Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But the wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud. New Living Translation “But those who still reject me are like the restless sea, which is never still but continually churns up mud and dirt. English Standard Version But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt. Berean Standard Bible But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its waves churn up mire and muck. King James Bible But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. New King James Version But the wicked are like the troubled sea, When it cannot rest, Whose waters cast up mire and dirt. New American Standard Bible But the wicked are like the tossing sea, For it cannot be quiet, And its waters toss up refuse and mud. NASB 1995 But the wicked are like the tossing sea, For it cannot be quiet, And its waters toss up refuse and mud. NASB 1977 But the wicked are like the tossing sea, For it cannot be quiet, And its waters toss up refuse and mud. Legacy Standard Bible But the wicked are like the tossing sea, For it cannot be quiet, And its waters toss up refuse and mud. Amplified Bible But the wicked are like the tossing sea, For it cannot be quiet, And its waters toss up mire and mud. Christian Standard Bible But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its water churns up mire and muck. Holman Christian Standard Bible But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its waters churn up mire and muck. American Standard Version But the wicked are like the troubled sea; for it cannot rest, and its waters cast up mire and dirt. Contemporary English Version The wicked are a restless sea tossing up mud. English Revised Version But the wicked are like the troubled sea; for it cannot rest, and its waters cast up mire and dirt. GOD'S WORD® Translation But the wicked are like the churning sea. It isn't quiet, and its water throws up mud and slime. Good News Translation But evil people are like the restless sea, whose waves never stop rolling in, bringing filth and muck. International Standard Version But the wicked are tossed like the sea; for it is not able to keep still, and its waters toss up mire and mud. NET Bible But the wicked are like a surging sea that is unable to be quiet; its waves toss up mud and sand. New Heart English Bible But the wicked are like the troubled sea; for it can't rest, and its waters cast up mire and dirt. Webster's Bible Translation But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its waves churn up mire and muck. World English Bible But the wicked are like the troubled sea; for it can’t rest and its waters cast up mire and mud. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the wicked [are] as the driven out sea, "" For it is not able to rest, "" And its waters cast out filth and mire. Young's Literal Translation And the wicked are as the driven out sea, For to rest it is not able, And its waters cast out filth and mire. Smith's Literal Translation And the unjust as the tossed sea when it shall not be able to rest, and its waters will toss up mud and mire; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut the wicked are like the raging sea, which cannot rest, and the waves thereof cast up dirt and mire. Catholic Public Domain Version But the impious are like the raging sea, which is not able to be quieted, and its waves stir up dirt and mud. New American Bible But the wicked are like the tossing sea which cannot be still, Its waters cast up mire and mud. New Revised Standard Version But the wicked are like the tossing sea that cannot keep still; its waters toss up mire and mud. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut the wicked are like the troubled sea, for it cannot rest, its waters cast up creeping things and mire. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the wicked are agitated like the sea, because they cannot rest, and its waters are turning up creeping things and mire OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But the wicked are like the troubled sea; For it cannot rest, and its waters cast up mire and dirt. Brenton Septuagint Translation But the unrighteous shall be tossed as troubled waves, and shall not be able to rest. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Healing for the Repentant…19bringing praise to their lips. Peace, peace to those far and near,” says the LORD, “and I will heal them.” 20But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its waves churn up mire and muck. 21“There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”… Cross References James 1:6 But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. Jude 1:13 They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. Psalm 107:29 He calmed the storm to a whisper, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Jeremiah 49:23 Concerning Damascus: “Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard a bad report; they are agitated like the sea; their anxiety cannot be calmed. Matthew 8:24-26 Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was engulfed by the waves. But Jesus was sleeping. / The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” / “You of little faith,” Jesus replied, “why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm. Mark 4:37-39 Soon a violent windstorm came up, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was being swamped. / But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, “Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?” / Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. “Silence!” He commanded. “Be still!” And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm. Luke 8:23-24 As they sailed, He fell asleep, and a windstorm came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. / The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters, and they subsided, and all was calm. Psalm 89:9 You rule the raging sea; when its waves mount up, You still them. Isaiah 17:12-13 Alas, the tumult of many peoples; they rage like the roaring seas and clamoring nations; they rumble like the crashing of mighty waters. / The nations rage like the rush of many waters. He rebukes them, and they flee far away, driven before the wind like chaff on the hills, like tumbleweeds before a gale. Job 18:11 Terrors frighten him on every side and harass his every step. Proverbs 4:16 For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; they are deprived of slumber until they make someone fall. Ezekiel 7:19 They will throw their silver into the streets, and their gold will seem unclean. Their silver and gold cannot save them in the day of the wrath of the LORD. They cannot satisfy their appetites or fill their stomachs with wealth, for it became the stumbling block that brought their iniquity. Revelation 21:8 But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.” Psalm 46:3 though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah Isaiah 8:7-8 the Lord will surely bring against them the mighty floodwaters of the Euphrates—the king of Assyria and all his pomp. It will overflow its channels and overrun its banks. / It will pour into Judah, swirling and sweeping over it, reaching up to the neck; its spreading streams will cover your entire land, O Immanuel! Treasury of Scripture But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. like Isaiah 3:11 Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him. Job 15:20-24 The wicked man travaileth with pain all his days, and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor… Job 18:5-14 Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine… Jump to Previous Able Cast Dirt Driven Earth Evil-Doers Filth Mire Mud Quiet Refuse Rest Sea Toss Tossing Troubled Waste Waters Waves WickedJump to Next Able Cast Dirt Driven Earth Evil-Doers Filth Mire Mud Quiet Refuse Rest Sea Toss Tossing Troubled Waste Waters Waves WickedIsaiah 57 1. The blessed death of the righteous3. God reproves the People for their idolatry 13. He gives promises of mercy to the penitent But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea This phrase draws a vivid comparison between the wicked and a turbulent sea. In biblical literature, the sea often symbolizes chaos and disorder, as seen in Genesis 1:2 and Revelation 13:1. The wicked, like the sea, are restless and lack peace, reflecting their inner turmoil and separation from God. This imagery is consistent with the biblical theme that true peace is found only in God (Isaiah 26:3). for it cannot be still and its waves churn up mire and muck Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah's ministry spanned the reigns of several kings of Judah. He is known for his prophecies concerning both judgment and redemption. 2. The Wicked In this context, the wicked refer to those who live in rebellion against God, characterized by their unrighteous actions and lack of peace. 3. The Sea Often used in biblical literature as a symbol of chaos and unrest, the sea in this verse represents the tumultuous nature of the wicked. 4. Mire and Muck These elements symbolize impurity and the moral filth that results from a life of wickedness. 5. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, to whom Isaiah primarily prophesied, often warning them of the consequences of their unfaithfulness to God. Teaching Points The Nature of WickednessWickedness is inherently restless and chaotic, much like a storm-tossed sea. This imagery helps us understand the internal turmoil that accompanies a life apart from God. The Consequences of Sin Just as the sea casts up mire and muck, a life of sin results in moral and spiritual impurity. This serves as a warning to avoid the path of the wicked. The Pursuit of Peace True peace is found in righteousness and obedience to God. Unlike the wicked, who cannot find rest, those who follow God experience His peace. The Importance of a Firm Foundation Building our lives on the teachings of Christ provides stability and peace, contrasting with the instability of the wicked. Self-Reflection and Repentance This verse calls us to examine our own lives for areas of unrest and impurity, encouraging us to turn back to God for cleansing and peace. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Isaiah 57:20?2. How does Isaiah 57:20 describe the state of the wicked's inner turmoil? 3. What practical steps can we take to avoid being like the "tossing sea"? 4. How does Isaiah 57:20 connect with Jesus' teachings on peace in John 14:27? 5. In what ways can we seek God's peace amidst life's chaos and unrest? 6. How can understanding Isaiah 57:20 help us minister to those struggling with sin? 7. What does Isaiah 57:20 reveal about the nature of the wicked? 8. How does Isaiah 57:20's imagery of the sea relate to human unrest? 9. Why does Isaiah use the metaphor of a troubled sea in 57:20? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 57? 11. What does 'tossed to and fro' mean? 12. What does "tossed to and fro" mean? 13. Will there be no more sea? 14. How can “the wicked flee when no one pursues” (Proverbs 28:1) always hold true when many powerful wrongdoers seem unafraid? What Does Isaiah 57:20 Mean But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea• Isaiah draws a vivid picture: the sea in a storm—roaring, restless, unpredictable. • The comparison stresses moral character, not merely circumstances. The wicked are never at ease; their inner world mirrors the crashing waves. • Scripture consistently uses nature’s turbulence to describe spiritual rebellion (Isaiah 17:12; Jude 1:13; Psalm 1:4). • By opening with “But,” God contrasts the wicked with the repentant He had just invited to peace (Isaiah 57:15–19). The dividing line is not socioeconomic status or personality, but repentance versus obstinacy. for it cannot be still • The inability to rest is inherent—“it cannot.” Just as the sea has no switch to turn off the tide, the unregenerate heart has no built-in peace. • Isaiah brackets this passage with the solemn refrain “There is no peace…for the wicked” (Isaiah 48:22; 57:21). God is explaining why: their nature resists His order. • Proverbs 4:16 highlights the same truth: “For they cannot sleep until they do evil.” Restlessness becomes relentless. • In gracious contrast, the Lord invites, “Come to Me…and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Only a changed heart can enter that stillness. and its waves churn up mire and muck • Stormy waves don’t merely splash water; they drag hidden sludge to the surface. Likewise, wickedness exposes corruption already within (Mark 7:21-23). • Churning sea water clouds vision; sin clouds judgment. People in rebellion often blame circumstances, yet Scripture says the pollution comes from their own depths (James 1:14-15). • The imagery of “mire” ties to 2 Peter 2:22, portraying those who return to their filth. Sin not only manifests but multiplies, spreading moral mud to everyone nearby. • The verse therefore warns: persistent rebellion doesn’t stay private. It soils communities, families, and cultures, just as muddy surf fouls everything on the shoreline. summary Isaiah 57:20 delivers a sober snapshot of the unrepentant heart: ceaselessly agitated, incapable of rest, and inevitably spewing out moral filth. Like a storm-tossed sea, the wicked possess no inner anchor; their very nature generates turmoil. Only God’s saving grace can calm that sea, replacing chaos with the peace promised to all who humble themselves and trust His Word. (20) The wicked are like the troubled sea . . .--The promise of healing is, however, not unconditional. The acceptance of peace requires calmness; but for the wicked, whose thoughts are restlessly seething with evil ripening into act, this true peace is, in the nature of the case, impossible. We note the recurrence of the watchword of Isaiah 48:22, as indicating the close of another section of the prophecy. The MSS. and versions present a curious variation in Isaiah 57:21 : some "saith Jehovah," some "God," some "the Lord God." It would almost seem as if transcribers and translators had shrunk from the prophet's boldness in claiming God as in some special sense his God. It has a parallel, however, in Isaiah 7:13, and may be noted, accordingly, as one of the characteristic touches common to the two parts of Isaiah. The "Sea" of which Isaiah speaks may possibly have been the Dead Sea, casting up its salt bituminous deposits.Verse 20. - The wicked are like the troubled sea. A striking metaphor, but one which occurs nowhere else in the Old Testament, and once only in the New (Jude 1:13). The sea's restless action well expresses the unquiet of the wicked; and the mud and mire that it casts up resembles their evil thoughts and evil deeds. "There is no peace" for such persons, either bodily or spiritual, either in this world or the world to come.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew But the wickedוְהָרְשָׁעִ֖ים (wə·hā·rə·šā·‘îm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 7563: Wrong, an, bad person are like the storm-tossed נִגְרָ֑שׁ (niḡ·rāš) Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 1644: To drive out from a, possession, to expatriate, divorce sea, כַּיָּ֣ם (kay·yām) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin for כִּ֤י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction it cannot לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no be still, הַשְׁקֵט֙ (haš·qêṭ) Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute Strong's 8252: To be quiet or undisturbed and its waves מֵימָ֖יו (mê·māw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen churn up וַיִּגְרְשׁ֥וּ (way·yiḡ·rə·šū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1644: To drive out from a, possession, to expatriate, divorce mire רֶ֥פֶשׁ (re·p̄eš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7516: Mire and muck. וָטִֽיט׃ (wā·ṭîṭ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2916: Mud, clay, calamity Links Isaiah 57:20 NIVIsaiah 57:20 NLT Isaiah 57:20 ESV Isaiah 57:20 NASB Isaiah 57:20 KJV Isaiah 57:20 BibleApps.com Isaiah 57:20 Biblia Paralela Isaiah 57:20 Chinese Bible Isaiah 57:20 French Bible Isaiah 57:20 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Isaiah 57:20 But the wicked are like the troubled (Isa Isi Is) |
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