Isaiah 57:21
There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
Original Language Analysis
שָׁל֔וֹם
There is no peace
H7965
שָׁל֔וֹם
There is no peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
2 of 5
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
Cross References
Isaiah 48:22There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.Isaiah 59:8The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.Isaiah 3:11Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.2 Kings 9:22And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?
Historical Context
This was tragically fulfilled when unrepentant Judeans experienced the horrors of Babylonian siege and exile, finding no peace in their rebellion. It continued through Israel's history whenever they persisted in covenant unfaithfulness. Ultimately, it points to the eternal separation between the righteous (who have peace through Christ) and the wicked (who face eternal judgment). The New Testament affirms this division (Matthew 25:31-46, Revelation 21:8).
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse shape our understanding of the urgency of the gospel message?
- What distinguishes temporary troubles from the ultimate absence of peace for the wicked?
- How should the reality of eternal separation from God's peace motivate our evangelistic efforts?
Analysis & Commentary
The chapter concludes with an absolute declaration: "There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked." This statement appears twice in Isaiah (48:22, 57:21), forming a refrain emphasizing its certainty. The Hebrew ein shalom (no peace) is emphatic—the wicked are utterly excluded from the peace God announces to His people. "Saith my God" (amar Elohai) adds personal emphasis—the prophet's covenant God declares this truth. This verse establishes the great division of humanity: the redeemed who have peace with God through faith (Romans 5:1) and the wicked who remain under wrath (John 3:36). From a Reformed perspective, this highlights the doctrine of particular redemption—Christ's peace-making work is effectual for the elect, not universally applied. It also affirms the reality of eternal punishment: those who die unreconciled to God will never experience peace, facing instead eternal restlessness and judgment. This sobering truth should drive believers to evangelism and sinners to seek Christ while He may be found (Isaiah 55:6).