King James Version

What Does Isaiah 57:10 Mean?

“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. life: or, living”

Context

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. made: or, hewed it for thyself larger than theirs where: or, thou providedst room

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. thou: or, thou respectedst

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. life: or, living

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?

I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee.

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Topics in This Verse

Hope

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **Thou art wearied in the greatness of thy way . . .**—Better, *with the length of thy journey—*i.e., with the long embassies to Assyria, and to Babylon, as for the time the residence of its kings. For “there is no hope,” read, *there is no result, *or *profit. *Judah would not acknowledge that the negotiations were fruitless. **Thou hast found the life of thine hand . . .**—The words arc a literal rendering, and convey the meaning, *Thou didst renew the strength of thine hand—i.e., *Judah found a fancied increase of power in the alliance she was seeking, and therefore did not repent of her ignominious diplomacy.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 57:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.