New International VersionLet the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
New Living TranslationLet the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.
English Standard Versionlet the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Berean Standard BibleLet the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.
King James BibleLet the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
New King James VersionLet the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.
New American Standard BibleLet the wicked abandon his way, And the unrighteous person his thoughts; And let him return to the LORD, And He will have compassion on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.
NASB 1995Let the wicked forsake his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the LORD, And He will have compassion on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.
NASB 1977Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the LORD, And He will have compassion on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.
Legacy Standard BibleLet the wicked forsake his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to Yahweh, And He will have compassion on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.
Amplified BibleLet the wicked leave (behind) his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the LORD, And He will have compassion (mercy) on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.
Christian Standard BibleLet the wicked one abandon his way and the sinful one his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, so he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will freely forgive.
Holman Christian Standard BibleLet the wicked one abandon his way and the sinful one his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, so He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will freely forgive.”
American Standard Versionlet the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto Jehovah, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Contemporary English VersionGive up your evil ways and your evil thoughts. Return to the LORD our God. He will be merciful and forgive your sins.
English Revised Versionlet the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationLet wicked people abandon their ways. Let evil people abandon their thoughts. Let them return to the LORD, and he will show compassion to them. Let them return to our God, because he will freely forgive them.
Good News TranslationLet the wicked leave their way of life and change their way of thinking. Let them turn to the LORD, our God; he is merciful and quick to forgive.
International Standard VersionLet the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous person his thoughts. Let him return to the LORD, So he'll have mercy upon him, and to our God, for he'll pardon abundantly.
NET BibleThe wicked need to abandon their lifestyle and sinful people their plans. They should return to the LORD, and he will show mercy to them, and to their God, for he will freely forgive them.
New Heart English Biblelet the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Webster's Bible TranslationLet the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return to the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleLet the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.
World English BibleLet the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Let him return to Yahweh, and he will have mercy on him, to our God, for he will freely pardon. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionLet the wicked forsake his way, "" And the man of iniquity his thoughts, "" And he returns to YHWH, "" And He pities him, "" And to our God, "" For He multiplies to pardon.
Young's Literal Translation Forsake doth the wicked his way, And the man of iniquity his thoughts, And he returneth to Jehovah, and He pitieth him, And unto our God for He multiplieth to pardon.
Smith's Literal TranslationThe unjust one shall forsake his way, and the man of vanity his purposes, and turn back to Jehovah, and he will pity him, and to our God, for he will multiply to forgive. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleLet the wicked forsake his way, and the unjust man his thoughts, and let him return to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God: for he is bountiful to forgive.
Catholic Public Domain VersionLet the impious one abandon his way, and the iniquitous man his thoughts, and let him return to the Lord, and he will take pity on him, and to our God, for he is great in forgiveness.
New American BibleLet the wicked forsake their way, and sinners their thoughts; Let them turn to the LORD to find mercy; to our God, who is generous in forgiving.
New Revised Standard Versionlet the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the LORD, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleLet the sinner forsake his way, and the wicked man his thoughts; and let him return to the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd whenever he comes near, the sinner shall forsake his way, and an evil man his thoughts, and he shall return to me and I shall show love upon him, and to our God, for he is abundant with forgiving OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Let the wicked forsake his way, And the man of iniquity his thoughts; And let him return unto the LORD, and He will have compassion upon him, And to our God, for He will abundantly pardon
Brenton Septuagint Translationlet the ungodly leave his ways, and the transgressor his counsels: and let him return to the Lord, and he shall find mercy; for he shall abundantly pardon your sins.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Invitation to the Needy… 6Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. 7Let the wicked manforsakehis own wayand the unrighteousmanhis own thoughts;let him returntothe LORD,that He may have compassion,and toour God,forHe will freelypardon.8“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.…
Cross References Ezekiel 18:21-23But if the wicked man turns from all the sins he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die. / None of the transgressions he has committed will be held against him. Because of the righteousness he has practiced, he will live. / Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord GOD. Wouldn’t I prefer that he turn from his ways and live?
Joel 2:12-13“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” / So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster.
Jeremiah 3:12-14Go, proclaim this message toward the north: ‘Return, O faithless Israel,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will no longer look on you with anger, for I am merciful,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will not be angry forever. / Only acknowledge your guilt, that you have rebelled against the LORD your God. You have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every green tree and have not obeyed My voice,’” declares the LORD. / “Return, O faithless children,” declares the LORD, “for I am your master, and I will take you—one from a city and two from a family—and bring you to Zion.
Psalm 32:5Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah
Psalm 51:1-3For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. When Nathan the prophet came to him after his adultery with Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. / Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. / For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.
Proverbs 28:13He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
Hosea 14:1-2Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled by your iniquity. / Bring your confessions and return to the LORD. Say to Him: “Take away all our iniquity and receive us graciously, that we may present the fruit of our lips.
Micah 7:18-19Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance—who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion? / He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast out all our sins into the depths of the sea.
2 Chronicles 7:14and if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
Jeremiah 29:12-14Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. / You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. / I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore you from captivity and gather you from all the nations and places to which I have banished you, declares the LORD. I will restore you to the place from which I sent you into exile.”
Acts 3:19Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away,
1 John 1:9If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Matthew 3:2and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
Luke 15:7I tell you that in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent.
Luke 15:18-20I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. / I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ / So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.
Treasury of Scripture Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. the wicked Isaiah 1:16-18 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; … 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsakeththem shall have mercy. unrighteous man. Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of manwas great in the earth, andthat every imagination of the thoughts of his heartwas only evil continually. Psalm 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hearme: Jeremiah 4:14 O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee? for Isaiah 43:25 I,even I,am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Isaiah 44:22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee. Exodus 34:6,7 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, … abundantly. Jump to Previous AbundantlyCompassionEvilEvil-DoerForsakeFreelyFullIniquityMercyMultipliethPardonPitiethPurposeReturnethSinnerThoughtsTurnUnrighteousWayWickedJump to Next AbundantlyCompassionEvilEvil-DoerForsakeFreelyFullIniquityMercyMultipliethPardonPitiethPurposeReturnethSinnerThoughtsTurnUnrighteousWayWickedIsaiah 55 1.The prophet, with the promises of Christ, calls to faith6.And to repentance8.The happy success of those who believeLet the wicked man forsake his wayThis phrase calls for a complete turning away from sinful behavior. In biblical context, "wicked" refers to those who live in opposition to God's laws. The call to forsake one's way is a common theme in the prophetic books, urging repentance and a change of lifestyle. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of repentance, as seen in the story of Nineveh in Jonah 3:10, where the people turned from their evil ways and God relented from sending disaster. and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Here, the focus shifts from actions to thoughts, emphasizing that true repentance involves a transformation of the mind. This echoes the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, where He highlights the importance of inner purity (Matthew 5:28). The Hebrew understanding of "thoughts" includes intentions and desires, indicating that God desires a holistic change in individuals. let him return to the LORD,
The concept of returning to the LORD is central to the message of the prophets. It implies a restoration of the covenant relationship between God and His people. This return is not just physical but spiritual, involving a heartfelt commitment to follow God's ways. The call to return is reminiscent of the prodigal son inLuke 15:11-32, where the son returns to his father, symbolizing repentance and reconciliation. that He may have compassion,
God's compassion is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, highlighting His mercy and willingness to forgive. This compassion is not earned but is a part of God's character, as seen inExodus 34:6, where God describes Himself as "compassionate and gracious." The assurance of God's compassion provides hope for those who repent. and to our God,
The phrase "our God" emphasizes the personal relationship between God and His people. It reflects the covenantal bond established with Israel, as seen inDeuteronomy 29:12-13. This relationship is not exclusive to Israel but extends to all who seek God, as indicated in the New Testament (Romans 10:12). for He will freely pardon.
The promise of free pardon underscores the grace of God. Unlike human forgiveness, which may come with conditions, God's pardon is given freely to those who repent. This is a precursor to the New Testament message of salvation through grace, as articulated inEphesians 2:8-9. The assurance of pardon is a cornerstone of Christian faith, offering peace and reconciliation with God. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Wicked ManRepresents those who live in sin and rebellion against God's ways. 2. The Unrighteous ManRefers to individuals whose thoughts and intentions are not aligned with God's righteousness. 3. The LORDThe covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is merciful and willing to forgive. 4. Return to the LORDAn invitation for repentance and turning back to God. 5. Compassion and PardonGod's promise of mercy and forgiveness to those who repent. Teaching Points Call to RepentanceGod calls everyone to forsake their sinful ways and thoughts. This requires a conscious decision to turn away from sin and towards God. God's CompassionThe Hebrew word for compassion, "racham," implies a deep, tender mercy. God is not only willing to forgive but does so with a loving heart. Assurance of PardonGod's promise to "freely pardon" is unconditional for those who genuinely repent. This is a testament to His grace and mercy. Transformation of Mind and HeartTrue repentance involves a change in both actions and thoughts. Aligning our thoughts with God's righteousness is crucial. Invitation to AllThe invitation to return to God is open to everyone, regardless of past sins. God's grace is sufficient for all who seek Him. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 55:7?
2.How can we practically "forsake his way" as instructed in Isaiah 55:7?
3.What does Isaiah 55:7 teach about God's mercy towards the repentant?
4.How does Isaiah 55:7 connect with the parable of the Prodigal Son?
5.In what ways can we "return to the LORD" in our daily lives?
6.How does Isaiah 55:7 encourage us to view God's capacity for forgiveness?
7.How does Isaiah 55:7 emphasize the importance of repentance in Christian theology?
8.What does Isaiah 55:7 reveal about God's nature regarding forgiveness?
9.How does Isaiah 55:7 challenge the concept of divine justice?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 55?
11.What does the Bible say about seeking forgiveness?
12.Is your heart truly repentant, beyond outward appearances?
13.What does the Bible say about seeking forgiveness?
14.Is your heart truly repentant, beyond outward appearances?What Does Isaiah 55:7 Mean Let the wicked man forsake his way“Let the wicked man forsake his way” opens with a clear call to abandon every lifestyle pattern that rebels against God. • “Way” is more than a single act; it is a course, a direction (Psalm 1:6;Proverbs 14:12). • God’s first word to the wayward is not “try harder” but “turn around”—a decisive break from habitual sin (Isaiah 1:16;2 Chronicles 7:14). • This abandoning is urgent; the surrounding invitation, “Seek the LORD while He may be found” (Isaiah 55:6), reminds us time is limited (Hebrews 3:15).
and the unrighteous man his thoughtsOutward reform alone will not do; “and the unrighteous man [must forsake] his thoughts”. • Sin’s roots are internal (Jeremiah 17:9). Jesus echoes this when He says evil thoughts proceed from the heart (Matthew 15:19). • Christ targets even hidden motives—lust (Matthew 5:27-28) and anger (Matthew 5:21-22)—because God desires truth in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6). • Forsaking sinful thoughts involves a deliberate mental exchange: “Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5) and “whatever is true… dwell on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
let him return to the LORDTurning from sin finds its counterpart in turning to Someone: “let him return to the LORD”. • “Return” is covenant language—come back to the God who loved first (Hosea 14:1-2). • The path is not complicated: “Rend your hearts and not your garments… Return to the LORD your God” (Joel 2:12-13). • Draw near in faith, because “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
that He may have compassionThe motivation behind repentance is God’s heart: “that He may have compassion”. • Compassion is God’s consistent posture: “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him” (Psalm 103:13). • The prodigal’s return meets a father who “was moved with compassion” (Luke 15:20). • God’s mercies are “new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23), assuring us that repentance is greeted by tenderness, not reluctance.
and to our God, for He will freely pardonThe verse climaxes with the promise: “for He will freely pardon”. • “Freely” underscores grace—no payment demanded (Ephesians 2:8-9;Romans 3:24). • God “hurls all our sins into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:18-19) and “remembers them no more” (Hebrews 8:12). • Confession activates this pardon: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us” (1 John 1:9). • The cross secures the promise: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
summaryIsaiah 55:7 sketches a full portrait of repentance: abandon sinful paths, uproot corrupt thoughts, turn back to the Lord, trust His compassionate heart, and receive an unearned, complete pardon. Every step is empowered by God’s grace and secured by His faithful character, inviting anyone—no matter how far gone—to come home and live. Verse 7. - Let the wicked forsake hisway;i.e. his mode of life. A general promise of forgiveness of sin upon repentance and amendment of life was first given to Israel through Solomon ( 2 Chronicles 7:14). The doctrine is largely preached by the prophets; but is nowhere more distinctly and emphatically laid down than in this place. God's will is to "multiply pardon," if man will only turn to him.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Let the wicked manרָשָׁע֙(rā·šā‘)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7563:Wrong, an, bad personforsakeיַעֲזֹ֤ב(ya·‘ă·zōḇ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5800:To loosen, relinquish, permithis own wayדַּרְכּ֔וֹ(dar·kōw)Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1870:A road, a course of life, mode of actionand the unrighteousאָ֖וֶן(’ā·wen)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 205:Strictly nothingness, trouble, vanity, wickedness, an idolmanוְאִ֥ישׁ(wə·’îš)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male personhis own thoughts;מַחְשְׁבֹתָ֑יו(maḥ·šə·ḇō·ṯāw)Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4284:A contrivance, a texture, machine, intention, planlet him returnוְיָשֹׁ֤ב(wə·yā·šōḇ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725:To turn back, in, to retreat, againtoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tothe LORD,יְהוָה֙(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069:YHWHthat He may have compassion,וִֽירַחֲמֵ֔הוּ(wî·ra·ḥă·mê·hū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7355:To fondle, to love, to compassionateand toוְאֶל־(wə·’el-)Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toour God,אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ(’ĕ·lō·hê·nū)Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativeforכִּֽי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionHe will freelyיַרְבֶּ֥ה(yar·beh)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7235:To be or become much, many or greatpardon.לִסְלֽוֹחַ׃(lis·lō·w·aḥ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5545:To forgive, pardon
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way (Isa Isi Is) |
