King James Version

What Does Isaiah 57:12 Mean?

Isaiah 57:12 in the King James Version says “I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee.” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 57 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Isaiah 57:12 · KJV

Context

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. life: or, living

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?

12

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

13

When thou criest, let thy companies deliver thee; but the wind shall carry them all away; vanity shall take them: but he that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain;

14

And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people.

Read Isaiah 57 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The divine irony is crushing: "I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee." God promises to expose their so-called "righteousness" for what it truly is—worthless works that cannot save. The Hebrew tsedaqah (righteousness) is used sarcastically; their supposed righteous deeds are filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). This anticipates Paul's teaching that works of the law cannot justify (Romans 3:20, Galatians 2:16). The phrase "they shall not profit thee" echoes throughout prophetic literature (Jeremiah 2:8, 11, Habakkuk 2:18)—idols and self-righteousness are utterly useless for salvation. From a Reformed perspective, this strikes at the heart of human pride and self-justification. Natural man trusts in his own efforts, religious observances, and moral achievements. God's declaration of judgment exposes all such confidence as delusional. Only the imputed righteousness of Christ, received through faith alone, can save (2 Corinthians 5:21, Philippians 3:9).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This divine threat was fulfilled when Babylon conquered Judah. All their religious activities, sacrifices, and supposed righteousness could not prevent judgment. The temple was destroyed, Jerusalem burned, and the people exiled—proving that externally religious observance without heart devotion is worthless. This same pattern repeated in Jesus' day when He condemned the Pharisees' righteousness as insufficient (Matthew 5:20, 23:27-28), leading to Jerusalem's destruction in AD 70.

Reflection Questions

  1. What forms of self-righteousness do we trust in apart from Christ's imputed righteousness?
  2. How does God's exposure of worthless works lead us to despair of self and trust in Christ?
  3. In what ways might religious activity become a substitute for genuine heart transformation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
אֲנִ֥י1 of 7
H589

i

אַגִּ֖יד2 of 7

“I will declare”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

צִדְקָתֵ֑ךְ3 of 7

“thy righteousness”

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

וְאֶֽת4 of 7
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מַעֲשַׂ֖יִךְ5 of 7

“and thy works”

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

וְלֹ֥א6 of 7
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יוֹעִילֽוּךְ׃7 of 7

“for they shall not profit”

H3276

properly, to ascend; figuratively, to be valuable (objectively; useful, subjectively; benefited)

Study Guide

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 57:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 57:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 7:4-11Micah 3:2-4Matthew 23:13Romans 3:10-20Isaiah 1:11-15Isaiah 66:3-4

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