And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse doesn't just promise peace as a result of righteousness, but emphasizes that peace is the very work and fruit of righteousness, suggesting a deeply integrated relationship rather than a simple cause-and-effect. It highlights that true quietness and a lasting sense of trust are not just outcomes, but inherent characteristics of a life lived in right relationship with God.
And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage follows a stark contrast between the deceitful and destructive actions of the wicked and the blessings that will characterize the reign of a righteous king. After a series of woes pronounced upon those who live in ease and injustice, God promises a future restoration where true righteousness will lead to lasting peace, quietness, and trust. This future state is a direct counterpoint to the turmoil and insecurity that have plagued the land due to unrighteousness.
Have you ever noticed how things tend to fall apart when people try to do things their own way, without regard for what's right? Isaiah gives us a profound insight into the true source of peace.
The verse states that 'the effect of righteousness will be peace.' This isn't just about avoiding conflict; it's about a deep, settled state of well-being that flows from living rightly. When individuals and communities embrace righteousness – aligning their lives with God's will and ways – it naturally brings about a cessation of strife, both internal and external.
Think about it: when people act justly, honestly, and compassionately, it reduces the friction that leads to disputes, anger, and division. The scholarly insights highlight that this 'peace' isn't a superficial calm but a genuine tranquility that stems from right living. It’s the opposite of the false security found in wickedness, which ultimately crumbles.
Peace is more than just the absence of noise. Isaiah reveals the enduring qualities that undergird true, lasting peace.
The verse doesn't stop at 'peace.' It goes on to describe the 'result of righteousness' as 'quietness and trust forever.' These are not passive states but active assurances that come from a foundation of right living.
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The ancient commentators emphasize that this quietness and trust are not fleeting but are to be experienced 'forever.' This eternal perspective is crucial – it grounds our present peace and confidence in God’s unfailing character and eternal purposes.
Understand the original words
shalom · Hebrew Noun
A state of wholeness, harmony, health, and prosperity. It represents the absence of conflict and the presence of divine blessing and restoration in all areas of life.
betach · Hebrew Noun
A state of confidence, reliance, and hope placed in God. It implies security and the absence of anxiety because one's foundation is in the Lord's character.
Isaiah's prophecy of peace and quiet trust is set against a backdrop of centuries of political turmoil, exile, and war. It points to a future, divinely established reign where true righteousness brings lasting tranquility, a peace that surpasses earthly conditions and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Messianic kingdom.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah's Ministry Begins
Isaiah begins his prophetic ministry during a time of political instability in Judah, with the Assyrian empire rising as a major threat.
701 BC
Assyrian Invasion under Sennacherib
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah, conquering many cities and threatening Jerusalem. This event caused immense fear and upheaval.
c. 609 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
Judah falls under Babylonian rule, leading to deportations and the eventual destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. This period was marked by profound suffering and a loss of peace.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest and Return from Exile
The Persian Empire, under Cyrus the Great, conquers Babylon, allowing some Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding. This marked a new era but still faced challenges.
c. 3rd Century BC
Hellenistic Period and Roman Influence
The region comes under Hellenistic rule (Ptolemaic, then Seleucid), followed by Roman influence, bringing further political and cultural shifts and instability.
c. 1st Century AD— this verse
The Coming of the Messiah
The prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, whose reign ushers in an era of spiritual peace, righteousness, and lasting trust for those who believe in Him.
This passage describes the 'fruit of the Spirit' as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, directly correlating with the peace and quietness mentioned in Isaiah.
Philippians 4:7It speaks of the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guarding hearts and minds through Christ Jesus, mirroring the profound and lasting peace Isaiah promises.
James 3:18This verse states that 'the harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace,' directly linking the sowing of righteousness with the outcome of peace, echoing Isaiah's sentiment.
Romans 5:1This verse connects being justified by faith to having peace with God, showing that righteousness (through faith) is the foundation for peace, just as Isaiah describes the effect of righteousness.
Matthew 5:9Jesus states, 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God,' highlighting that those who actively pursue and cultivate peace are aligned with God's purposes, a concept inherent in Isaiah's promise.
barnesIsaiah 32:17: "And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever."
And the work of righteousness - That which righteousness produces; or the effect of the prevalence of righteousness on the nation. Shall be peace - There shall be no internal agitation, and no conflicts with foreign nations. Quietness and assurance - This is a beautiful description of the happy effect of the prevalence of piety; and it is as true now as it was in the t…
clarkeIsaiah 32:17: "And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever."
The work of righteousness - Righteousness works and produces peace. The effect of righteousness - עבדת abodath, the culture. Righteousness, cultivated by peace, produces tranquillity of mind and permanent security. Reader, hast thou the principle? If so, dost thou cultivate it? If thou dost, thou hast peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, and a sure and certain…
This verse doesn't just promise peace as a result of righteousness, but emphasizes that peace is the very work and fruit of righteousness, suggesting a deeply integrated relationship rather than a simple cause-and-effect. It highlights that true quietness and a lasting sense of trust are not just outcomes, but inherent characteristics of a life lived in right relationship with God.
This passage follows a stark contrast between the deceitful and destructive actions of the wicked and the blessings that will characterize the reign of a righteous king. After a series of woes pronounced upon those who live in ease and injustice, God promises a future restoration where true righteousness will lead to lasting peace, quietness, and trust. This future state is a direct counterpoint to the turmoil and insecurity that have plagued the land due to unrighteousness.
This passage follows a stark contrast between the deceitful and destructive actions of the wicked and the blessings that will characterize the reign of a righteous king. After a series of woes pronounced upon those who live in ease and injustice, God promises a future restoration where true righteousness will lead to lasting peace, quietness, and trust. This future state is a direct counterpoint to the turmoil and insecurity that have plagued the land due to unrighteousness.
"And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever." — This verse doesn't just promise peace as a result of righteousness, but emphasizes that peace is the very work and fruit of righteousness, suggesting a deeply integrated relationship rather tha…
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Last reviewed October 2026