Isaiah 59:8

KJV

The way of peace they know not; and [there is] no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.

KJV (with Strong's)

The way {H1870} of peace {H7965} they know {H3045} not; and there is no judgment {H4941} in their goings {H4570}: they have made them crooked {H6140} paths {H5410}: whosoever goeth {H1869} therein shall not know {H3045} peace {H7965}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The way of shalom they do not know, their goings-about obey no law, they make devious paths for themselves; no one treading them will ever know shalom.

Berean Standard Bible

The way of peace they have not known, and there is no justice in their tracks. They have turned them into crooked paths; no one who treads on them will know peace.

American Standard Version

The way of peace they know not; and there is no justice in their goings: they have made them crooked paths; whosoever goeth therein doth not know peace.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 59:8 stands as a stark indictment of Judah's spiritual and moral depravity, revealing the profound consequences of a society that has abandoned divine righteousness. The verse powerfully articulates that a people estranged from God's standards cannot comprehend or experience true peace, for their actions are devoid of justice, and their chosen paths are inherently perverse. It underscores the inescapable truth that pursuing unrighteousness inevitably leads to a perpetual state of unrest and an utter lack of comprehensive well-being, both individually and corporately.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 59 is a pivotal chapter within the book of Isaiah, specifically falling within the "Book of Consolation" (chapters 40-66), yet it serves as a profound lament and confession of Israel's sin. The chapter opens with a clear declaration that God's arm is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear, but rather it is the people's iniquities that have created a chasm between them and their God ([Isaiah 59:1-2](/isaiah/59-1 "Isaiah 59:1-2 - God's Power and Human Sin")). The preceding verses (3-7) meticulously detail the pervasive nature of their transgressions: hands defiled with blood, fingers with iniquity, lips speaking lies, and tongues muttering perverseness. They conceive trouble and bring forth iniquity, spinning spider webs and hatching viper's eggs, indicating a deep-seated, intentional commitment to evil. Within this grim depiction of societal corruption, verse 8 functions as a summary statement, articulating the inevitable outcome of such a lifestyle: a complete inability to find or even recognize the path to peace. It logically follows the description of their wicked actions, demonstrating the direct cause-and-effect relationship between sin and the absence of shalom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah 59 likely reflect a period of significant moral decline in Judah, possibly during the late monarchical period leading up to the Babylonian exile, or even during the exile itself, as the people grappled with the reasons for their suffering. The societal breakdown described—injustice, violence, deceit, and a disregard for truth—was not merely spiritual but manifested in the daily fabric of life. "Judgment" (mishpat) in this context refers to the administration of justice in courts, ethical conduct in society, and adherence to God's covenantal laws. The absence of mishpat meant a society where the vulnerable were oppressed, truth was suppressed, and moral discernment was utterly lacking. The "way of peace" (derek shalom) was not just about the absence of war, but the holistic well-being, prosperity, and harmony (shalom) that was promised as a blessing for covenant faithfulness (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")). Their "crooked paths" contrasted sharply with the "straight paths" or "righteous ways" God commanded, which were understood as leading to life and blessing.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the **consequence of sin and rebellion against God**, illustrating how moral decay inevitably leads to societal breakdown and personal unrest. The absence of "peace" (shalom) is a direct result of the absence of "judgment" (mishpat) and the deliberate choice of "crooked paths." This highlights the theme of **divine justice**—God's righteous order cannot be violated without severe repercussions. Furthermore, it underscores the **holistic nature of true peace**, which is not merely external tranquility but an internal and communal flourishing rooted in righteousness and a right relationship with God. The verse also implicitly points to the **necessity of divine intervention** for true peace to be restored, setting the stage for later prophecies in Isaiah about the coming Messiah, the "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace")). It echoes the lament found in [Jeremiah 6:14](/jeremiah/6-14 "Jeremiah 6:14 - False Peace") where false prophets declare "peace, peace," when there is no peace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Way (Hebrew, _derek'_):** From H1870, this word literally means "a road (as trodden)" but figuratively refers to "a course of life or mode of action." In Isaiah 59:8, it signifies the chosen conduct or lifestyle of the people. Their "way" is not merely a physical route but their moral and spiritual trajectory, which, in this context, is characterized by a profound ignorance of peace.
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** From H7965, this term is far richer than its English equivalent, encompassing not just the absence of conflict but also wholeness, completeness, well-being, prosperity, security, and harmony, especially in one's relationship with God and others. The prophet emphasizes that this comprehensive state of _shalom_ is utterly unknown to those who walk in unrighteousness.
* **Crooked (Hebrew, _ʻâqash'_):** From H6140, this primitive root means "to knot or distort," and figuratively, "to pervert (act or declare perverse)." When applied to "paths" (H5410, _nâthîyb_), it powerfully conveys a life lived contrary to God's straight and narrow way, indicating a deliberate and perverse deviation from righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The way of peace they know not;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the core problem: a fundamental ignorance or inability to discern the path that leads to true peace. It's not just that they don't experience peace, but they don't even comprehend the means to attain it, suggesting a deep spiritual blindness and moral confusion. Their actions are not guided by principles that foster harmony or well-being.
* **"and [there is] no judgment in their goings:":** This clause elaborates on the reason for their ignorance of peace. "Judgment" (mishpat) refers to justice, righteousness, and proper order. "Their goings" (maʻgâl) refers to their tracks, paths, or courses of action. The absence of judgment means their conduct, decisions, and societal structures are devoid of fairness, equity, and divine standards. Their actions are unrighteous, arbitrary, and oppressive, leading to disorder rather than peace.
* **"they have made them crooked paths:":** This vivid metaphor describes the active choice and deliberate construction of their sinful lifestyle. Rather than following God's straight and righteous path, they have actively forged their own "crooked," winding, and perverse ways. This implies intentional deviation, deceit, and a departure from truth, highlighting their culpability in their own predicament.
* **"whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.":** This final clause serves as an inescapable consequence and a universal warning. It reiterates the opening statement, emphasizing that the lack of peace is not an accident but the inevitable outcome for anyone who chooses to walk these unrighteous, self-made paths. It underscores the direct correlation between moral conduct and the experience of true _shalom_.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 59:8 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Metaphor** is central, particularly in the phrase "crooked paths," which vividly portrays the perverse and deviant nature of the people's chosen way of life, contrasting it implicitly with God's straight and righteous path. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism** and **Repetition** by stating "The way of peace they know not" at the beginning and echoing "shall not know peace" at the end, creating a strong sense of inevitability and reinforcing the central theme of the absence of _shalom_. This repetition also functions as a form of **Inclusio**, framing the verse's indictment. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a powerful statement of **Cause and Effect**, clearly linking the people's unrighteous actions ("no judgment in their goings," "crooked paths") to their inevitable consequence (not knowing peace). The tone is one of **Prophetic Indictment** and lament, expressing God's righteous sorrow over His people's self-inflicted suffering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 59:8 profoundly connects the absence of peace to the absence of righteousness, asserting that true _shalom_ is inextricably linked to divine justice and moral integrity. This verse highlights a foundational biblical principle: human flourishing, both individual and communal, is contingent upon adherence to God's standards. When humanity deviates from God's "straight paths" and constructs "crooked paths" of injustice, violence, and deceit, the natural and inevitable consequence is a pervasive lack of peace, marked by internal turmoil and external strife. This theological truth is not limited to ancient Israel but serves as a timeless warning for all societies and individuals, revealing that the pursuit of genuine well-being without righteousness is a futile endeavor.

* [Isaiah 48:22](/isaiah/48-22 "Isaiah 48:22 - No Peace for the Wicked")
* [Proverbs 3:17](/proverbs/3-17 "Proverbs 3:17 - Wisdom's Pleasant Paths")
* [Romans 3:17](/romans/3-17 "Romans 3:17 - The Way of Peace Unknown")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 59:8 serves as a timeless mirror, reflecting the profound truth that our chosen paths directly determine our experience of peace. It challenges us to look beyond superficial tranquility and consider the deeper, holistic meaning of _shalom_—a state of wholeness, well-being, and harmony that flows from a right relationship with God and righteous living. When we, individually or collectively, abandon God's standards of justice and truth, pursuing self-serving or deceitful ways, we inevitably forfeit this genuine peace. This verse calls us to a radical self-examination, urging us to discern whether our "goings" are marked by divine judgment or by "crooked paths" of our own making. It reminds us that true peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of God's order and righteousness in our lives and communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be creating "crooked paths" instead of walking in God's righteousness?**
* **How does my pursuit of personal "peace" align with or diverge from God's definition of _shalom_?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that "judgment" (justice and righteousness) guides my daily actions and decisions?**
* **How does the absence of peace in my community or the world reflect a departure from God's "way of peace"?**

### FAQ
**What does "no judgment in their goings" mean?**

Answer: This phrase means that the people's actions, conduct, and societal practices are devoid of justice, moral discernment, or adherence to God's righteous standards. "Judgment" (Hebrew: _mishpâṭ_) refers to proper order, ethical decisions, and the administration of justice. "Their goings" (Hebrew: _maʻgâl_) refers to their paths or courses of life. Therefore, it signifies that their way of life lacks any foundation in what is right, fair, or in alignment with divine law, leading to chaos and unrighteousness rather than peace.

**How does this verse define "peace"?**

Answer: In Isaiah 59:8, "peace" (Hebrew: _shâlôwm_) is understood in its rich, comprehensive biblical sense. It is far more than just the absence of conflict. _Shâlôwm_ encompasses wholeness, completeness, well-being, prosperity, security, and harmony in all aspects of life—spiritually, physically, socially, and emotionally. The verse asserts that this holistic state of flourishing is unattainable for those who live unrighteously and choose "crooked paths," demonstrating that true peace is a fruit of righteousness and a right relationship with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 59:8, with its lament over humanity's inability to know the way of peace due to its crooked paths and lack of judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. Humanity, indeed, could not find the path to _shalom_ on its own, for "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Yet, the New Testament reveals Jesus as the perfect embodiment of the "way of peace." He is not only the "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace")) but also "our peace" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), who broke down the dividing wall of hostility through His sacrifice. Through His atoning work, Christ provided the means for humanity to be reconciled to God, establishing a new covenant where true righteousness and peace can be found. He declared Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")), thereby offering the only true path that leads to genuine _shalom_. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus sends, guides believers "into the way of peace" ([Luke 1:79](/luke/1-79 "Luke 1:79 - Guiding Feet into Peace")), enabling them to walk in the righteousness that produces peace, a peace that the world cannot give ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Gift of Peace")). Thus, what humanity failed to achieve in Isaiah 59:8, God accomplished definitively in Christ, restoring the possibility of true peace through faith in Him.

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

Isaiah 57:20

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

Isaiah 57:21

[There is] no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

Romans 3:17

And the way of peace have they not known:

Luke 1:79

To give light to them that sit in darkness and [in] the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Psalms 58:1

¶ To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David. Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?

Psalms 58:2

Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth.

Isaiah 5:7

For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts [is] the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.