Isaiah 59:7

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.

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}.

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

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

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.

Context of Isaiah 59:7

Isaiah 59 is a powerful prophetic indictment against the nation of Israel, detailing their widespread sin and its devastating consequences. The chapter opens with a declaration that God's arm is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear, but that their iniquities have separated them from Him (Isaiah 59:1-2). Verse 7, along with the surrounding verses, vividly describes the moral decay and injustice prevalent among the people. It paints a picture of a society where wickedness is not just present, but actively pursued, leading to social breakdown and spiritual alienation from God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Eagerness for Evil: The phrase "Their feet run to evil" highlights a disturbing alacrity and willingness to engage in wrongdoing. It's not passive yielding to temptation but an active pursuit of sin.
  • Intentional Violence: "They make haste to shed innocent blood" points to premeditated and unprovoked acts of violence, emphasizing the disregard for human life and justice. This is a severe accusation of moral corruption at its deepest level.
  • Corrupt Thoughts: "Their thoughts [are] thoughts of iniquity" reveals that the root of their outward actions lies in an inward disposition. Sin begins in the mind, where wicked schemes and intentions are conceived before being executed. This inward corruption parallels what is described in Genesis 6:5, where the thoughts of man's heart were continually evil.
  • Destructive Consequences: "Wasting and destruction [are] in their paths" describes the inevitable outcome of such wicked behavior. The path they choose leads not to peace or prosperity, but to desolation and ruin, both for themselves and for society.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verbs used in this verse convey a strong sense of urgency and deliberate action. "Run" (רָצוּ - ratzu) and "make haste" (יְמַהֲרוּ - yemaharoo) emphasize the swiftness and eagerness with which they pursue wickedness. The term "iniquity" (אָוֶן - aven) often carries the connotation of trouble, mischief, or moral perversity, highlighting the deep-seated corruption of their thoughts.

Related Scriptures

The description of human depravity in Isaiah 59:7 finds echoes throughout Scripture. Paul later echoes this sentiment in Romans 3:15-17, quoting this very passage (along with others from Psalms) to underscore the universal nature of human sinfulness: "Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known." This verse also aligns with Proverbs 6:18, which speaks of "an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief."

Practical Application

Isaiah 59:7 serves as a stark reminder that sin is not merely external action but originates in the heart and mind. It challenges us to examine our own thoughts and intentions, recognizing that unchecked desires can lead to destructive behaviors. This verse calls believers to a life of vigilance against evil, to cultivate thoughts that are pure and righteous (Philippians 4:8), and to actively pursue justice and peace in our communities, rather than contributing to "wasting and destruction." It underscores the profound need for God's transforming grace to cleanse both our thoughts and our paths.

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.

  • 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.

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