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Isaiah 57:20

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Isaiah 57:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But the wicked are like the troubled sea; for it cannot rest, and its waters cast up mire and dirt.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But the wicked are like the troubled sea; for it cannot rest, and its waters cast up mire and dirt.
Isaiah 57:20 — American Standard Version

Context — Isaiah 57

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him; I hid [my face] and was wroth; and he went on backsliding in the way of his heart.
18I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.
19I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace, to him that is far off and to him that is near, saith Jehovah; and I will heal him.
20But the wicked are like the troubled sea; for it cannot rest, and its waters cast up mire and dirt.
21There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
← Isaiah 57:19Isaiah 57:21 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, &c.] Disturbed by winds, storms, and hurricanes, when its waves rise, rage, and tumble about, and beat against the shore and sand, threatening to pass the bounds fixed for it. In such like agitations will the minds of wicked men be, through the terrors of conscience for their sins; or through the malice and envy in them at the happiness and prosperity of the righteous, now enjoyed, upon the downfall of antichrist; and through the judgments of God upon them, gnawing their tongues for pain, and blaspheming the God of heaven, because of their plagues and pains, (<661609>Revelation 16:9,10,11): whose waters cast up mire and dirt;…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“when it cannot rest--rather, "for it can have no rest" (Job 15:20, &c.; Pro 4:16-17). English Version represents the sea as occasionally agitated; but the Hebrew expresses that it can never be at rest.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But the wicked - All who are transgressors of the law and who remain unpardoned. The design of this is to contrast their condition with that of those who should enjoy peace. The proposition is, therefore, of the most general character. All the wicked are like the troubled sea. Whether prosperous or otherwise; rich or poor; bond or free; old or young; whether in Christian, in civilized, or in barbarous lands; whether living in palaces, in caves, or in tents; whether in the splendor of cities, or in the solitude of deserts; All are like the troubled sea. Are like the troubled sea - The agitated (נגרשׁ nigrâsh), ever-moving and restless sea. The sea is always in motion, and never entirely…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Cast up - Their minds are restless, being perpetually hurried with their own lusts and passions, and with guilt, and the dread of the divine vengeance. Isaiah 57:21”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“57:20 restless sea . . . never still: Those who live in constant opposition to God (see Pss 46:3, 6; 93:3-4) do not enjoy inner quiet because they are not at peace with God (Isa 30:15; 32:17). • churns up mud and dirt: Their activity has little productivity (see Ps 40:2).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“like: Isa 3:11; Job 15:20-24, Job 18:5-14, 20:11-29; Psa 73:18-20; Pro 4:16, Pro 4:17; Jde 1:12 Isaiah 57:21”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification