What does Isaiah 57:21 mean?
"There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked." - Isaiah 57:21

Isaiah 57:21 - "There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked."
This verse, found in the book of Isaiah, is a powerful declaration of the consequences of wickedness and the inability to find peace when living a life of sin. The prophet Isaiah addresses the wicked directly, warning them that their actions will lead to a lack of peace in their lives.
The theme of peace and wickedness is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, and this verse serves as a reminder of the spiritual consequences of living a life of disobedience to God's will. It underscores the importance of living a righteous and obedient life in order to find true and lasting peace.
In the context of the book of Isaiah, this verse comes towards the end of a series of rebukes and warnings to the people of Israel. The prophet Isaiah was called to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the people of Judah and Jerusalem, urging them to turn from their sinful ways and return to God. In this particular verse, Isaiah is speaking directly to the wicked individuals who have strayed from God's commandments and are reaping the consequences of their actions.
The symbolism in this verse is powerful and impactful. The concept of peace is one that is deeply rooted in the human experience, and it represents a state of tranquility, harmony, and wholeness. Throughout the Bible, peace is closely associated with God's presence and righteousness. In contrast, wickedness represents a state of moral depravity and disobedience to God's will. The lack of peace for the wicked symbolizes the spiritual and emotional turmoil that comes from living a life that is not aligned with God's truth and righteousness.
This verse also serves as a warning to those who may be tempted to pursue a life of wickedness. It highlights the futility of seeking fulfillment and contentment outside of God's will, and the ultimate emptiness and lack of peace that will result from such pursuits.
In a broader theological sense, this verse points to the core truth of the human experience: that true peace and fulfillment can only be found in a relationship with God, the source of all goodness and righteousness. It speaks to the universal human longing for peace and the folly of seeking it apart from God. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for repentance and reconciliation with God in order to experience true peace.
In conclusion, Isaiah 57:21 conveys a powerful message about the consequences of wickedness and the inability to find peace outside of God's will. It serves as a warning to those who may be tempted to pursue a life of disobedience, and a reminder of the ultimate futility of such pursuits. The verse also points to the foundational truth that true peace can only be found in a relationship with God, and serves as a call to repentance and reconciliation with Him.
Have questions about Isaiah 57:21?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Isaiah 57:21 Artwork
Isaiah 57:21 - "There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked."
"There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked." - Isaiah 57:21
Isaiah 57:20-21 - "But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, says my God, for the wicked."
Isaiah 57:1-2
Isaiah 57:12 - "I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee."
Isaiah 57:3 - "¶ But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore."
Isaiah 57:20 - "But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt."
Isaiah 57:2 - "He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness."
Isaiah 57:5 - "Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks?"
Isaiah 57:19 - "I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him."
"But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, says my God, for the wicked." - Isaiah 57:20-21
Isaiah 57:14 - "And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people."
Isaiah 57:17 - "For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart."
Isaiah 57:7 - "Upon a lofty and high mountain hast thou set thy bed: even thither wentest thou up to offer sacrifice."
Isaiah 57:16 - "For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made."
Isaiah 57:1 - "The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come."
Isaiah 57:18 - "I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners."
Isaiah 57:9 - "And thou wentest to the king with ointment, and didst increase thy perfumes, and didst send thy messengers far off, and didst debase thyself even unto hell."
Isaiah 57:10 - "Thou art wearied in the greatness of thy way; yet saidst thou not, There is no hope: thou hast found the life of thine hand; therefore thou wast not grieved."
Isaiah 57:4 - "Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood,"
"I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee." - Isaiah 57:12
"¶ But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore." - Isaiah 57:3
Isaiah 57:11 - "And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not?"
Isaiah 57:6 - "Among the smooth stones of the stream is thy portion; they, they are thy lot: even to them hast thou poured a drink offering, thou hast offered a meat offering. Should I receive comfort in these?"
Isaiah 57:15 - "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."
Isaiah 57:1-2 - "The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous are taken away from calamity, they enter into peace; those who walk uprightly will rest on their beds."
Isaiah 57:18-19 - "I have seen their ways, but I will heal them; I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel’s mourners, creating praise on their lips. Peace, peace, to those far and near,” says the LORD. “And I will heal them.”"
"He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness." - Isaiah 57:2
Isaiah 57:8 - "Behind the doors also and the posts hast thou set up thy remembrance: for thou hast discovered thyself to another than me, and art gone up; thou hast enlarged thy bed, and made thee a covenant with them; thou lovedst their bed where thou sawest it."
"But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt." - Isaiah 57:20