Isaiah 57:12

I will expose your righteousness and your works, and they will not profit you.

Study Bible

I will expose
The Hebrew root for "expose" is "נָגַד" (nagad), which means to declare, make known, or announce. In the context of Isaiah, God is speaking through the prophet to reveal the true nature of the people's actions. This exposure is not merely a revelation but a divine unveiling of what is hidden. Historically, this reflects God's consistent call for transparency and truth, as seen throughout the prophetic books where God uncovers the hidden sins of Israel. The exposure is a call to repentance, urging the people to turn back to genuine faithfulness.

your righteousness
The term "righteousness" in Hebrew is "צְדָקָה" (tsedaqah), which often refers to justice, rightness, or moral virtue. However, in this context, it is a sarcastic reference to the self-righteousness of the people. They believed their actions were righteous, but God is highlighting that their so-called righteousness is superficial and self-serving. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative where true righteousness is not about outward appearances but about a heart aligned with God's will, as emphasized in the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament.

and your works
The Hebrew word for "works" is "מַעֲשֶׂה" (ma'aseh), which refers to deeds or actions. In the biblical context, works are often seen as the fruit of one's faith. However, here, God is critiquing the works of the people, indicating that their actions, though perhaps religious in nature, are not rooted in genuine faith or obedience. This echoes the New Testament teaching in James 2:26, where faith without works is dead, but works without genuine faith are equally unprofitable.

and they will not profit you
The phrase "will not profit" comes from the Hebrew "יֹועִילוּ" (yo'ilu), meaning to be of benefit or advantage. God is declaring that the people's self-righteousness and works, devoid of true faith and repentance, will not bring them the favor or salvation they expect. This is a sobering reminder that external religious observance without a heart transformed by God is ultimately futile. The historical context of Israel's repeated cycles of disobedience and superficial worship underscores this message, calling believers to seek a deep, authentic relationship with God that goes beyond mere ritual.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book that bears his name. He prophesied to the Kingdom of Judah during a time of moral and spiritual decline.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which often fell into idolatry and was subject to God's judgment through the prophets.

3. God
The speaker in this verse, who is addressing the people of Judah through the prophet Isaiah, highlighting their misplaced trust in their own righteousness.

Teaching Points

The Illusion of Self-Righteousness
Human efforts and self-righteousness are insufficient for salvation. True righteousness comes from God alone.

The Danger of Hypocrisy
Outward religious actions without inward transformation are meaningless. God desires a heart aligned with His will.

The Need for Repentance
Recognize the futility of relying on personal merit and turn to God in repentance and faith.

God's Omniscience
God sees beyond our actions to the intentions of our hearts. We cannot hide our true selves from Him.

The Call to Authentic Faith
Authentic faith is demonstrated through a life transformed by God's grace, not merely through external works.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Isaiah 57:12 challenge our understanding of righteousness and works in the context of our relationship with God?

2. In what ways can we fall into the trap of self-righteousness today, and how can we guard against it?

3. How does the message of Isaiah 57:12 relate to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our faith is genuine and not just a series of outward actions?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Isaiah 57:12 to our daily walk with God, ensuring that our lives reflect His righteousness rather than our own?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 64:6
This verse also speaks to the inadequacy of human righteousness, comparing it to "filthy rags" before God, emphasizing the need for divine grace.

Romans 3:20
Paul echoes the sentiment that no one will be justified by works of the law, underscoring the futility of relying on one's own deeds for salvation.

Matthew 7:21-23
Jesus warns that not everyone who performs works in His name will enter the kingdom of heaven, highlighting the importance of a genuine relationship with God over mere actions.