King James Version

What Does Isaiah 57:17 Mean?

Isaiah 57:17 in the King James Version says “For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in th...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 57 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. frowardly: Heb. turning away”

Isaiah 57:17 · KJV

Context

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.

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.

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. frowardly: Heb. turning away

18

I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God explains the reason for His wrath: "For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him." The Hebrew betsa (covetousness/unjust gain) represents the root sin driving idolatry and injustice—greed and selfish ambition. This connects to the tenth commandment (Exodus 20:17) and Paul's identification of covetousness as idolatry (Colossians 3:5, Ephesians 5:5). God's response was judicial: "I hid me, and was wroth." Divine hiding (astar) represents covenant curse—the removal of God's presence and blessing (Deuteronomy 31:17-18, Isaiah 54:8). Yet despite discipline, "he went on frowardly in the way of his heart." The Hebrew showbab (frowardly/backsliding) describes stubborn rebellion despite correction. This illustrates the doctrine of total depravity—natural man persists in sin even under divine discipline until God grants repentance. The phrase "the way of his heart" shows that sin flows from the heart's corruption (Mark 7:21-23, Jeremiah 17:9).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This describes Judah's pattern during the monarchy: God disciplined them through military defeats, famines, and prophetic warnings (Deuteronomy 28:15-68), yet they persisted in idolatry and injustice. Even Josiah's reforms were shallow and temporary (2 Kings 22-23, Jeremiah 3:10). The covetousness manifested in exploiting the poor (Isaiah 3:14-15, 5:8, Jeremiah 22:13-17) and trusting in wealth rather than God (Isaiah 2:7, Jeremiah 9:23-24).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does covetousness function as the root of idolatry in our hearts?
  2. What does it reveal about our hearts when we persist in sin despite God's discipline?
  3. How does God break through our stubborn hearts to bring genuine repentance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
בַּעֲוֺ֥ן1 of 10

“For the iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

בִּצְע֛וֹ2 of 10

“of his covetousness”

H1215

plunder; by extension, gain (usually unjust)

וְאֶקְצֹ֑ף3 of 10

“me and was wroth”

H7107

to crack off, i.e., (figuratively) burst out in rage

וְאַכֵּ֖הוּ4 of 10

“and smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

הַסְתֵּ֣ר5 of 10

“him I hid”

H5641

to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively

וְאֶקְצֹ֑ף6 of 10

“me and was wroth”

H7107

to crack off, i.e., (figuratively) burst out in rage

וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ7 of 10

“and he went on”

H3212

to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)

שׁוֹבָ֖ב8 of 10

“frowardly”

H7726

apostate, i.e., idolatrous

בְּדֶ֥רֶךְ9 of 10

“in the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

לִבּֽוֹ׃10 of 10

“of his heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

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 57:17 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 57:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 56:11Colossians 3:5Jeremiah 6:13Ephesians 5:3-52 Peter 2:14Jeremiah 2:30

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