King James Version

What Does Isaiah 1:29 Mean?

Isaiah 1:29 in the King James Version says “For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which ye have desired, and ye shall be confounded for the gardens that ye have cho...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which ye have desired, and ye shall be confounded for the gardens that ye have chosen.”

Isaiah 1:29 · KJV

Context

27

Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness. her: or, they that return of her

28

And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be together, and they that forsake the LORD shall be consumed. destruction: Heb. breaking

29

For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which ye have desired, and ye shall be confounded for the gardens that ye have chosen.

30

For ye shall be as an oak whose leaf fadeth, and as a garden that hath no water.

31

And the strong shall be as tow, and the maker of it as a spark, and they shall both burn together, and none shall quench them. maker: or, and his work

Read Isaiah 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The indictment against desiring 'oaks' and 'gardens' references Canaanite fertility cult worship conducted under sacred trees and in gardens (cf. Isaiah 65:3; Hosea 4:13). Idolatry always involves misplaced desire—seeking from created things what only the Creator provides. Shame will replace illicit pleasure, as idols fail their devotees. This anticipates Paul's theology that disordered worship stems from exchanging God's glory for images (Romans 1:23), resulting in futility and judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Despite Mosaic prohibition, Israelites syncretized Yahweh worship with Canaanite practices, including sacred groves and fertility rites. Archaeology confirms widespread high place worship in Iron Age Judah.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern 'oaks' and 'gardens'—created things we desire above God—tempt us toward idolatry?
  2. How does the shame of disappointed idolatry contrast with the satisfaction found in God alone?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
כִּ֣י1 of 9
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יֵבֹ֔שׁוּ2 of 9

“For they shall be ashamed”

H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

מֵאֵילִ֖ים3 of 9

“of the oaks”

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

אֲשֶׁ֣ר4 of 9
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

חֲמַדְתֶּ֑ם5 of 9

“which ye have desired”

H2530

to delight in

וְתַ֨חְפְּר֔וּ6 of 9

“and ye shall be confounded”

H2659

to blush; figuratively, to be ashamed, disappointed; causatively, to shame, reproach

מֵהַגַּנּ֖וֹת7 of 9

“for the gardens”

H1593

a garden

אֲשֶׁ֥ר8 of 9
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בְּחַרְתֶּֽם׃9 of 9

“that ye have chosen”

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 1:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 1:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 57:5Isaiah 66:17Isaiah 65:3Hosea 4:13Ezekiel 16:63Romans 6:21

Test Your Knowledge

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