For the ruthless shall come to nothing and the scoffer cease, and all who watch to do evil shall be cut off,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights the end of those who actively seek out wrongdoing. It's not just about committing sins, but about diligently watching for opportunities to do evil, suggesting a deep-seated dedication to wickedness that God will ultimately bring to an end.
For the ruthless shall come to nothing and the scoffer cease, and all who watch to do evil shall be cut off,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Isaiah is denouncing Jerusalem, which he calls "Ariel" (meaning "Lion of God"), for its religious hypocrisy and reliance on foreign alliances rather than on God. He warns of impending judgment, portraying the city as besieged and brought low, its people spiritually blind and deaf. This verse then directly follows the prophecy of God's judgment, declaring the ultimate downfall of oppressors and those who plot evil.
Who are these 'terrible' and 'scornful' individuals that God promises to bring to nothing? Understanding their identity is key to grasping this prophetic judgment.
The prophet Isaiah uses strong language to describe those who oppose God and his people.
The 'Terrible One'
This term often refers to a powerful oppressor, someone who uses force and cruelty. While it could point to foreign invaders like the Assyrians who threatened Israel, the context also suggests these could be powerful figures within the nation – corrupt leaders or wealthy individuals who abused their power to exploit and oppress the vulnerable. They are characterized by violence and a disregard for justice.
The 'Scorner'
These are the ones who mock and ridicule God's word, his prophets, and his people. They dismiss spiritual truths and warnings with cynicism and contempt. They often align with the 'terrible ones' by actively opposing God's will and deriding those who follow Him.
The 'Watchers for Iniquity'
This phrase paints a picture of active, eager wickedness. These aren't people who accidentally stumble into sin; they are actively seeking opportunities to do evil. They lie in wait, plotting and planning mischief, ready to exploit any weakness or word to trap the righteous. It highlights a deliberate and consuming focus on sin.
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God's promise here isn't just a wish; it's a divine declaration. What makes this judgment so certain?
Isaiah isn't just predicting possibilities; he's announcing certainties. The Hebrew language used here carries a strong sense of finality and inevitability.
Brought to Nothing
For the 'terrible one,' the ultimate fate is to be 'brought to nought' (or 'rendered void,' 'made powerless'). This signifies a complete annihilation of their influence and existence. Their power, their cruelty, their very being will amount to nothing in the end.
Consumed
The 'scorner' faces consumption. This implies utter destruction, a burning up or devouring. Their mockery and defiance will be extinguished entirely.
Cut Off
Those who 'watch for iniquity' will be 'cut off.' This suggests a removal, a separation from the community or from life itself. They will be exiled from God's presence and protection, their wicked schemes ultimately failing.
The certainty lies in God's character and His ultimate authority. He has declared their end, and His word is absolute. This isn't about human effort to defeat them, but about God's sovereign intervention to bring His justice.
While judgment falls on the wicked, what does this passage suggest about God's action toward those who suffer?
This verse, though focused on judgment, implicitly points to a stark contrast with God's ultimate plan for His people. While the 'terrible,' 'scornful,' and 'watchers for iniquity' face destruction, the broader context of Isaiah reveals God's faithfulness to the vulnerable.
God's Sovereign Hand
The ultimate reason these wicked individuals are brought to nothing is God's sovereign power. He is the one who 'cuts off' and 'consumes.' This isn't a random cosmic event; it is a deliberate act of divine justice.
Hope for the Oppressed
While not explicitly stated in this single verse, the surrounding prophecies in Isaiah consistently show that this judgment paves the way for the vindication and restoration of God's faithful people. Those who are 'terrible' and 'scornful' are often the very ones oppressing the righteous. Their downfall means relief and safety for the oppressed.
A Future Reordering
This judgment isn't just about punishment; it's about reordering the world according to God's perfect will. It clears the ground for a new reality where righteousness reigns and the faithful can dwell in peace, free from the terror and mockery of the wicked.
Understand the original words
arits · Hebrew Noun
One who is violent, arrogant, and oppressive toward others. It describes those who abuse their power and reject God’s moral order.
lets · Hebrew Noun
One who mocks, ridicules, or shows contempt for God’s truth, laws, or His messengers. It indicates a hardened heart that refuses to take God’s revelation seriously.
This prophecy speaks to the judgment that will fall upon those who oppress and mock God's people, particularly during the turbulent periods of Assyrian and Babylonian invasions and exiles. It assures the faithful that even the most 'terrible' and 'scoffing' enemies, and those actively seeking to do evil, will ultimately be brought to nothing.
Late 8th Century BC
Assyrian Expansion and Threat
The Neo-Assyrian Empire, under rulers like Tiglath-Pileser III and Sargon II, was a dominant military power. Their expansionist policies created fear and instability throughout the region, including the Kingdom of Judah.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah
Assyrian King Sennacherib invaded Judah, conquering many fortified cities and besieging Jerusalem. This event deeply impacted the people and their leadership, highlighting their vulnerability.
Early 6th Century BC
Babylonian Ascent and De-Assyrianization
The Neo-Babylonian Empire rose to power, eventually conquering the Assyrian Empire. This shift in regional power dynamics set the stage for future conflicts and exiles.
597 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Under King Nebuchadnezzar II, the Babylonians deported a significant portion of Judah's elite, including King Jehoiachin and the prophet Ezekiel, to Babylon. This marked the beginning of Judah's subjugation.
587/586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
Nebuchadnezzar's forces destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, ending the Kingdom of Judah as an independent entity. The majority of the remaining population was exiled to Babylon.
Mid-6th Century BC
Persian Empire Rises
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquered the Neo-Babylonian Empire, ushering in a new era and eventually allowing Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem.
Late 6th Century BC
Return from Exile and Temple Reconstruction
Under Cyrus's decree, many exiled Jews returned to Jerusalem and began rebuilding the Temple. This period was marked by challenges and a renewed focus on covenant faithfulness.
This Psalm echoes Isaiah's promise by stating that the wicked will be gone and their places empty, reinforcing the certainty of judgment for those who do evil.
Proverbs 10:7This proverb directly parallels Isaiah's verse by contrasting the lasting legacy of the righteous with the swift and sure demise of the wicked.
Matthew 13:47-50Jesus' parable of the dragnet illustrates a similar theme of judgment, where at the end of the age, evil people will be separated from the righteous and thrown into the furnace.
2 Thessalonians 1:9This passage describes the eternal destruction awaiting those who oppose God and disregard His word, reflecting the 'consumed' and 'cut off' language of Isaiah.
Revelation 21:8This verse lists those who will face destruction in the lake of fire, including the cowardly, unbelieving, detestable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, aligning with the categories of evil described in Isaiah.
bensonIsaiah 29:20: "For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:"
Isaiah 29:20-21 . For, &c. — Here we have the second event connected with the calling of the Gentiles, the punishment of the enemies of God and his truth. For the terrible one is brought to naught — The proud and potent enemies of those meek and poor believers, mentioned in the last verse, such as the unbelieving Jews and their rulers, and the heathen potentates,…
barnesIsaiah 29:20: "For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:"
For the terrible one - The violent one (עריץ ‛ârı̂yts), the oppressor, who had exercised cruelty over them. This, I suppose, refers to the haughty among the Jews themselves; to those who held offices of power, and who abused them to oppress the poor and needy. And the scorner - (see Isaiah 28:14, Isaiah 28:22). Is consumed - Shall be entirely destroyed. And all…
This verse highlights the end of those who actively seek out wrongdoing. It's not just about committing sins, but about diligently watching for opportunities to do evil, suggesting a deep-seated dedication to wickedness that God will ultimately bring to an end.
Isaiah is denouncing Jerusalem, which he calls "Ariel" (meaning "Lion of God"), for its religious hypocrisy and reliance on foreign alliances rather than on God. He warns of impending judgment, portraying the city as besieged and brought low, its people spiritually blind and deaf. This verse then directly follows the prophecy of God's judgment, declaring the ultimate downfall of oppressors and those who plot evil.
Isaiah is denouncing Jerusalem, which he calls "Ariel" (meaning "Lion of God"), for its religious hypocrisy and reliance on foreign alliances rather than on God. He warns of impending judgment, portraying the city as besieged and brought low, its people spiritually blind and deaf. This verse then directly follows the prophecy of God's judgment, declaring the ultimate downfall of oppressors and those who plot evil.
"For the ruthless shall come to nothing and the scoffer cease, and all who watch to do evil shall be cut off," — This verse highlights the end of those who actively seek out wrongdoing. It's not just about committing sins, but about diligently watching for opportunities to do evil, suggesting a deep-seated de…
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Last reviewed October 2026