King James Version

What Does Isaiah 59:18 Mean?

Isaiah 59:18 in the King James Version says “According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 59 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence. deeds: Heb. recompences”

Isaiah 59:18 · KJV

Context

16

And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.

17

For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.

18

According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence. deeds: Heb. recompences

19

So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. lift: or, put him to flight

20

And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD.

Read Isaiah 59 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence.' Divine retribution is proportional - 'according to deeds.' The scope is universal: even distant islands (coastlands representing remote nations) will receive appropriate judgment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This universal judgment extends God's sovereignty beyond Israel to all nations. No adversary escapes appropriate recompense for opposition to God and His people.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does proportional judgment ('according to deeds') reflect God's justice?
  2. What comfort or warning does universal judgment provide?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
כְּעַ֣ל1 of 11

“According to”

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

גְּמֻלוֹת֙2 of 11

“their deeds”

H1578

meaning the same

כְּעַ֣ל3 of 11

“According to”

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יְשַׁלֵּֽם׃4 of 11

“accordingly he will repay”

H7999

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

חֵמָ֣ה5 of 11

“fury”

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

לְצָרָ֔יו6 of 11

“to his adversaries”

H6862

a pebble (as in h6864)

גְּמ֥וּל7 of 11

“recompence”

H1576

treatment, i.e., an act (of good or ill); by implication, service or requital

לְאֹֽיְבָ֑יו8 of 11

“to his enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

לָאִיִּ֖ים9 of 11

“to the islands”

H339

properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island

גְּמ֥וּל10 of 11

“recompence”

H1576

treatment, i.e., an act (of good or ill); by implication, service or requital

יְשַׁלֵּֽם׃11 of 11

“accordingly he will repay”

H7999

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

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 59:18 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 59:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 17:10Isaiah 63:6Romans 2:6Matthew 16:27Nahum 1:2Lamentations 4:11

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 59 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 59 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes