Isaiah 57:20

20 But the wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud.

Isaiah 57:20 in Other Translations

KJV
20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
ESV
20 But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt.
NLT
20 “But those who still reject me are like the restless sea, which is never still but continually churns up mud and dirt.
MSG
20 But the wicked are storm-battered seas that can't quiet down. The waves stir up garbage and mud.
CSB
20 But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its waters churn up mire and muck.

Isaiah 57:20 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 57:20

But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest,
&c.] Disturbed by winds, storms, and hurricanes, when its waves rise, rage, and tumble about, and beat against the shore and sand, threatening to pass the bounds fixed for it. In such like agitations will the minds of wicked men be, through the terrors of conscience for their sins; or through the malice and envy in them at the happiness and prosperity of the righteous, now enjoyed, upon the downfall of antichrist; and through the judgments of God upon them, gnawing their tongues for pain, and blaspheming the God of heaven, because of their plagues and pains, ( Revelation 16:9 Revelation 16:10 Revelation 16:11 ) : whose waters cast up mire and dirt;
from the bottom of the sea upon the shore; so the hearts of wicked men, having nothing but the mire and dirt of sin in them, cast out nothing else but the froth and foam of their own shame, blasphemy against God, and malice against his people.

Isaiah 57:20 In-Context

18 I have seen their ways, but I will heal them; I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel’s mourners,
19 creating praise on their lips. Peace, peace, to those far and near,” says the LORD. “And I will heal them.”
20 But the wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud.
21 “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”

Cross References 3

  • 1. Job 18:5-21
  • 2. S Genesis 49:4; Ephesians 4:14; Jude 1:13
  • 3. Psalms 69:14
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