Isaiah 3:11
Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.
Original Language Analysis
לְרָשָׁ֣ע
unto the wicked
H7563
לְרָשָׁ֣ע
unto the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
2 of 8
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
גְמ֥וּל
with him for the reward
H1576
גְמ֥וּל
with him for the reward
Strong's:
H1576
Word #:
5 of 8
treatment, i.e., an act (of good or ill); by implication, service or requital
יָדָ֖יו
of his hands
H3027
יָדָ֖יו
of his hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
6 of 8
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 8:13But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.Psalms 28:4Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert.Psalms 62:12Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.James 2:13For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.Isaiah 48:22There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.Isaiah 65:20There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.Proverbs 1:31Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.2 Corinthians 5:10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Historical Context
Ancient covenant structures always included blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. Isaiah applies this pattern individually, not just corporately, emphasizing personal faith's importance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does certainty about future judgment motivate present faithfulness?
- What does it mean that Christ bore the 'reward of His hands' that should have fallen on believers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The contrasting 'woe unto the wicked' establishes the principle of divine retribution. The parallelism with verse 10 emphasizes individual accountability—each person receives according to their deeds. The phrase 'given him' indicates divine justice ensures appropriate consequences. This dual outcome (blessing/curse) reflects the covenant structure Moses established (Deuteronomy 28-30).