King James Version

What Does Isaiah 59:7 Mean?

Isaiah 59:7 in the King James Version says “Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 59 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths. destruction: Heb. breaking”

Isaiah 59:7 · KJV

Context

5

They hatch cockatrice' eggs, and weave the spider's web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper. cockatrice': or, adder's crushed: or, sprinkled is as if there brake out a viper

6

Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands.

7

Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths. destruction: Heb. breaking

8

The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace. judgment: or, right

9

Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness.

Read Isaiah 59 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The rush to evil is described: 'Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood.' Paul quotes this in Romans 3:15-17 to prove universal sinfulness. The Hebrew 'mahar' (make haste) shows eagerness, not reluctant falling into sin. Desolation and destruction characterize their paths.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse appears in Paul's catena of Old Testament texts proving all are under sin. The combination of Isaiah with Psalms and Proverbs creates a comprehensive indictment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the eagerness to do evil ('make haste') reveal about the human heart?
  2. How does Paul's use of this verse in Romans 3 shape your understanding of human sinfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
רַגְלֵיהֶם֙1 of 13

“Their feet”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

לָרַ֣ע2 of 13

“to evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

יָרֻ֔צוּ3 of 13

“run”

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

וִֽימַהֲר֔וּ4 of 13

“and they make haste”

H4116

properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)

לִשְׁפֹּ֖ךְ5 of 13

“to shed”

H8210

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

דָּ֣ם6 of 13

“blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

נָקִ֑י7 of 13

“innocent”

H5355

innocent

מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת8 of 13

“are thoughts”

H4284

a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)

מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת9 of 13

“are thoughts”

H4284

a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)

אָ֔וֶן10 of 13

“of iniquity”

H205

strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol

שֹׁ֥ד11 of 13

“wasting”

H7701

violence, ravage

וָשֶׁ֖בֶר12 of 13

“and destruction”

H7667

a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)

בִּמְסִלּוֹתָֽם׃13 of 13

“are in their paths”

H4546

a thoroughfare (as turnpiked), literally or figuratively; specifically a viaduct, a staircase

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 59:7 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 59:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 3:15-17Proverbs 6:17Proverbs 1:16Mark 7:21-22Proverbs 15:26Revelation 17:6

Test Your Knowledge

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

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