Isaiah 57:20

But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.

Isaiah 57:20 (KJV)

Context

This verse belongs to a larger passage in Isaiah that contrasts God’s promise of healing and peace for the repentant with the fate of the wicked. The immediate context includes verse 21, which reinforces the point: “There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.”

Meaning

Isaiah compares the wicked to a troubled sea that cannot rest. The sea, disturbed by winds and storms, rises, rages, and beats against the shore, never settling. This vivid image captures the chaotic and unsettling nature of the wicked.

The phrase “whose waters cast up mire and dirt” further emphasizes their unruly character. Just as the sea churns up mud and debris from its depths, so the actions and words of the wicked bring forth corruption, deceit, and impurity. The Hebrew word for “cast up” can be understood as “work up,” suggesting a continual, active bringing up of filth from the bottom to the shore, defiling what would otherwise be clean.

This restlessness reflects the inner turmoil of the wicked, driven by terrors of conscience, malice, envy, and the judgments of God. Their lives are marked by instability, confusion, and a lack of contentment. They may chase after worldly pursuits, seeking satisfaction and fulfillment, but find only emptiness and dissatisfaction.

Moreover, the imagery of the sea casting up mire and dirt highlights that the wicked cannot hide their true nature. Just as the sea reveals its impurities, the actions of the wicked eventually expose their corruption and falsehood. Their deeds and words bring forth the fruits of their wickedness, making it evident to others.

Biblical connections

This verse serves as a warning and a reminder of the consequences of wickedness. It also points to the truth that sin brings its own unrest, and that only God can provide true peace. The contrast with the preceding verses shows that God offers healing and peace to those who turn to Him.

Application

This verse calls the wicked to repentance and urges them to turn away from their sinful ways. It also serves as a reminder to the righteous to remain steadfast in their faith and to avoid the path of wickedness. It is a call to examine one’s own heart and to seek the healing and peace that God promises to the repentant.

Reflection

Isaiah 57:20 portrays the wicked as a troubled sea that cannot find rest, constantly churning up mire and dirt. It emphasizes the turmoil, instability, and lack of peace that characterize the lives of the wicked, as well as the eventual exposure of their corrupt deeds. This verse serves as a warning to turn away from wickedness and seek the path of righteousness.