Isaiah 59:7 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The entire orientation of the wicked is toward harm; their eagerness to shed blood shows a heart set on destroying the innocent.
The Context of Isaiah 59:7
Isaiah deepens the portrait of corruption by showing that it is not reluctant or hidden but swift and deliberate. The feet run to evil as if drawn by hunger.
What Does Isaiah 59:7 Mean?
Notice the progression of the body in these verses: hands, fingers, lips, tongue, and now feet. The whole person is enlisted in the service of evil. Their feet run to evil. The word 'run' suggests eagerness, speed, a will unchecked. And they make haste to shed innocent blood. This is not accidental harm; it is sought out, pursued with determination. Innocent blood is specifically named, which makes the crime particularly grave. To kill the innocent is to strike at those who have done no wrong, who deserve protection.
What moves them? Thoughts of iniquity. The imagination is corrupt. And the result is wasting and destruction in their paths. Everywhere they go, they leave ruin. This is the portrait of a society turned inside out, where the virtues have been replaced with their opposites. Instead of running to goodness, the feet run to evil. Instead of preserving life, they make haste to end it.
How to Apply Isaiah 59:7 Today
Our direction and our haste reveal our true orientation. Do our feet run toward justice or injustice? Are we eager to harm the innocent or eager to defend them? The pattern of our choices shows us what we truly love.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 59:7
What does Isaiah 59:7 mean?
The entire orientation of the wicked is toward harm; their eagerness to shed blood shows a heart set on destroying the innocent.
What is the context of Isaiah 59:7?
Isaiah deepens the portrait of corruption by showing that it is not reluctant or hidden but swift and deliberate. The feet run to evil as if drawn by hunger.
How can I apply Isaiah 59:7 today?
Our direction and our haste reveal our true orientation. Do our feet run toward justice or injustice? Are we eager to harm the innocent or eager to defend them? The pattern of our choices shows us what we truly love.