Isaiah 59:7
Isaiah 59:7 in Multiple Translations
Their feet run to evil; they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are sinful thoughts; ruin and destruction lie in their wake.
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.
Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; desolation and destruction are in their paths.
Their feet go quickly to evil, and they take delight in the death of the upright; their thoughts are thoughts of sin; wasting and destruction are in their ways.
They run to do evil; they're quick to murder innocent people. Their minds are full of sinful thoughts; they only cause havoc and destruction.
Their feete runne to euill, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are wicked thoughts: desolation and destruction is in their paths.
Their feet to evil do run, And they haste to shed innocent blood, Their thoughts [are] thoughts of iniquity, Spoiling and destruction [are] in their highways.
Their feet run to evil, and they hurry to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity. Desolation and destruction are in their paths.
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.
Their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are unprofitable thoughts: wasting and destruction are in their ways.
You [SYN] are very quick to go and do evil things, and you hurry to murder people [MTY] who are innocent. You are continually thinking about sinning. Wherever you go, you destroy things and cause people to suffer.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 59:7
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 59:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רַגְלֵי/הֶם֙
לָ/רַ֣ע
יָרֻ֔צוּ
וִֽ/ימַהֲר֔וּ
לִ/שְׁפֹּ֖ךְ
דָּ֣ם
נָקִ֑י
מַחְשְׁבֽוֹתֵי/הֶם֙
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת
אָ֔וֶן
שֹׁ֥ד
וָ/שֶׁ֖בֶר
בִּ/מְסִלּוֹתָֽ/ם
רַגְלֵי/הֶם֙
regel
H7272
foot
N-fd | Suff
לָ/רַ֣ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Prep | Adj
יָרֻ֔צוּ
rûwts
H7323
to run
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וִֽ/ימַהֲר֔וּ
mâhar
H4116
to hasten
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
לִ/שְׁפֹּ֖ךְ
shâphak
H8210
to pour
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
דָּ֣ם
dâm
H1818
blood
N-ms
נָקִ֑י
nâqîy
H5355
innocent
Adj
מַחְשְׁבֽוֹתֵי/הֶם֙
machăshâbâh
H4284
plot
N-fp | Suff
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת
machăshâbâh
H4284
plot
N-fp
אָ֔וֶן
ʼâven
H205
evil
N-ms
שֹׁ֥ד
shôd
H7701
violence
N-ms
וָ/שֶׁ֖בֶר
sheber
H7667
breaking
Conj | N-ms
בִּ/מְסִלּוֹתָֽ/ם
mᵉçillâh
H4546
highway
Prep | N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 59:7
רַגְלֵי/הֶם֙
regel
H7272
"foot"
N-fd | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
לָ/רַ֣ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Prep | Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
יָרֻ֔צוּ
rûwts
H7323
"to run"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To run or rush, often used to describe someone moving quickly, as seen in the story of the runners in Jeremiah 51:31. This verb appears in various forms, including running swiftly or darting. It is used to convey a sense of urgency or haste.
Definition: : run/runner/messenger 1) to run 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to run 1a2) runners (participle as subst) 1b) (Polel) to run swiftly, dart 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring or move quickly, hurry 1c2) to drive away from, cause to run away
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily, (make) run (away, through), post. See also: Genesis 18:2; 2 Kings 11:6; Psalms 18:30.
וִֽ/ימַהֲר֔וּ
mâhar
H4116
"to hasten"
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
This word means to hurry or do something quickly, like when someone is in a rush. It can also mean to buy something by paying a price. The Bible uses it in Genesis.
Definition: 1)(Qal) to hasten 1a) (Niphal) to be hurried, be anxious 1a) hasty, precipitate, impetuous 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to hasten, make haste 1b2) hasten (used as adverb with another verb) 1b3) to hasten, prepare quickly, do quickly, bring quickly
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: be carried headlong, fearful, (cause to make, in, make) haste(-n, -ily), (be) hasty, (fetch, make ready) [idiom] quickly, rash, [idiom] shortly, (be so) [idiom] soon, make speed, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] straightway, [idiom] suddenly, swift. See also: Genesis 18:6; 1 Samuel 28:24; Psalms 16:4.
לִ/שְׁפֹּ֖ךְ
shâphak
H8210
"to pour"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To pour or spill something out, like blood or a liquid. In the Bible, it can mean to shed blood or to pour out one's heart in prayer or complaint. For example, in Psalm 42:4, the writer pours out his soul to God.
Definition: : pour 1) to pour, pour out, spill 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour, pour out 1a2) to shed (blood) 1a3) to pour out (anger or heart) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be poured out, be shed 1c) (Pual) to be poured out, be shed 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be poured out 1d2) to pour out oneself
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (up), gush out, pour (out), shed(-der, out), slip. See also: Genesis 9:6; Jeremiah 6:6; Psalms 22:15.
דָּ֣ם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
N-ms
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
נָקִ֑י
nâqîy
H5355
"innocent"
Adj
Innocent or guiltless, this word is used to describe someone who is morally clean or free from blame, such as Noah in Genesis 6:9. It emphasizes a person's integrity and moral purity.
Definition: 1) clean, free from, exempt, clear, innocent 1a) free from guilt, clean, innocent 1b) free from punishment 1c) free or exempt from obligations Also means: na.qi (נָקִיא "innocent" H5355B)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: blameless, clean, clear, exempted, free, guiltless, innocent, quit. See also: Genesis 24:41; Job 9:23; Psalms 10:8.
מַחְשְׁבֽוֹתֵי/הֶם֙
machăshâbâh
H4284
"plot"
N-fp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a plan, device, or invention, which can be either good or bad. It appears in places like 2 Chronicles 2:11 and Esther 8:3, where it is used to describe clever ideas or schemes. The word is associated with creativity and problem-solving.
Definition: 1) thought, device 1a) thought 1b) device, plan, purpose 1c) invention
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: cunning (work), curious work, device(-sed), imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought. See also: Genesis 6:5; Proverbs 19:21; Psalms 33:10.
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת
machăshâbâh
H4284
"plot"
N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a plan, device, or invention, which can be either good or bad. It appears in places like 2 Chronicles 2:11 and Esther 8:3, where it is used to describe clever ideas or schemes. The word is associated with creativity and problem-solving.
Definition: 1) thought, device 1a) thought 1b) device, plan, purpose 1c) invention
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: cunning (work), curious work, device(-sed), imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought. See also: Genesis 6:5; Proverbs 19:21; Psalms 33:10.
אָ֔וֶן
ʼâven
H205
"evil"
N-ms
This word refers to evil, wickedness, or trouble, often describing idolatry or iniquity, and is used in various KJV translations to convey a sense of wrongdoing.
Definition: 1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow 1a) trouble, sorrow 1b) idolatry 1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness Also means: a.ven (אָ֫וֶן ": trouble" H0205H)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain, vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare H369 (אַיִן). See also: Numbers 23:21; Psalms 94:23; Psalms 5:6.
שֹׁ֥ד
shôd
H7701
"violence"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means violence or destruction, often referring to social sin or ruin, as seen in the desolation of cities like Sodom and Gomorrah. It is used to describe the devastating effects of war and oppression. This concept is discussed in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: 1) havoc, violence, destruction, devastation, ruin 1a) violence, havoc (as social sin) 1b) devastation, ruin
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: desolation, destruction, oppression, robbery, spoil(-ed, -er, -ing), wasting. See also: Job 5:21; Jeremiah 20:8; Psalms 12:6.
וָ/שֶׁ֖בֶר
sheber
H7667
"breaking"
Conj | N-ms
This word describes a breaking or shattering, like a physical injury or a dream being interpreted, and is used to convey ruin or destruction in the Bible.
Definition: 1) breaking, fracture, crushing, breach, crash, ruin, shattering 1a) breaking, fracture, shattering, crushing 1b) crashing 1c) breaking (of a dream), interpretation 1d) quarries
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: affliction, breach, breaking, broken(-footed, -handed), bruise, crashing, destruction, hurt, interpretation, vexation. See also: Leviticus 21:19; Jeremiah 6:1; Psalms 60:4.
בִּ/מְסִלּוֹתָֽ/ם
mᵉçillâh
H4546
"highway"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
This word means a raised highway or public road, like the ones built by King Solomon. It is used in books like Numbers and Isaiah to describe paths and roadways.
Definition: highway, raised way, public road
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: causeway, course, highway, path, terrace. See also: Numbers 20:19; Psalms 84:6; Proverbs 16:17.
Study Notes — Isaiah 59:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 59:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 59:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 59:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 59:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 59:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 59:7
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 59:7
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 59:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 59:7
- Sermons on Isaiah 59:7
Context — Sin Separates Us from God
5They hatch the eggs of vipers and weave a spider’s web. Whoever eats their eggs will die; crack one open, and a viper is hatched.
6Their cobwebs cannot be made into clothing, and they cannot cover themselves with their works. Their deeds are sinful deeds, and acts of violence are in their hands.
7Their feet run to evil; they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are sinful thoughts; ruin and destruction lie in their wake.
8The way of peace they have not known, and there is no justice in their tracks. They have turned them into crooked paths; no one who treads on them will know peace. 9Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We hope for light, but there is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in gloom.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 3:15–17 | “Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery lie in their wake, and the way of peace they have not known.” |
| 2 | Proverbs 6:17 | haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, |
| 3 | Mark 7:21–22 | For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. |
| 4 | Proverbs 1:16 | For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood. |
| 5 | Lamentations 4:13 | But this was for the sins of her prophets and the guilt of her priests, who shed the blood of the righteous in her midst. |
| 6 | Proverbs 24:9 | A foolish scheme is sin, and a mocker is detestable to men. |
| 7 | Isaiah 59:3 | For your hands are stained with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters injustice. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 22:17 | “But your eyes and heart are set on nothing except your own dishonest gain, on shedding innocent blood, on practicing extortion and oppression.” |
| 9 | Acts 8:20–22 | But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in our ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of your wickedness, and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive you for the intent of your heart. |
| 10 | Proverbs 15:26 | The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but the words of the pure are pleasant to Him. |
Isaiah 59:7 Summary
[This verse, Isaiah 59:7, is talking about people who quickly and eagerly do bad things, like hurt innocent people, and it says that their thoughts are also bad and lead to destructive behaviors. This is similar to what the Apostle Paul says in Romans 3:15-17, that some people are swift to shed blood and leave ruin in their wake. We should strive to be like the Psalmist, who says in Psalms 119:97 that he loves God's law and meditates on it day and night, and seeks to follow the path of righteousness, as instructed in Proverbs 2:20-22.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for someone's feet to 'run to evil'?
This phrase, found in Isaiah 59:7, means that a person is quickly and eagerly pursuing sinful activities, much like how the Psalmist says in Psalms 1:1 that the blessed man does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, but rather delights in the law of the Lord.
Why does the Bible emphasize the shedding of 'innocent blood'?
The Bible condemns the shedding of innocent blood, as seen in Isaiah 59:7, because it is a grave offense against God, who values human life and demands justice for those who are harmed, as stated in Genesis 9:6 and Exodus 20:13.
What are 'sinful thoughts' and how do they affect our lives?
Sinful thoughts, mentioned in Isaiah 59:7, refer to the inner desires and intentions that lead us to commit evil acts, and as Jesus teaches in Matthew 15:19, these thoughts can defile us and lead to destructive behaviors.
How can we avoid being influenced by those who bring 'ruin and destruction'?
To avoid being influenced by those who bring ruin and destruction, as mentioned in Isaiah 59:7, we must surround ourselves with godly people, as stated in Psalms 1:1-3, and seek to follow the path of righteousness, as instructed in Proverbs 2:20-22.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I might be 'running to evil' in my own life, and how can I turn away from those paths?
- How can I cultivate a heart that values and respects human life, and avoids the shedding of innocent blood?
- What are some sinful thoughts that I struggle with, and how can I replace them with godly thoughts and intentions?
- In what ways can I be a positive influence on those around me, and help to bring peace and justice instead of ruin and destruction?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 59:7
Their feet run to evil,.... Make haste to commit all manner of sin, and particularly that which follows, with great eagerness and swiftness, taking delight and pleasure therein, and continuing in it; it is their course of life.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 59:7
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 59:7
Their feet run to evil: this seems to be taken from . See Poole "". He had spoken of their hands, lips, and heart, &c. before, and now of their feet, to show that they were wholly set upon mischief. Their thoughts, i.e. their heart and mind, is set upon doing wrong and injury; they not only do evil, but do it deliberately. You have the wicked described by this kind of working of their thoughts, ; they meditate on little or nothing else. Wasting and destruction are in their paths; a metaphor put for the behaviours and carriages of men; in what way or work soever they are engaged, it all tends to ruin and destruction. A metaphor taken from an overspreading torrent, or sweeping plague, or beasts of prey, that tear and devour whatsoever comes in their way.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 59:7
Isaiah 59:7 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.Ver. 7. Their feet run to evil, &c.] They trot apace toward hell; they take long strides, as if they feared lest hell should be full before they come thither. And they make haste to shed innocent blood.] This is taken from Proverbs 1:16, and fitly applied by St Paul to the whole race of mankind, since by nature there is never a better of us; we are all in a pickle: Ecce hic telas arantarum et ova aspidum explicat. Wasting and destruction are in their paths.] A metaphor from torrents or tempests; or from a pestilence that sweepeth all, as now it doth at Genoa, and as it did not long since at Naples. A Lapide.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 59:7
(7) Their feet run to evil.—Note the parallelisms, entirely after the manner of Isaiah, with Proverbs 1:16; Proverbs 16:17. So the four words “paths,” “goings,” “ways,” and “paths” (another word in the Hebrew) are all from the same book.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 59:7
5–8. These verses differ somewhat in character from Isaiah 59:3 f., and are regarded by Duhm and Cheyne as a quotation from some Psalm or collection of proverbs. In point of fact the first part of Isa 59:7 appears in Proverbs 1:16, but probably as an interpolation, since the verse is wanting in the LXX. On the other hand, Isaiah 59:7-8 are partly reproduced in the LXX. recension of Psa 14:3, as in Romans 3:10 ff. These facts do not by themselves raise any presumption against the genuineness of the passage in this discourse; and the first image of Isa 59:5 connects itself naturally enough with the conclusion of Isa 59:4. It must be admitted, however, that the description can only apply to a limited class of utter reprobates, and there is some difficulty in conceiving that it can be the continuation of Isa 59:3-4, which contain perfectly definite and intelligible accusations against a whole community.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 59:7
Their feet run to evil - In accordance with the design of the prophet to show the entireness of their depravity, he states that all their members were employed in doing evil. In Isaiah 59:3-6.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 59:7
7, 8. Before this, depravity had involved hands, fingers, lips, tongue; now the feet are added. Make haste — Running and making “haste” to do evil.
Sermons on Isaiah 59:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Pure by Faith by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of letting go of religious traditions and embracing the freedom found in Christ. He highlights how Jesus faced opposition from |
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Under Sin by Don McClure | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of sin on the human mind and its ability to comprehend spiritual matters. He highlights the irony of highly intelligent individuals |
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The Day That Belongs to the Lord by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being creative in our daily lives and making each day a sweet and blessed day. He encourages the congregation to search the |
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Samson - Physically Strong, Morally Weak by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a river that went dry and a man who tried to cover up a dead body in the riverbed. However, the body was eventually discovered and |
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The Futility of One Nation Above God by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the futility of prioritizing a nation above God, particularly in the context of Memorial Day, urging remembrance of the sacrifices made for freedoms that a |
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Are We Preaching the Gospel? by K.C. Moser | The preacher delves into the dual meanings of 'oxus' in the Bible, highlighting its representation of rapid motion and sharpness, particularly in the book of Revelation. This sharp |
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Holiness: It's Fruit by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes that being 'in Christ' transforms a person into a new creation, where the old self and its desires pass away, making way for a life centered on God. H |