Isaiah – Chapter 57

Old Testament21 Verses

Chapter Summary

"The just perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart, and men of mercy are taken away, because there is none that understandeth; for the just…" — so begins Isaiah 57. Across its 21 verses, two threads run through the text: healing and justice and care for the poor. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1The just perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart, and men of mercy are taken away, because there is none that understandeth; for the just man is taken away from before the face of evil.

2Let peace come, let him rest in his bed that hath walked in his uprightness.

3But draw near hither, you sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer, and of the harlot.

4Upon whom have you jested? upon whom have you opened your mouth wide, and put out your tongue? are not you wicked children, a false seed,

5Who seek your comfort in idols under every green tree, sacrificing children in the torrents, under the high rocks?

6In the parts of the torrent is thy portion, this is thy lot: and thou hast poured out libations to them, thou hast offered sacrifice. Shall I not be angry at these things?

7Upon a high and lofty mountain thou hast laid thy bed, and hast gone up thither to offer victims.

8And behind the door, and behind the post thou hast set up thy remembrance: for thou hast discovered thyself near me, and hast received an adulterer: thou hast enlarged thy bed, and made a covenant with them: thou hast loved their bed with open hand.

9And thou hast adorned thyself for the king with ointment, and hast multiplied thy perfumes. Thou hast sent thy messengers far off, and wast debased even to hell.

10Thou hast been wearied in the multitude of thy ways: yet thou saidst not: I will rest: thou has found life of thy hand, therefore thou hast not asked.

11For 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.

12I will declare thy justice, and thy works shall not profit thee.

13When thou shalt cry, let thy companies deliver thee, but the wind shall carry them all off, a breeze shall take them away, but he that putteth his trust in me, shall inherit the land, and shall possess my holy mount.

14And I will say: Make a way: give free passage, turn out of the path, take away the stumblingblocks out of the way of my people.

15For thus saith the High and the Eminent that inhabiteth eternity: and his name is Holy, who dwelleth in the high and holy place, and with a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.

16For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be angry unto the end: because the spirit shall go forth from my face, and breathings I will make.

17For the iniquity of his covetousness I was angry, and I struck him: I hid my face from thee, and was angry: and he went away wandering in his own heart.

18I saw his ways, and I healed him, and brought him back, and restored comforts to him, and to them that mourn for him.

19I created the fruit of the lips, peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, said the Lord, and I healed him.

20But the wicked are like the raging sea, which cannot rest, and the waves thereof cast up dirt and mire.

21There is no peace to the wicked, saith the Lord God.

Important Verses in Isaiah 57

The just perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart, and men of mercy are taken away, because there is none that understandeth; for the just man is taken away from before the face of evil.

Isaiah 57:1

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.

Isaiah 57:11

For thus saith the High and the Eminent that inhabiteth eternity: and his name is Holy, who dwelleth in the high and holy place, and with a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.

Isaiah 57:15

There is no peace to the wicked, saith the Lord God.

Isaiah 57:21

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Isaiah was written with judah in crisis, the exiles in Babylon, and all who await the Messiah in view. Chapter 57 of 66 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 21 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. It opens with the line: "The just perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart, and men of mercy are taken away, because there is none that…" The final verse reads: "There is no peace to the wicked, saith the Lord God. " Read against its original backdrop, Isaiah prophesied in Jerusalem during the Assyrian crisis, calling kings to trust God rather than alliances. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Isaiah's ministry about 740-700 BC; the book's later chapters address the exile and return (6th century BC).

Who Wrote It

The prophet Isaiah of Jerusalem; chapters 40-66 continue his message through inspired disciples

When It Was Written

Isaiah's ministry about 740-700 BC; the book's later chapters address the exile and return (6th century BC)

Catholic Commentary

The literal sense of Isaiah 57 unfolds through 21 verses that carry forward the message of judgment, comfort, and messianic hope. A pivotal line is verse 1: "The just perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart, and men of mercy are taken away, because there is none that understandeth; for the just man is taken away…" The passage repeatedly touches on healing and restoration.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of judgment, comfort, and messianic hope. Isaiah's prophecies are fulfilled in Christ, especially the Suffering Servant (CIC 601). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 436).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Christ is the Divine Physician who heals both body and soul.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • Christ is the Divine Physician who heals both body and soul.
  • God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • The Holy Spirit is the giver of life who animates creation, the prophets, and the Church.

Reflection for Today

Isaiah Chapter 57, containing 21 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 385). Here the emphasis falls on lectio divina and meditation on God's Word, which shapes how the Church understands judgment, comfort, and messianic hope.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of lectio divina and meditation on God's Word bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Isaiah Chapter 57 about?

Isaiah 57 contains 21 verses. It opens with "The just perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart, and men of mercy are taken away, because there is none that…" and closes with "There is no peace to the wicked, saith the Lord God. ". The book as a whole is prophetic oracles and poetry.

What is a key verse in Isaiah 57?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "The just perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart, and men of mercy are taken away, because there is none that understandeth; for the just man is taken away from before the face…" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Isaiah and when?

The prophet Isaiah of Jerusalem; chapters 40-66 continue his message through inspired disciples. Isaiah's ministry about 740-700 BC; the book's later chapters address the exile and return (6th century BC).

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