let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse calls for forsaking not just our actions ("way") but also our inner intentions and plans ("thoughts"). This highlights that genuine repentance is a deep-seated internal shift, not just an outward change of behavior, addressing the very roots of unrighteousness within us.
let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage comes as a powerful invitation within a larger call to embrace God's abundant provision for spiritual life, contrasting it with futile human efforts. Following God's declaration that His ways and thoughts are far beyond ours, and His word is eternally effective, this verse directly addresses those living in wickedness. It serves as the crucial turning point, outlining the necessary response of repentance and turning back to God to receive His promised mercy and abundant pardon.
God doesn't just want us to stop doing bad things; He wants a deeper transformation. What does it mean to turn from our 'ways' and our 'thoughts'?
Isaiah 55:7 presents a two-fold call to repentance:
Forsake Your 'Way'
This refers to our outward actions, our habits, and the general direction of our lives. It’s about changing our path, our lifestyle, and our patterns of behavior. The commentators note that this means ceasing to do evil and changing our course of life.
Forsake Your 'Thoughts'
This goes deeper, addressing our inner world—our plans, purposes, desires, and even our mistaken ideas about God, ourselves, and salvation. It's not just about doing differently, but thinking differently. This includes abandoning self-righteousness and any reliance on our own efforts for salvation.
True repentance involves both an outward change of behavior and an inward transformation of our mindset.
The invitation to return is met with an incredible promise. What kind of God are we returning to?
The verse assures us that when we return to the LORD, He is ready with open arms:
God's Readiness to Have Compassion
Returning to God isn't about earning His favor; it's about acknowledging our need for His mercy. The text emphasizes that God have compassion. This isn't a conditional offer based on our worthiness, but a gracious response to our turning.
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The Abundance of Pardon
The phrase "abundantly pardon" (or "multiply to pardon") is powerful. It suggests a vast, overflowing forgiveness that far exceeds our capacity to sin. God doesn't just offer a little pardon; He offers a plentiful, comprehensive release from guilt and the consequences of sin. This abundance is meant to comfort and assure us that no sin is too great for His mercy.
Understand the original words
rasha' · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
Refers to the one who is guilty of moral evil, violating God's law or standard, and stands in opposition to the righteous path of God.
derek · Hebrew Noun
The moral or ethical character of a person's life, or the pattern of living that reflects one's inner disposition. In a theological sense, it often contrasts the "way of the Lord" with the "way of the sinner."
'awen · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
One who is morally crooked or unjust, failing to conform to the standard of righteousness or the will of God.
machashabah · Hebrew Noun
The internal processes of the mind, including intentions, plans, and perspectives. Scripture contrasts the often flawed human perspective with the sovereign and holy perspective of God.
shub · Hebrew Verb
To turn back, repent, or undergo a change of heart and direction. It signifies a fundamental reorientation of one's life away from sin and back toward covenantal fellowship with God.
racham · Hebrew Verb
Deep, heartfelt pity or mercy, often describing God's emotional response to the plight of His people; it suggests a protective and forgiving love.
calach · Hebrew Verb
The act of releasing someone from the consequences of their sin, often through divine grace and sacrifice. It signifies the removal of the barrier between God and humanity.
This parable beautifully illustrates the 'returning' aspect of Isaiah 55:7. The prodigal son forsakes his way and thoughts, returns to his father, and receives abundant compassion and pardon, mirroring the promise in Isaiah.
Acts 3:19Peter echoes Isaiah's call to 'repent and return' when addressing the crowds in Jerusalem. He connects this return to 'times of refreshing' from the Lord, underscoring the promise of forgiveness for those who turn.
2 Chronicles 7:14This passage is a foundational promise for Israel, similar to Isaiah's prophetic call. It links humility, prayer, and seeking God's face with forsaking wicked ways and receiving forgiveness and healing from heaven.
Romans 5:8This verse highlights the proactive nature of God's love, demonstrating His compassion even while we were still sinners. It reinforces the 'abundantly pardon' aspect of Isaiah 55:7 by showing God's willingness to extend mercy before our full repentance.
Colossians 1:13-14Paul describes how believers have been rescued from darkness and transferred to God's kingdom, receiving forgiveness of sins. This fulfills the promise of abundant pardon in Isaiah 55:7 through Christ's redemptive work.
wesleyIsaiah 55:7: "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."
55:7 Return - By sincere repentance, and faith.
pulpitIsaiah 55:7: "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."
Verse 7. - Let the wicked forsake his way; i.e. his mode of life. A general promise of forgiveness of sin upon repentance and amendment of life was first given to Israel through Solomon (2 Chronicles 7:14). The doctrine is largely preached by the prophets; but is nowhere more distinctly and emphatic…
The verse calls for forsaking not just our actions ("way") but also our inner intentions and plans ("thoughts"). This highlights that genuine repentance is a deep-seated internal shift, not just an outward change of behavior, addressing the very roots of unrighteousness within us.
This passage comes as a powerful invitation within a larger call to embrace God's abundant provision for spiritual life, contrasting it with futile human efforts. Following God's declaration that His ways and thoughts are far beyond ours, and His word is eternally effective, this verse directly addresses those living in wickedness. It serves as the crucial turning point, outlining the necessary response of repentance and turning back to God to receive His promised mercy and abundant pardon.
This passage comes as a powerful invitation within a larger call to embrace God's abundant provision for spiritual life, contrasting it with futile human efforts. Following God's declaration that His ways and thoughts are far beyond ours, and His word is eternally effective, this verse directly addresses those living in wickedness. It serves as the crucial turning point, outlining the necessary response of repentance and turning back to God to receive His promised mercy and abundant pardon.
"let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." — The verse calls for forsaking not just our actions ("way") but also our inner intentions and plans ("thoughts"). This highlights that genuine repentance is a deep-seated internal shift, not just an o…
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Last reviewed October 2026