Isaiah 57:11

Isaiah 57:11 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Whom have you dreaded and feared, so that you lied and failed to remember Me or take this to heart? Is it not because I have long been silent that you do not fear Me?

King James Version KJV

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?

American Standard Version ASV

And of whom hast thou been afraid and in fear, that thou liest, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of long time, and thou fearest me not?

Bible in Basic English BBE

And of whom were you in fear, so that you were false, and did not keep me in mind, or give thought to it? Have I not been quiet, keeping myself secret, and so you were not in fear of me?

Free Bible Version FBV

Who were you scared of, who frightened you so much that you lied to me, didn't remember me, didn't even think about me? Is it because I've been quiet for so long that you don't even fear me?

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And whome diddest thou reuerence or feare, seeing thou hast lyed vnto me, and hast not remembred me, neither set thy minde thereon? is it not because I holde my peace, and that of long time? therefore thou fearest not me.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And of whom hast thou been afraid, and fearest, That thou liest, and Me hast not remembered? Thou hast not laid [it] to thy heart, Am not I silent, even from of old? And Me thou fearest not?

World English Bible WEB

“Whom have you dreaded and feared, so that you lie, and have not remembered me, nor laid it to your heart? Haven’t I held my peace for a long time, and you don’t fear me?

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For whom hast thou been solicitous and afraid, that thou hast lied, and hast not been mindful of me, nor thought on me in thy heart? for I am silent, and as one that seeth not, and thou hast forgotten me.

Translation for Translators T4T

Was it because you were afraid of those idols more than you were afraid of me that you lied about what you were doing, and you do not even think about [DOU, RHQ] me? Was it because I did not punish you for a long time that you are not afraid of me [RHQ]?

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 57:11

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Isaiah 57:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/אֶת מִ֞י דָּאַ֤גְתְּ וַ/תִּֽירְאִי֙ כִּ֣י תְכַזֵּ֔בִי וְ/אוֹתִ/י֙ לֹ֣א זָכַ֔רְתְּ לֹא שַׂ֖מְתְּ עַל לִבֵּ֑/ךְ הֲ/לֹ֨א אֲנִ֤י מַחְשֶׁה֙ וּ/מֵ֣/עֹלָ֔ם וְ/אוֹתִ֖/י לֹ֥א תִירָֽאִי

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

מִ֞י mîy H4310 who? Part

דָּאַ֤גְתְּ dâʼag H1672 be anxious V-Qal-Perf-2fs

וַ/תִּֽירְאִי֙ yârêʼ H3372 to fear Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2fs

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

תְכַזֵּ֔בִי kâzab H3576 to lie V-Piel-Imperf-2fs

וְ/אוֹתִ/י֙ ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM | Suff

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

זָכַ֔רְתְּ zâkar H2142 to remember V-Qal-Perf-2fs

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

שַׂ֖מְתְּ sûwm H7760 to set V-Qal-Perf-2fs

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

לִבֵּ֑/ךְ lêb H3820 heart N-ms | Suff

הֲ/לֹ֨א lôʼ H3808 not Part | Part

אֲנִ֤י ʼănîy H589 I Pron

מַחְשֶׁה֙ châshâh H2814 be silent V-Hiphil

וּ/מֵ֣/עֹלָ֔ם ʻôwlâm H5769 forever Conj | Prep | N-ms

וְ/אוֹתִ֖/י ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM | Suff

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part

תִירָֽאִי yârêʼ H3372 to fear V-Qal-Imperf-2fs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 57:11

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

מִ֞י mîy H4310 "who?" Part

This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.

Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever

Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.

דָּאַ֤גְתְּ dâʼag H1672 "be anxious" V-Qal-Perf-2fs

This verb means to be anxious or afraid, like worrying about something. It is used in the Bible to describe fear or concern. The KJV translates it as be afraid or sorrow.

Definition: 1) to fear, be anxious, be concerned, be afraid, be careful 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be anxious, be concerned 1a2) to fear, dread

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: be afraid (careful, sorry), sorrow, take thought. See also: 1 Samuel 9:5; Isaiah 57:11; Psalms 38:19.

וַ/תִּֽירְאִי֙ yârêʼ H3372 "to fear" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2fs

This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.

Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour

Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

תְכַזֵּ֔בִי kâzab H3576 "to lie" V-Piel-Imperf-2fs

This Hebrew word means to lie or deceive, and is used in the Bible to describe dishonesty and falsehood, as seen in the actions of those who oppose God's truth.

Definition: 1) to lie, tell a lie, be a liar, be found a liar, be in vain, fail 1a) (Qal) liar (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be proven to be lying 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lie, tell a lie, tell a lie with, deceive 1c2) to disappoint, fail 1d) (Hiphil) to make a liar, prove to be a liar

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: fail, (be found a, make a) liar, lie, lying, be in vain. See also: Numbers 23:19; Psalms 89:36; Psalms 78:36.

וְ/אוֹתִ/י֙ ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM | Suff

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

זָכַ֔רְתְּ zâkar H2142 "to remember" V-Qal-Perf-2fs

To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.

Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance

Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.

לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

שַׂ֖מְתְּ sûwm H7760 "to set" V-Qal-Perf-2fs

This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.

Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set

Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

לִבֵּ֑/ךְ lêb H3820 "heart" N-ms | Suff

Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.

Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage

Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.

הֲ/לֹ֨א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

אֲנִ֤י ʼănîy H589 "I" Pron

This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.

Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.

מַחְשֶׁה֙ châshâh H2814 "be silent" V-Hiphil

This Hebrew word means to be silent or quiet, and is used in the Bible to describe stillness or inactivity, as seen in the book of Psalms. It can also mean to hold peace or keep silence. In some cases, it is used to show respect or reverence.

Definition: 1) to be silent, quiet, still, inactive 1a) (Qal) to be silent, be still 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to be silent, exhibit silence 1b2) to show inactivity, be inactive 1b3) to make silent, make quiet, cause to be still

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: hold peace, keep silence, be silent, (be) still. See also: Judges 18:9; Psalms 107:29; Psalms 28:1.

וּ/מֵ֣/עֹלָ֔ם ʻôwlâm H5769 "forever" Conj | Prep | N-ms

This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.

Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity

Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.

וְ/אוֹתִ֖/י ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM | Suff

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

תִירָֽאִי yârêʼ H3372 "to fear" V-Qal-Imperf-2fs

Study Notes — Isaiah 57:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Isaiah 57:11 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 57:11
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 57:11
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 57:11
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 57:11
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 57:11
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 57:11
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 57:11
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 57:11
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 57:11
Sermons on Isaiah 57:11

Context — God Condemns Idolatry

9You went to Molech with oil and multiplied your perfumes. You have sent your envoys a great distance; you have descended even to Sheol itself. 10You are wearied by your many journeys, but you did not say, “There is no hope!” You found renewal of your strength; therefore you did not grow weak.

11Whom have you dreaded and feared, so that you lied and failed to remember Me or take this to heart? Is it not because I have long been silent that you do not fear Me?

12I will expose your righteousness and your works, and they will not profit you. 13When you cry out, let your companies of idols deliver you! Yet the wind will carry off all of them, a breath will take them away. But he who seeks refuge in Me will inherit the land and possess My holy mountain.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 51:12–13	“I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass? But you have forgotten the LORD, your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth. You live in terror all day long because of the fury of the oppressor who is bent on destruction. But where is the fury of the oppressor?
2	Proverbs 29:25	The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.
3	Psalms 50:21	You have done these things, and I kept silent; you thought I was just like you. But now I rebuke you and accuse you to your face.
4	Jeremiah 3:21	A voice is heard on the barren heights, the children of Israel weeping and begging for mercy, because they have perverted their ways and forgotten the LORD their God.
5	Isaiah 26:10	Though grace is shown to the wicked man, he does not learn righteousness. In the land of righteousness he acts unjustly and fails to see the majesty of the LORD.
6	Jeremiah 2:32	Does a maiden forget her jewelry or a bride her wedding sash? Yet My people have forgotten Me for days without number.
7	Isaiah 59:3–4	For your hands are stained with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters injustice. No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case honestly. They rely on empty pleas; they tell lies; they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity.
8	Ecclesiastes 8:11	When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil.
9	Isaiah 30:9	These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to obey the LORD’s instruction.
10	Jeremiah 42:20	For you have deceived yourselves by sending me to the LORD your God, saying, ‘Pray to the LORD our God on our behalf, and as for all that the LORD our God says, tell it to us and we will do it.’

Isaiah 57:11 Summary

[Isaiah 57:11 is a verse where God asks His people who they are afraid of, because it seems they are more afraid of others than they are of Him. This fear leads them to lie, forget about God, and not think about what He says. As it says in Psalm 34:4, when we fear God, we don't have to fear anything else. God's silence is not a sign of absence, but of patience, as seen in Psalm 50:21, and He wants us to trust Him and not turn to idols for comfort or security.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main issue God is addressing in Isaiah 57:11?

God is confronting the people's fear of others and their subsequent forgetfulness of Him, as seen in their idolatrous actions and lack of reverence for His silence, which is reminiscent of the warnings in Deuteronomy 8:11-14 and Psalm 50:21.

Why does God say He has been 'long been silent' in Isaiah 57:11?

God's silence is not a lack of action, but rather a period of patience and restraint, allowing the people to turn to Him, as seen in Psalm 50:21, where God's silence is a precursor to judgment, and in Isaiah 57:11, where it leads to a lack of fear for Him.

What is the consequence of fearing others more than God, as mentioned in Isaiah 57:11?

The consequence of fearing others more than God is that we will lie, forget God, and not take His words to heart, leading to a life of idolatry and unrighteousness, as warned in Isaiah 57:12 and Romans 1:25.

How does Isaiah 57:11 relate to our daily lives?

This verse reminds us that our fears and anxieties can lead us to forget God and turn to idols, but as Psalm 34:4 and Matthew 6:25-34 remind us, we should cast our fears on God and trust in His care and provision.

Reflection Questions

What are some things that I fear or dread in my life, and how do these fears affect my relationship with God?
In what ways have I 'lied' or been dishonest with myself or others about my fears and anxieties, and how can I bring these to God in honesty and humility?
How has God's silence or seeming inactivity in my life affected my trust in Him, and what can I learn from His patience and restraint?
What are some 'idols' in my life that I have turned to for comfort or security instead of God, and how can I repent and turn back to Him?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 57:11

And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied,.... By assuming the name of Christian, when it did not belong to her; as it does not to the church of Rome which is antichristian:

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 57:11

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?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 57:11

And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared? and what or who are they the fear of whom drives thee to these wicked and desperate courses? Are they not men, weak and mortal creatures, such as wholly depend upon me, and can do nothing to thee either against me or without me? That thou hast lied; that thou hast dealt thus disloyally and perfidiously with me, and sought for such foreign assistances, contrary to my command, and thy solemn covenant, and hast not remembered me: hast thou forgotten all those great things which I have done for thee, and all those promises which I have made to thee, and constantly performed, when thou hast not grossly violated the conditions upon which they were made? Nor laid it to thy heart; or thus, nor set me upon thine heart, as these very words are rendered, . And so this is a repetition of what is said in the foregoing clause in other words. The sense is, Thou hast not seriously and affectionately considered what I am, how all-sufficient, and faithful, and gracious, for then thou wouldst not have distrusted or disobeyed me. Have not I held my peace even of old? have not I forborne to reprove and punish thee for this and for other sins, from time to time, ever since thou wast my people, that by this goodness I might oblige thee to love me, and to cleave unto me? And thou fearest me not; or, therefore thou dost not fear or regard me. Thus thou abusest mine indulgence and long-suffering, taking occasion from thence to despise me.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 57:11

Isaiah 57:11 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?Ver. 11. And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared?] q.d., Not me surely, as thou oughtst; but thy fellow creatures, whom thou shouldst have looked upon as so many mice. That thou hast lied,] i.e., So basely flattered the Assyrian. Have I not held my peace?] i.e., Borne with thee, more than any else would ever have done? And yet my lenity is even worse than lost upon thee.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 57:11

(11) And of whom hast thou been afraid . . .?—The question implies that Judah had been led by the fear of man to forsake the fear of Jehovah, and this had led her to what was, in the fullest sense of the word, the false step of an alliance with Assyria, which was an acted lie. Have I not held my peace . . .?—The words suggest, half-pityingly, the cause of the people’s little faith. From “of old,” i.e., during the period that preceded the captivity, or perhaps in the dark time of Manasseh, Jehovah had been silent, and His long- suffering had been mistaken for apathy, and therefore the people had not feared Him.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 57:11

Verse 11. Nor laid it to thy heart - "Nor revolved it in thy hand"] Eight MSS., (four ancient,) and the two oldest editions, with another, add the conjunction ו vau, ולא velo: which is confirmed by all the ancient Versions. Even of old - "And winked"] For ומעולם umeolam, which makes no good sense or construction in this place, twenty-three MSS. (seven ancient) and three editions have מעלם, (to be thus pointed מעלם malim;) παροπω, Septuagint; quasi non videns, "as if not seeing," Vulgate. See Psalms 10:1. The truth of this reading, so confirmed, admits of no doubt. In one of my own MSS. the ו vau has been written, but afterwards struck out. Is it not because I was silent, and winked?

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 57:11

11. Most critics detect in this verse a milder tone on the part of the Divine speaker, as if He would find a partial excuse for the apostasies of the people in their undue fear of other gods, and distrust of Jehovah, who had so long time kept silence (cf. ch. Isaiah 51:12 f., Isaiah 42:14). If this impression be right, the theory that the Samaritans are the persons addressed at once falls to the ground. Another view is, however, possible. The question of whom hast thou been afraid and feared? may imply a simple negative answer,—“thou hast been absolutely fearless.” The language of the verse yields itself to either interpretation. that thou hast lied] Or, “for thou art treacherous.” have not I held my peace, &c.] Or “Is it not so? I have been silent” etc.: “It was because I held my peace that thou didst not fear me, but other gods.” Cf. Psalms 50:21 (“These things thou didst and I kept silence” etc). even of old] (Isaiah 42:14). The LXX. and Vulg. evidently vocalised the word differently (ξַ ?ςְ ?μִ ?ν for ξֵ ?ςֹ ?μָ ?ν), so as to read “and covered (sc. my eyes)”; (cf. Psalms 10:1; Isaiah 1:15).

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 57:11

And of whom hast thou been afraid - The sense of this verse is exceedingly obscure.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 57:11

11. Of whom hast thou been afraid — Much in these verses is very obscure, and this verse more than all. The question and context imply that there really was one or more who were objects of fear.

Sermons on Isaiah 57:11

	Sermon	Description
	Christ's Silence (2). by Andrew Bonar	Andrew Bonar emphasizes Christ's silence as a profound expression of grace and forgiveness, illustrating how Jesus welcomed sinners without condemnation, allowing them to experienc
	The World Situation by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes God's promise of rest and protection for His people amidst global turmoil and fear. It highlights the need for believers to find rest in the finished work of
	Getting Bread for the Hungry by Phil Beach Jr.	Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of a genuine relationship with Jesus over mere religious practices, urging believers to seek the Holy Spirit for the purpose of serving othe
	Dangers of Young Men by J.C. Ryle	J.C. Ryle warns young men about the dangers of pride, love of pleasure, thoughtlessness, contempt of Christianity, and the fear of man's opinion. He emphasizes that pride can lead
	Comfort Ye by Thomas Bradbury	Thomas Bradbury preaches on God's message of comfort to His people through the prophet Isaiah, emphasizing the rich covenant consolation available to believers amidst trials and tr
	Fear and Awe by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the distinction between fleshly fear and reverential awe of God, urging believers to recognize the power of God's judgments rather than succumbing to anx
	Two Kingdoms and a Miracle by Ed Miller	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the book of Daniel. He emphasizes that every trial in our lives is a missionary trial, meant