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.
Original Language Analysis
רַגְלֵיהֶם֙
Their feet
H7272
רַגְלֵיהֶם֙
Their feet
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
1 of 13
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
וִֽימַהֲר֔וּ
and they make haste
H4116
וִֽימַהֲר֔וּ
and they make haste
Strong's:
H4116
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)
לִשְׁפֹּ֖ךְ
to shed
H8210
לִשְׁפֹּ֖ךְ
to shed
Strong's:
H8210
Word #:
5 of 13
to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc
דָּ֣ם
blood
H1818
דָּ֣ם
blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
6 of 13
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת
are thoughts
H4284
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת
are thoughts
Strong's:
H4284
Word #:
8 of 13
a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת
are thoughts
H4284
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת
are thoughts
Strong's:
H4284
Word #:
9 of 13
a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)
אָ֔וֶן
of iniquity
H205
אָ֔וֶן
of iniquity
Strong's:
H205
Word #:
10 of 13
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
Historical Context
This verse appears in Paul's catena of Old Testament texts proving all are under sin. The combination of Isaiah with Psalms and Proverbs creates a comprehensive indictment.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the eagerness to do evil ('make haste') reveal about the human heart?
- How does Paul's use of this verse in Romans 3 shape your understanding of human sinfulness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The rush to evil is described: 'Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood.' Paul quotes this in Romans 3:15-17 to prove universal sinfulness. The Hebrew 'mahar' (make haste) shows eagerness, not reluctant falling into sin. Desolation and destruction characterize their paths.