Isaiah 57:11
And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not?
Isaiah 57:11 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse questions why people fear and lie when they have not truly considered or remembered the presence of God in their lives. It questions the motives behind lying and betraying when God has always been present, even in moments of silence. The verse emphasizes the importance of acknowledging God's existence and power in every aspect of life, and how forgetting or neglecting this can lead to sinful behavior. It reminds readers to always keep God in their hearts and minds, to prevent straying from the teachings and principles laid out in the Bible. The verse serves as a warning against the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of fear and reverence for Him in one's life. It conveys a message of repentance and turning back to God in times of deceit or fear, highlighting the need for constant remembrance and acknowledgment of His presence.
Theological Overview
This verse from the book of Isaiah is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and our tendency as humans to forget His presence in our lives. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the theme of fear and deceit within the context of faith. The passage conveys God's disappointment with His people for allowing their fear of earthly powers to cause them to turn away from Him. The word study reveals that the Hebrew word for 'feared' can also be translated as 'reverence' or 'stand in awe of'. This sheds light on God's desire for His people to hold Him in high regard and trust in His protection, rather than succumbing to the pressures of the world. By lying and failing to remember God, the Israelites demonstrate a lack of faith and reverence towards Him. Despite this, God's response is one of patience and assurance, as He reminds them that He has always been there for them, even when they have veered off the path. This verse serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of God's constant presence in our lives, urging us to trust in Him and not be swayed by fear or deceit.
Isaiah 57:11 in other translations
American Standard Version
And of whom hast thou been afraid and in fear, that thou liest, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of long time, and thou fearest me not?
World English Bible
“Of whom have you been afraid and in fear, that you lie, and have not remembered me, nor laid it to your heart? Haven’t I held my peace even of long time, and you don’t fear me?
Douay-Rheims
For whom hast thou been solicitous and afraid, that thou hast lied, and hast not been mindful of me, nor thought on me in thy heart? for I am silent, and as one that seeth not, and thou hast forgotten me.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And whome diddest thou reuerence or feare, seeing thou hast lyed vnto me, and hast not remembred me, neither set thy minde thereon? is it not because I holde my peace, and that of long time? therefore thou fearest not me.