There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse, declared by God himself, isn't just about the absence of outward comfort for the wicked. It's a profound statement about their inner state, revealing that their "peace" is fundamentally a false and fleeting thing, a troubled sea that can never truly rest.
There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse concludes a section of Isaiah's prophecy that contrasts the peace of the righteous with the turmoil of the wicked. It follows the description of the wicked as a restless, troubled sea, unable to find calm. The immediate context emphasizes that the promises of God’s peace are exclusively for those who follow Him, not for those who persist in their sin and unfaithfulness.
We often think peace is something we can achieve through our own efforts or circumstances. But what if peace is fundamentally tied to God's presence and approval?
This verse starkly contrasts the peace promised to God's people with the utter lack of it for the wicked. The commentaries highlight that the peace mentioned here isn't just external calm or absence of conflict. It's a deeper, internal, spiritual, and everlasting peace – a reconciliation with God.
Imagine a stormy ocean, constantly churning and unable to find rest. The Bible uses this powerful image to describe the inner state of the wicked.
Isaiah 57:20 paints a vivid picture: "But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt." This imagery directly underpins the declaration in verse 21.
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Understand the original words
shalom · Hebrew Noun
A comprehensive state of wholeness, harmony, welfare, and tranquility, resulting from a right relationship with God and others. It represents the fullness of God's blessing and the absence of conflict or distress.
rasha' · Hebrew Adjective
Refers to those who are morally corrupt, rebellious against God, or lacking integrity. In a biblical context, it describes individuals who willfully reject God’s laws and authority, standing in opposition to His righteousness.
This verse is a direct parallel, also concluding a section with the statement that there is no peace for the wicked, reinforcing the unchanging nature of God's pronouncement.
Proverbs 4:16-17This passage contrasts the wicked, who cannot sleep unless they have done evil, with the righteous, highlighting the internal turmoil and lack of true peace experienced by those who oppose God.
Jeremiah 6:13-14Similar to Isaiah, this passage denounces the false prophets who claim 'peace' for a people who are spiritually sick and have committed abominations, showing that such superficial 'peace' is ultimately a deception.
Romans 3:17This New Testament passage directly quotes Isaiah 59:8 (which speaks of 'the way of peace' not being known) and applies it to all humanity, emphasizing that without God's intervention, no one truly knows the path to peace.
Galatians 5:22-23This passage describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes peace, love, joy, and self-control, presenting a stark contrast to the inner turmoil and lack of true peace experienced by those who live according to the flesh.
wesleyIsaiah 57:21: "There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked."
57:21 No peace - Though they may have a great share of prosperity, yet they have no share in this inward, and spiritual, and everlasting peace.
clarkeIsaiah 57:21: "There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked."
There is no peace, saith my God - For אלהי Elohai, twenty-two MSS. (five ancient) of Kennicott's, thirty of De Rossi's, and one ancient of my own, read יהוה Yehovah; the Vulgate, Septuagint, Alex., and Arabic, and three MSS. have both. This verse has reference to the nineteenth. The perseveringly wicked and impenitent are excluded from all share in that peace above mentioned, that reconcilement and pardon which is promised to the…
This verse, declared by God himself, isn't just about the absence of outward comfort for the wicked. It's a profound statement about their inner state, revealing that their "peace" is fundamentally a false and fleeting thing, a troubled sea that can never truly rest.
This verse concludes a section of Isaiah's prophecy that contrasts the peace of the righteous with the turmoil of the wicked. It follows the description of the wicked as a restless, troubled sea, unable to find calm. The immediate context emphasizes that the promises of God’s peace are exclusively for those who follow Him, not for those who persist in their sin and unfaithfulness.
This verse concludes a section of Isaiah's prophecy that contrasts the peace of the righteous with the turmoil of the wicked. It follows the description of the wicked as a restless, troubled sea, unable to find calm. The immediate context emphasizes that the promises of God’s peace are exclusively for those who follow Him, not for those who persist in their sin and unfaithfulness.
"There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”" — This verse, declared by God himself, isn't just about the absence of outward comfort for the wicked. It's a profound statement about their inner state, revealing that their "peace" is fundamentally a…
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Last reviewed October 2026