“There is no peace,”This phrase emphasizes the absence of peace, a recurring theme in the prophetic literature. Peace, or "shalom" in Hebrew, signifies not just the absence of conflict but a state of wholeness and well-being. In the biblical context, peace is often associated with God's presence and blessing. The lack of peace here suggests a separation from God, highlighting the consequences of sin and rebellion. This absence of peace is a stark contrast to the peace promised to the righteous, as seen in
Isaiah 26:3, where God keeps in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in Him.
says my God,
The use of "my God" personalizes the message, indicating a direct communication from God through the prophet Isaiah. This phrase underscores the authority and certainty of the statement. It reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people, where God is both a personal and sovereign deity. The possessive "my" also emphasizes the prophet's personal relationship with God, reinforcing the authenticity and divine origin of the message.
“for the wicked.”
The term "wicked" refers to those who live in opposition to God's laws and commands. In the Old Testament, wickedness is often associated with idolatry, injustice, and moral corruption. The wicked are contrasted with the righteous, who live according to God's will. This distinction is a common theme throughout the Psalms and Proverbs, where the fate of the wicked is often depicted as one of destruction and turmoil (e.g.,Psalm 1:4-6). The absence of peace for the wicked serves as a warning and a call to repentance, aligning with the prophetic tradition of urging Israel to return to God. This phrase also foreshadows the ultimate judgment and separation from God that the wicked will face, as seen in the New Testament teachings on eternal consequences for sin (e.g.,Matthew 25:46).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah's ministry spanned the reigns of several kings of Judah. He is known for his prophecies concerning both judgment and redemption.
2.
GodThe sovereign Lord who speaks through Isaiah, declaring the spiritual state of the wicked.
3.
The WickedRefers to those who live in rebellion against God, characterized by unrighteousness and disobedience.
4.
JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, often the primary audience of Isaiah's prophecies, which included calls to repentance and warnings of judgment.
5.
PeaceIn Hebrew, "shalom," which encompasses not just the absence of conflict but also completeness, welfare, and harmony with God.
Teaching Points
The Nature of True PeaceTrue peace, or "shalom," is a gift from God and is found in a right relationship with Him. It is not merely the absence of conflict but a state of wholeness and harmony.
The Consequences of WickednessLiving in rebellion against God leads to a lack of peace. The wicked are in a state of unrest and turmoil, both internally and externally.
The Call to RepentanceIsaiah's message serves as a call to repentance. Turning away from wickedness and towards God is the path to experiencing His peace.
The Role of RighteousnessRighteousness and peace are interconnected. Pursuing a life of righteousness through faith in Christ leads to peace with God and others.
The Importance of DiscernmentBelievers are called to discern the difference between worldly peace and the peace that comes from God, seeking the latter through a life aligned with His will.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 57:21?
2.How does Isaiah 57:21 describe the state of the wicked?
3.What actions can we take to avoid being like the "wicked" in Isaiah?
4.How does Isaiah 57:21 connect with Jesus' teachings on peace in the Gospels?
5.Why is peace absent for the wicked, according to Isaiah 57:21?
6.How can we cultivate peace in our lives, contrasting Isaiah 57:21's message?
7.What does Isaiah 57:21 mean by "no peace" for the wicked?
8.How does Isaiah 57:21 challenge the concept of universal salvation?
9.Why does Isaiah 57:21 emphasize the absence of peace for the wicked?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 57?
11.What does 'No Peace for the Wicked' mean?
12.What does "No Peace for the Wicked" mean?
13.How can there be a war in heaven (Revelation 12:7) if other biblical texts suggest heaven is a place of perfect peace?
14.Isaiah 57:1-2: How can the claim that righteous people are taken away to be spared from evil be reconciled with the historical suffering of the faithful throughout Israel's history?What Does Isaiah 57:21 Mean
There is no peaceThe statement opens with a blunt conclusion: real rest and wholeness are absent.
• Isaiah repeats this truth earlier: “There is no peace for the wicked” (Isaiah 48:22), underscoring that this isn’t a passing mood but a standing verdict.
• Jeremiah describes people who try to plaster over their inner turmoil with cheap assurances—“‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14; 8:11).
• Paul explains why: “The way of peace they have not known” (Romans 3:17), because peace is rooted in right relationship with God (Romans 5:1).
Apart from reconciliation through Christ, calm may appear on the surface, but beneath it churns guilt, fear of judgment, and unresolved enmity with God.
says my GodThe declaration comes from God Himself, not human opinion.
• “I, the LORD, speak the truth; I declare what is right” (Isaiah 45:19). When He speaks, the verdict is final.
• His ownership—“my God”—reminds us that the prophet belongs to and speaks for the covenant-keeping LORD (Isaiah 40:1; 55:11).
• God alone defines genuine peace (John 14:27) and the terms on which it is granted (Ephesians 2:14). If He says there is none for a certain group, every alternate promise is counterfeit.
for the wickedThe target is not merely notorious criminals but anyone who persists in rebellion against God’s ways.
•Psalm 1:4 pictures the wicked “like chaff that the wind blows away,” rootless and unstable.
•Proverbs 4:19 notes, “The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble,” showing why peace eludes them.
• Spiritual hostility is the core issue: “The mind of the flesh is death… it does not submit to God’s law” (Romans 8:6-7).
• Yet God’s offer remains: “Let the wicked forsake his way… and He will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:7). Those who turn to Christ find the promised rest: “By His wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5) and “He Himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14).
summaryIsaiah 57:21 is God’s sober assessment that lasting peace cannot be found while a person remains in wickedness. The unrest of the heart, the unrest of society, and the coming eternal unrest all stem from separation from Him. Because the statement is God’s own, it carries absolute authority. Yet the very God who declares “no peace” for the wicked also extends peace through the gospel. When we turn from sin and trust the Prince of Peace, the verdict is reversed: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).
Verse 21. - Comp.
Isaiah 48:22, where the prophet ends another section of this part of his work with almost the same words.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
“There is noאֵ֣ין(’ên)Adverb
Strong's 369:A non-entity, a negative particlepeace,”שָׁל֔וֹם(šā·lō·wm)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7965:Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peacesaysאָמַ֥ר(’ā·mar)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, saymy God,אֱלֹהַ֖י(’ĕ·lō·hay)Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative“for the wicked.”לָרְשָׁעִֽים׃(lā·rə·šā·‘îm)Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7563:Wrong, an, bad person
Links
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 57:21 There is no peace says my God (Isa Isi Is) 
