Isaiah 3:11 Meaning and Explanation
“Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The wicked reap sorrow; the natural consequence of their own deeds returns to them.
The Context of Isaiah 3:11
The pronouncement of woe upon the wicked and the justice of natural consequence.
What Does Isaiah 3:11 Mean?
A woe is pronounced on the wicked. It shall be ill with them because they reap what they sow. The reward of their hands—the fruit of their own choices and actions—returns to them in full measure. There is no escape from the justice of consequence: what they have chosen to do, they will choose to suffer.
This is the counterpart to verse 10: righteous obedience yields blessing; wicked disobedience yields ruin. Both flow from the same law—that deeds bear fruit. The wicked cannot claim surprise or unfairness; they are receiving the just wage of their choices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 3:11
What does Isaiah 3:11 mean?
The wicked reap sorrow; the natural consequence of their own deeds returns to them.
What is the context of Isaiah 3:11?
The pronouncement of woe upon the wicked and the justice of natural consequence.