No rest for the wicked

Posted by Smokey Stover on May 30, 2009 at 16:57

In Reply to: No rest for the wicked posted by ESC on May 29, 2009 at 13:46:

: : Where does "no rest for the wicked" come from?

: Isaiah (King James Version)
: 21 And they thirsted not when he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them: he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out.
: 22 There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.
: (www.biblegateway.com/ )

: An online commentary says the Biblical meaning is, ".inward anguish and outward trouble, which spring from guilt and from the Divine wrath, must be their portion for ever." Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary. bible.cc/isaiah/48-22.htm

: Modern meaning, "Nothing lets up around me. Things are always popping." The Dictionary of Cliches by James Rogers (Wings Books, Originally New York: Facts on File Publications, 1985). Page 180. In other words, I'm busy, working hard.
........
The Biblical phrase, using the word "peace," was well-known and often quoted, at least from the time of the King James translation, often with a plain reference either to the Bible or to God's intention. From the 19th century on it has been used more figuratively or ironically, sometimes in self-deprecation. Here are a few examples cited by the Oxford English Dictionary, of which the first, from the 18th century, shows the link between Biblical knowledge, and the application of that knowledge in a secular context.

1732 Gentleman's Mag. July 864/1 There is no Peace for the Wicked; and whilst I can either write or speak, there shall be none for you. 1847 Southern Lit. Messenger July 410/2 Peace they seek, but there is no peace for the wicked. 1869 Harper's Mag. Dec. 76/1 Her life henceforward must be one long battle... 'No peace for the wicked,' said she mockingly to herself oftentimes. 1944 A. THIRKELL Headmistress iv. 86 'It's for Dr. Perry.'.. 'No peace for the wicked,' said Dr. Perry. 1992 N. BARBER Other Side of Paradise (BNC), 'Let's start work,' Dr Reid sighed. 'There's nae peace for the wicked.'. . . ."

Later, especially in the 20th century, "peace" often became "rest," and "wicked" often became "weary." Examples from the OED include:

"1935 MARSH & JELLETT Nursing-Home Murder iv. 57 The throat specialist..remarked: 'No rest for the wicked, nurse.' 1958 A. SILLITOE Sat. Night & Sunday Morning i. 20 'No rest for the wicked,' she laughed. 1965 T. CAPOTE In Cold Blood iv. 321, I wish you'd send me earplugs. Only they wouldn't allow me to have them. No rest for the wicked, I guess. 1979 M. BABSON So soon done For vii. 54 'I wish I could take some time and get away. But there's no rest for the weary.' 'Or the wicked.'"

See: the meaning and origin of the phrase 'No rest for the wicked'.