Isaiah 47:11
Therefore shall evil come upon thee; thou shalt not know from whence it riseth: and mischief shall fall upon thee; thou shalt not be able to put it off: and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, which thou shalt not know.
Isaiah 47:11 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse conveys a powerful message about the consequences of evil actions. It warns that when one engages in wrongdoing, evil will come upon them without warning, and they will not know where it is coming from. The verse emphasizes that the mischief and destruction caused by one's evil deeds will be unavoidable and sudden. The idea is that when someone chooses to do wrong, they open themselves up to unforeseen and swift retribution. The verse serves as a cautionary tale, urging individuals to be mindful of their actions and the potential repercussions they may face if they choose to engage in immoral behavior. It highlights the importance of leading a virtuous life and staying away from actions that may bring harm not only to oneself but also to others. In presenting this warning, the verse aims to encourage readers to make wise choices and strive for righteousness in all aspects of their lives.
Theological Overview
Within this verse, there are several key theological concepts that can be unpacked. The idea of evil coming upon someone without warning speaks to the reality of the consequences of sinful actions. In theological terms, this can be seen as a warning against living a life of wickedness, as it ultimately leads to destruction. The mention of mischief falling upon someone that they cannot avoid highlights the idea of divine justice and the inevitability of facing the consequences of one's actions. Additionally, the sudden desolation that is mentioned serves as a stark reminder of the swiftness with which God's judgment can come. Overall, this verse emphasizes the importance of living a righteous life and the need to be mindful of the consequences of our choices. Through theological interpretation and word studies, we can gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual implications of this passage and apply its teachings to our lives.
Isaiah 47:11 in other translations
American Standard Version
Therefore shall evil come upon thee; thou shalt not know the dawning thereof: and mischief shall fall upon thee; thou shalt not be able to put it away: and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, which thou knowest not.
World English Bible
Therefore evil will come on you; you won’t know when it dawns: and mischief will fall on you; you will not be able to put it away: and desolation shall come on you suddenly, which you don’t know.
Douay-Rheims
Evil shall come upon thee, and thou shalt not know the rising thereof: and calamity shall fall violently upon thee, which thou canst not keep off: misery shall come upon thee suddenly, which thou shalt not know.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Therefore shall euill come vpon thee, and thou shalt not knowe the morning thereof: destruction shall fal vpon thee, which thou shalt not be able to put away: destruction shall come vpon thee suddenly, or thou beware.