Their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed innocent blood; their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; desolation and destruction are in their highways.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse emphasizes the immediacy and eagerness of their sin. It's not just that they do evil, but their "feet run to evil" and they "make haste" to shed blood, suggesting a swift, almost eager pursuit of wickedness, as if it brings them pleasure.
Their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed innocent blood; their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; desolation and destruction are in their highways.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of a powerful indictment of Israel's unfaithfulness and injustice. Isaiah has just described their corrupted actions, and now he moves to their inner disposition and the outward consequences of their sin. The passage paints a vivid picture of a society consumed by violence, where wickedness dictates their every move and leads only to ruin.
We often think of sin as a single act or a bad thought. But the Bible paints a much more disturbing picture. What happens when every part of a person is dedicated to evil?
Isaiah uses vivid imagery to show that sin isn't just a momentary lapse; it's a deeply ingrained way of life.
From Thoughts to Actions
The verse begins by stating "Their feet run to evil." This isn't just about where they go, but the eagerness with which they pursue wrongdoing. It's like they can't wait to get there.
The Ultimate Crime
This eager pursuit leads to the horrific act: "they make haste to shed innocent blood." This is a stark picture of violence and injustice, showing a complete disregard for human life and God's commands.
The Inner Source
But it doesn't stop with outward actions. The verse reveals the root: "their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity." Their minds are constantly strategizing and planning wickedness. It's not accidental; it's intentional.
The Inevitable Outcome
Finally, Isaiah shows the consequence of this mindset and action: "desolation and destruction are in their highways." Everywhere they go, they leave a trail of ruin. Their very paths, the routes they take through life, are marked by disaster.
We might think we can walk a 'crooked path' and still find peace or progress. But what does Scripture say about the true cost of deviating from God's way?
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Isaiah starkly contrasts the destructive path of the wicked with the way of peace and righteousness.
The 'Way of Peace'
The commentators point out that the wicked "know not the way of peace." This isn't just about avoiding conflict; it's about understanding and living by God's principles of justice, integrity, and harmony. It's a path that leads to well-being, both individually and communally.
The 'Crooked Paths'
In contrast, the wicked "have made them crooked paths." This signifies deliberate deviation from what is right. Their choices are not straight or honest; they are manipulative, self-serving, and ultimately lead nowhere good. It's a path that rejects God's order.
No Peace Found
The consequence is clear: "whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace." This isn't a threat; it's a statement of reality. A life built on iniquity, violence, and crooked ways cannot ultimately lead to lasting peace, either in this life or the next. It guarantees internal turmoil and external chaos.
Understand the original words
ra'ah · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
A general term for moral failing, wickedness, or calamity; in a biblical context, it refers to actions contrary to God's holiness.
naqi · Hebrew Adjective
The state of being guiltless; specifically, blood shed without just cause, representing a grave violation of the sanctity of life.
shod va-shever · Hebrew Noun
Often refers to complete ruin, waste, or a state of being deserted; it denotes the wreckage left behind by sinful actions.
This verse paints a stark picture of a society consumed by violence and wickedness, reflecting a period of severe moral and spiritual decline in Judah, particularly during the threats of Assyrian invasion. The people's actions, from their swiftness to shed blood to their destructive paths, highlight a deep-seated corruption that alienation from God and led to national peril.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah's Prophetic Ministry Begins
Isaiah begins his public ministry during a period of political instability in Judah, with foreign threats and internal corruption.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern kingdom of Israel, leading to exile and demonstrating the consequences of national sin.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah and besieges Jerusalem, a significant crisis that Isaiah's prophecies address.
c. 622 BC
Josiah's Reforms
King Josiah institutes religious reforms following the discovery of the Book of the Law, attempting to turn Judah away from widespread idolatry and corruption.
586 BC
Babylonian Destruction of Jerusalem
The Babylonian Empire destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling much of the population and marking a devastating consequence of prolonged unfaithfulness.
This passage mirrors Isaiah 59:7 by stating, 'for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood,' highlighting a shared theme of swiftness and eagerness in committing wicked deeds.
Romans 3:15-17The Apostle Paul directly quotes Isaiah 59:7 (and surrounding verses) to demonstrate the universal sinfulness of humanity, showing how these ancient words of judgment still apply to all people.
Jeremiah 12:3This verse shares the theme of wicked individuals prospering and moving forward with their evil plans, stating, 'But you, O LORD, know me; you have seen me, and tested my heart toward you. Pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter,' paralleling the swiftness and destructive nature described in Isaiah.
Micah 3:2-3Micah echoes Isaiah's condemnation of leaders who are eager for violence and oppression, saying, 'you who hate the good and love the evil, who flay them from their skin and tear their flesh from their bones, who eat the flesh of my people, flay their skin from off them, break their bones in pieces, and hack them up like meat for the pot,' showing a consistent prophetic voice against such brutality.
cambridgeIsaiah 59:7: "Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths."
7 . their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity (or evil )] corresponding to their deeds, Isaiah 59:6 . wasting and destruction ] as ch. Isaiah 51:19 , Isaiah 60:18 ; an alliteration in the Hebr. in their paths ] Lit. in their highways , cf. Proverbs 16:17 . 7, 8 . Cf. Proverbs 1:16 ; Romans 3:15-17 .
pulpitIsaiah 59:7: "Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths."
Verse 7. - Their feet run to evil. It is, however, only too true that they have a power to work evil. They cannot construct, their devices fall through, their "spinning" is to no purpose; but they can, in a rough and blind way, do enormous mischief. "Their feet run to evil" - rush to it at full speed - brook no delay, but hurry o…
The verse emphasizes the immediacy and eagerness of their sin. It's not just that they do evil, but their "feet run to evil" and they "make haste" to shed blood, suggesting a swift, almost eager pursuit of wickedness, as if it brings them pleasure.
This verse is part of a powerful indictment of Israel's unfaithfulness and injustice. Isaiah has just described their corrupted actions, and now he moves to their inner disposition and the outward consequences of their sin. The passage paints a vivid picture of a society consumed by violence, where wickedness dictates their every move and leads only to ruin.
This verse is part of a powerful indictment of Israel's unfaithfulness and injustice. Isaiah has just described their corrupted actions, and now he moves to their inner disposition and the outward consequences of their sin. The passage paints a vivid picture of a society consumed by violence, where wickedness dictates their every move and leads only to ruin.
"Their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed innocent blood; their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; desolation and destruction are in their highways." — The verse emphasizes the immediacy and eagerness of their sin. It's not just that they do evil, but their "feet run to evil" and they "make haste" to shed blood, suggesting a swift, almost eager…
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Last reviewed October 2026