Isaiah 57:17
For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart.
Original Language Analysis
בִּצְע֛וֹ
of his covetousness
H1215
בִּצְע֛וֹ
of his covetousness
Strong's:
H1215
Word #:
2 of 10
plunder; by extension, gain (usually unjust)
וְאֶקְצֹ֑ף
me and was wroth
H7107
וְאֶקְצֹ֑ף
me and was wroth
Strong's:
H7107
Word #:
3 of 10
to crack off, i.e., (figuratively) burst out in rage
וְאַכֵּ֖הוּ
and smote
H5221
וְאַכֵּ֖הוּ
and smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
4 of 10
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
הַסְתֵּ֣ר
him I hid
H5641
הַסְתֵּ֣ר
him I hid
Strong's:
H5641
Word #:
5 of 10
to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
וְאֶקְצֹ֑ף
me and was wroth
H7107
וְאֶקְצֹ֑ף
me and was wroth
Strong's:
H7107
Word #:
6 of 10
to crack off, i.e., (figuratively) burst out in rage
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ
and he went on
H3212
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ
and he went on
Strong's:
H3212
Word #:
7 of 10
to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)
Cross References
Isaiah 56:11Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.Colossians 3:5Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:Jeremiah 6:13For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.2 Peter 2:14Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
Historical Context
This describes Judah's pattern during the monarchy: God disciplined them through military defeats, famines, and prophetic warnings (Deuteronomy 28:15-68), yet they persisted in idolatry and injustice. Even Josiah's reforms were shallow and temporary (2 Kings 22-23, Jeremiah 3:10). The covetousness manifested in exploiting the poor (Isaiah 3:14-15, 5:8, Jeremiah 22:13-17) and trusting in wealth rather than God (Isaiah 2:7, Jeremiah 9:23-24).
Questions for Reflection
- How does covetousness function as the root of idolatry in our hearts?
- What does it reveal about our hearts when we persist in sin despite God's discipline?
- How does God break through our stubborn hearts to bring genuine repentance?
Analysis & Commentary
God explains the reason for His wrath: "For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him." The Hebrew betsa (covetousness/unjust gain) represents the root sin driving idolatry and injustice—greed and selfish ambition. This connects to the tenth commandment (Exodus 20:17) and Paul's identification of covetousness as idolatry (Colossians 3:5, Ephesians 5:5). God's response was judicial: "I hid me, and was wroth." Divine hiding (astar) represents covenant curse—the removal of God's presence and blessing (Deuteronomy 31:17-18, Isaiah 54:8). Yet despite discipline, "he went on frowardly in the way of his heart." The Hebrew showbab (frowardly/backsliding) describes stubborn rebellion despite correction. This illustrates the doctrine of total depravity—natural man persists in sin even under divine discipline until God grants repentance. The phrase "the way of his heart" shows that sin flows from the heart's corruption (Mark 7:21-23, Jeremiah 17:9).