Albert Barnes Commentary Isaiah 3:11

"Woe unto the wicked! [it shall be] ill [with him]; for what his hands have done shall be done unto him." — Isaiah 3:11 (ASV)

Wo unto the wicked – To all the wicked – but here having particular reference to the Jews whom Isaiah was addressing.

It shall be ill with him – The word “ill” is the only word here in the original. It is an emphatic mode of speaking – expressing deep abhorrence and suddenness of denunciation. ‘Woe to the impious! Ill!’

For the reward of his hands – Of his conduct. The hands are the instruments by which we accomplish anything, and hence, they are put for the whole man.

Shall be given him – That is, he shall be repaid; or he shall be justly recompensed for his crimes. This is the principle on which God rules the world. It shall be well here and hereafter with those who obey God; it shall be ill here and forever with those who disobey him.