“There is no peace,” says the LORD, “for the wicked.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just a general statement about the wicked; it's a deliberate contrast to the "peace" and "deliverance" promised to God's faithful servant Jacob just before it. God is saying that these great blessings are only for those who follow Him, not for those who continue in their ungodly ways, even if they are among His people.
“There is no peace,” says the LORD, “for the wicked.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse concludes a powerful message from God, where He contrasts His faithful dealings with His chosen people, Israel, with the fate of those who remain unrighteous. Just after promising a glorious future and deliverance for Jacob, God issues this stark declaration, emphasizing that true peace and divine favor are reserved for the faithful, not for those who reject Him.
We often think of peace as the absence of conflict or stress. But what if God's definition is much deeper, and has profound implications for how we live?
In Isaiah 48:22, the prophet declares, "'There is no peace,' says the LORD, 'for the wicked.'" This isn't just a casual observation; it's a divine verdict.
A Deeper Understanding of Peace
The Hebrew word often translated as 'peace' in Scripture carries a much richer meaning than just tranquility. It encompasses wholeness, well-being, security, and even prosperity. It's the state of being right with God and right with the world.
The Wicked's Lack of True Peace
When God says there is "no peace" for the wicked, He means they are fundamentally cut off from this holistic well-being. Their actions and choices place them in opposition to the very source of true peace.
Ask a follow-up
Who gets to decide what 'peace' truly is? This verse points to the ultimate authority on the matter.
Isaiah 48:22 isn't just a statement about the condition of the wicked; it's a powerful declaration about God's sovereignty and His role as the ultimate arbiter of peace.
God's Word is Final
The phrase "says the LORD" is crucial here. It underscores that this declaration comes from the Almighty, the Creator and Sustainer of all things. His pronouncements are not suggestions or possibilities; they are definitive truths.
Understand the original words
Yahweh · Hebrew Noun
The personal name of the Creator God, revealed to Moses, signifying His self-existence, covenant faithfulness, and holiness. It is the name by which God is uniquely known to His people.
shalom · Hebrew Noun
A state of wholeness, completeness, or tranquility, encompassing health, success, and prosperity in a relational context. Biblically, true peace is only found in a right relationship with God.
rasha' · Hebrew Adjective
Those who are morally or ethically corrupt, specifically those who act in rebellion against God's law. They are distinguished from the 'righteous' who live in obedience to the Lord.
This verse, spoken by Isaiah, carries a timeless message, but it resonates particularly strongly with the post-exilic community. While God promises restoration and peace to His people (Jacob), this verse serves as a stark reminder that true peace is conditional on righteousness and is ultimately unattainable for the wicked, whether they be oppressors or unrepentant members of the returning community.
c. 740 BC
Prophecy of Isaiah
Isaiah delivers prophecies concerning judgment and restoration for Judah and surrounding nations during a time of Assyrian dominance.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and First Temple
Babylonian forces conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and exile many Judeans, marking a period of profound national crisis.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon, creating an opportunity for the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland.
c. 538 BC
Edict of Cyrus
Cyrus issues a decree allowing Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple.
c. 537-516 BC— this verse
Return from Exile and Temple Rebuilding
Many Judeans return to Jerusalem and begin the process of rebuilding the city and the Second Temple, facing opposition and challenges.
c. 458-433 BC
Later Returns and Reforms
Ezra and Nehemiah lead further groups of exiles back to Judah and implement significant religious and social reforms.
This passage directly echoes Isaiah 48:22, describing the wicked as restless, like a troubled sea, with no peace.
Proverbs 4:16-17This proverb contrasts the frantic and often violent actions of the wicked with the true peace and rest found in righteousness, highlighting that the wicked's 'peace' is often built on causing harm.
Romans 3:17This verse quotes Isaiah and applies the concept of 'no peace' to the universal condition of humanity before salvation, stating that the way of peace is unknown to those who are unrighteous.
Jeremiah 6:13-14Similar to Isaiah, this passage condemns the prophets and priests for falsely proclaiming 'peace, peace' to a people who have strayed from God, emphasizing that true peace is absent when there is no genuine repentance.
barnesIsaiah 48:22: "There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked."
There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked - This verse contains a sentiment whose truth no one can doubt. To the transgressor of the laws of God there can be no permanent peace, enjoyment, or prosperity. The word peace is used in the Scriptures in all these senses (see the note at Isaiah 48:18 ). There may be the appearance of joy, and there may be temporary prosperity. But there is no abiding, substantial, permanent h…
pooleIsaiah 48:22: "There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked."
God having in the next foregoing verses foretold, that peace and blessed deliverance which he would certainly give to his servant Jacob , Isaiah 48:20 , he here adds an explication and limitation of this mercy, and declareth that wicked men should not enjoy the benefit of this mercy; where, by the wicked , he means either, 1. The Babylonians, who well deserved that title; who shall be destroyed, when God’s Israel shall be deliv…
This verse isn't just a general statement about the wicked; it's a deliberate contrast to the "peace" and "deliverance" promised to God's faithful servant Jacob just before it. God is saying that these great blessings are only for those who follow Him, not for those who continue in their ungodly ways, even if they are among His people.
This verse concludes a powerful message from God, where He contrasts His faithful dealings with His chosen people, Israel, with the fate of those who remain unrighteous. Just after promising a glorious future and deliverance for Jacob, God issues this stark declaration, emphasizing that true peace and divine favor are reserved for the faithful, not for those who reject Him.
This verse concludes a powerful message from God, where He contrasts His faithful dealings with His chosen people, Israel, with the fate of those who remain unrighteous. Just after promising a glorious future and deliverance for Jacob, God issues this stark declaration, emphasizing that true peace and divine favor are reserved for the faithful, not for those who reject Him.
"“There is no peace,” says the LORD, “for the wicked.”" — This verse isn't just a general statement about the wicked; it's a deliberate contrast to the "peace" and "deliverance" promised to God's faithful servant Jacob just before it. God is saying that the…
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Last reviewed October 2026