core of our being—our thoughts and intentions. It challenges us to look beyond mere outward actions and to deeply examine the inner landscape of our hearts, recognizing that unchecked desires, corrupt thinking, and malevolent intentions are the fertile ground from which destructive behaviors and societal "wasting and destruction" inevitably spring. For believers, this verse serves as a powerful call to spiritual vigilance, urging us to cultivate a mind transformed by Christ, where every thought is brought captive to Him ([2 Corinthians 10:5](/2-corinthians/10-5 "2 Corinthians 10:5 - Taking Every Thought Captive")). It compels us to actively pursue justice, peace, and righteousness in our personal lives, our families, and our spheres of influence, rather than inadvertently contributing to the desolation and ruin that result from sin. Understanding the gravity of our fallen nature, as so vividly depicted here, deepens our appreciation for God's boundless saving grace and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who enables us to walk in newness of life, on paths of peace, integrity, and righteousness, reflecting His character to a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle, perhaps even unintentional, ways might my own "feet run to evil" or "make haste to shed innocent blood" in my daily life, interactions, or even online presence?**
* **How do my "thoughts [become] thoughts of iniquity," and what practical, spiritual steps can I take to cultivate a mind focused on Christ and His righteousness, as powerfully encouraged in [Philippians 4:8](/philippians/4-8 "Philippians 4:8 - Thinking on Pure Things")?**
* **What "wasting and destruction" do I observe in my community or broader society, and how might I, as a follower of Christ, actively contribute to paths of healing, justice, and restoration instead?**

### FAQ
**Does Isaiah 59:7 imply that all human beings are inherently evil?**

Answer: Isaiah 59:7, in conjunction with numerous other passages in Scripture, strongly suggests a universal human inclination towards sin and evil, stemming from a corrupted inner nature. While it does not mean every individual is constantly committing overt acts of violence, it highlights that without divine intervention, humanity's default trajectory is away from God's righteousness and towards self-serving, destructive paths. The verse emphasizes that sin originates in the thoughts and intentions, leading to outward actions of injustice and harm. This aligns profoundly with the biblical doctrine of original sin, where humanity's nature has been marred by the Fall, making us inherently prone to sin and unable to achieve righteousness on our own ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")).

**What is the significance of "innocent blood" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "innocent blood" underscores the heinousness and profound wickedness of the sin being described. It refers specifically to the unjust taking of a blameless life, whether through murder, judicial corruption, or any act of violence perpetrated against those who have done no wrong. In ancient Israel, the shedding of innocent blood was considered a particularly grave offense, deeply defiling the land and crying out for divine justice ([Deuteronomy 19:10](/deuteronomy/19-10 "Deuteronomy 19:10 - Avoiding Innocent Blood")). It signifies a complete and utter disregard for the sanctity of human life, which is created in God's image, and represents a profound perversion of justice and moral order within society.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 59:7, with its stark portrayal of humanity's eager pursuit of evil, swiftness to shed innocent blood, and thoughts steeped in iniquity, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a direct prophecy but in the profound necessity and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The verse encapsulates the very condition from which humanity desperately needed to be saved: a state of utter moral bankruptcy, where sin permeated every aspect of life, leading to pervasive "wasting and destruction." It is precisely this universal human depravity, powerfully echoed in [Romans 3:10-18](/romans/3-10-18 "Romans 3:10-18 - No One Is Righteous"), that necessitated God's radical intervention. Jesus, the sinless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came to walk a fundamentally different path—a path of perfect righteousness, truth, and peace. He did not run to evil but willingly embraced the cross, where His own innocent blood was shed, not in haste or malice, but as the perfect, atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness")). His thoughts were pure, perfectly aligned with the Father's will, demonstrating ultimate obedience ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Christ offers a new path, transforming hearts and minds so that believers no longer walk in "wasting and destruction" but are guided into the "way of peace" ([Luke 1:79](/luke/1-79 "Luke 1:79 - Guiding Our Feet into the Way of Peace")), leading to eternal life, reconciliation with God, and the pursuit of true righteousness.

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

Romans 3:15

Their feet [are] swift to shed blood:

Romans 3:17

And the way of peace have they not known:

Proverbs 6:17

A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

Mark 7:21

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

Mark 7:22

Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

Proverbs 1:16

For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

Acts 8:20

But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.