Woe to the wicked;The term "woe" is a strong expression of lament and impending judgment. In the biblical context, it often signals divine displeasure and the certainty of punishment. The "wicked" refers to those who live in opposition to God's laws and righteousness. This phrase echoes the prophetic tradition of warning against sin, similar to the messages found in other prophetic books like Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The use of "woe" is a call to repentance, urging the wicked to turn from their ways before it is too late.
disaster is upon them!
This phrase indicates the inevitability of judgment and calamity for those who persist in wickedness. The disaster is not merely a natural consequence but is portrayed as a direct result of divine intervention. Historically, the people of Judah faced numerous threats from surrounding nations, such as Assyria and Babylon, which were often seen as instruments of God's judgment. This reflects the covenantal relationship where disobedience leads to curses, as outlined inDeuteronomy 28.
For they will be repaid with what their hands have done.
This phrase underscores the principle of divine justice, where individuals receive consequences that correspond to their actions. It aligns with the biblical concept of reaping what one sows, as seen inGalatians 6:7. The "hands" symbolize human actions and deeds, emphasizing personal responsibility. This principle is consistent throughout Scripture, where God is portrayed as a just judge who rewards righteousness and punishes wickedness. It also foreshadows the ultimate judgment, where each person will be held accountable before God, as described inRevelation 20:12.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book. He prophesied during the reigns of several kings of Judah and is known for his messages of both judgment and hope.
2.
JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, which Isaiah primarily addressed. During Isaiah's time, Judah was experiencing moral and spiritual decline.
3.
The WickedRefers to those in Judah who were living in rebellion against God's commandments, engaging in idolatry, injustice, and immorality.
4.
Prophetic JudgmentThe event of God pronouncing judgment upon the wicked through His prophet, warning them of the consequences of their actions.
5.
Divine RetributionThe concept that God will repay individuals according to their deeds, a theme prevalent in Isaiah's prophecies.
Teaching Points
The Certainty of Divine JusticeGod's justice is certain and inevitable. The wicked cannot escape the consequences of their actions, as God will repay them according to their deeds.
The Consequences of SinSin leads to disaster and destruction. This verse serves as a warning to turn away from wickedness and seek righteousness.
The Call to RepentanceWhile judgment is pronounced, there is always an implicit call to repentance. God desires that the wicked turn from their ways and seek His mercy.
Living RighteouslyBelievers are encouraged to live righteously, knowing that God sees all actions and will reward or punish accordingly.
Trust in God's SovereigntyIn a world where injustice seems prevalent, believers can trust that God is sovereign and will ultimately bring about justice.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 3:11?
2.How does Isaiah 3:11 warn against the consequences of wickedness in our lives?
3.What does "it will go badly" reveal about God's justice in Isaiah 3:11?
4.How can we apply Isaiah 3:11 to resist temptation in daily decisions?
5.Which New Testament teachings align with the warnings in Isaiah 3:11?
6.How does Isaiah 3:11 encourage righteous living in a sinful world?
7.What does Isaiah 3:11 reveal about God's justice towards the wicked?
8.How does Isaiah 3:11 align with the concept of divine retribution?
9.Why does Isaiah 3:11 emphasize the consequences of wickedness?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 3?
11.Psalm 75:8 depicts God forcing the wicked to drink a cup of wrath; how does this harmonize with notions of a loving and merciful God in the New Testament?
12.If God is omnipotent, why does He need to swear by Himself to carry out judgment (Amos 6:8)?
13.Does the association of the wise with the 'right' and fools with the 'left' (Ecclesiastes 10:2) reflect outdated cultural biases, and how does it align with modern moral or ethical views?
14.In Ecclesiastes 7:16, being 'overly righteous' is discouraged--doesn't this conflict with biblical commands to live righteously (e.g., Matthew 6:33)?What Does Isaiah 3:11 Mean
Woe to the wicked;• “Woe” is a solemn announcement of judgment, not a casual warning. Isaiah is sounding an alarm that God Himself will act against those who persist in evil.
• Scripture consistently pairs “woe” with moral rebellion. SeeIsaiah 5:20 where those who call evil good receive the same pronouncement, andMatthew 23:13-33 where Jesus repeats “woe” to hypocritical leaders.
• The “wicked” are not merely people who make mistakes but those who defiantly set themselves against God’s ways.Psalm 1:4-6 draws the line sharply: “the way of the wicked will perish.”
• God’s justice is personal. The warning is aimed at real people in Isaiah’s day—and at anyone today who chooses rebellion over repentance.
disaster is upon them!• The Hebrew prophet paints the certainty of judgment as an impending storm. It is not hypothetical; it is “upon” them—already set in motion.
•Proverbs 10:24 says, “What the wicked dreads will overtake him,” echoing the inevitability Isaiah declares.
•Romans 2:8-9 promises “tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil,” showing that this pattern spans both Testaments.
• History confirms the prophecy: Judah’s leaders ignored Isaiah, and national calamity followed in the Babylonian invasion. God’s warnings are never idle.
For they will be repaid with what their hands have done.• God’s judgment is perfectly measured. The consequence matches the conduct—no more, no less.
•Jeremiah 17:10 records the Lord saying, “I reward each one according to his conduct, according to the fruit of his deeds.”
• The principle of sowing and reaping is universal:Galatians 6:7 cautions, “God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”
•Revelation 22:12 carries the same promise into eternity: Christ returns “to repay each one according to his work.”
• This repayment is not karma but divine justice. God sees the “hands” (choices and actions) and settles accounts with absolute fairness.
summaryIsaiah 3:11 is a concise declaration of God’s unchanging justice. First, He pronounces a sobering “woe” over unrepentant sinners. Second, He warns that disaster is already advancing toward them. Finally, He explains the basis of that disaster: each person’s own deeds. Across Scripture, God affirms that He will judge wickedness, bringing calamity that fits the crime, while offering mercy to all who turn back to Him.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Woeא֖וֹי(’ō·w)Interjection
Strong's 188:Lamentation, Oh!to the wicked;לְרָשָׁ֣ע(lə·rā·šā‘)Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7563:Wrong, an, bad persondisaster isרָ֑ע(rā‘)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451:Bad, evilupon them!כִּֽי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionFor they will be repaidגְמ֥וּל(ḡə·mūl)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1576:Treatment, an act, service, requitalwith what their handsיָדָ֖יו(yā·ḏāw)Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3027:A handhave done.יֵעָ֥שֶׂה(yê·‘ā·śeh)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, make
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 3:11 Woe to the wicked! (Isa Isi Is) 
