King James Version

What Does Isaiah 29:23 Mean?

Isaiah 29:23 in the King James Version says “But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify t...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel.”

Isaiah 29:23 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

21

That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought.

22

Therefore thus saith the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale.

23

But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel.

24

They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine. come: Heb. know understanding

Read Isaiah 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him (כִּי בִרְאֹתוֹ יְלָדָיו מַעֲשֵׂה יָדַי בְּקִרְבּוֹ, ki vir'oto yeladaw ma'aseh yaday beqirbo)—when he sees his יְלָדִים (yeladim, children), the מַעֲשֵׂה יָדַי (ma'aseh yaday, work of my hands), in his בְּקִרְבּוֹ (beqirbo, midst, inner parts). They shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel (יַקְדִּישׁוּ שְׁמִי וְהִקְדִּישׁוּ אֶת־קְדוֹשׁ יַעֲקֹב וְאֶת־אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל יַעֲרִיצוּ, yaqdishu shemi vehiqdishu et-Qedosh Ya'akov ve'et-Elohey Yisrael ya'aritsu)—they will קָדַשׁ (qadash, sanctify, hallow) His name and יָרֵא (yare, fear, revere).

Jacob's children—described as 'the work of mine hands' like new creation (Ephesians 2:10)—will properly honor God's name. The threefold sanctification (sanctify my name, sanctify the Holy One, fear the God) emphasizes thoroughness. This reverses the hollow lip-service of verse 13. Now, transformed hearts produce genuine worship. Paul develops this in Romans 11:25-27—partial hardening on Israel until the fullness of Gentiles comes in, then 'all Israel shall be saved.' The children who once dishonored God's name will sanctify it.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout Israel's history, they profaned God's name among the nations through sin (Ezekiel 36:20-23). God promised to sanctify His great name by transforming His people. This began at Pentecost, continued through church history, and awaits consummation when even ethnic Israel will recognize Messiah (Zechariah 12:10). God's name will be hallowed universally (Matthew 6:9).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to be 'the work of His hands'—a new creation for genuine worship?
  2. How do transformed hearts produce authentic sanctification of God's name, not mere lip-service?
  3. In what areas do you need heart transformation to truly 'sanctify' God's name in your life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
כִּ֣י1 of 16
H3588

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

בִ֠רְאֹתוֹ2 of 16

“But when he seeth”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

יְלָדָ֞יו3 of 16

“his children”

H3206

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה4 of 16

“the work”

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

יָדַ֛י5 of 16

“of mine hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

בְּקִרְבּ֖וֹ6 of 16

“in the midst”

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

וְהִקְדִּ֙ישׁוּ֙7 of 16

“and sanctify”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

שְׁמִ֑י8 of 16

“my name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

וְהִקְדִּ֙ישׁוּ֙9 of 16

“and sanctify”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

אֶת10 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

קְד֣וֹשׁ11 of 16

“the Holy One”

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב12 of 16

“of Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

וְאֶת13 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֱלֹהֵ֥י14 of 16

“the God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל15 of 16

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

יַעֲרִֽיצוּ׃16 of 16

“and shall fear”

H6206

to awe or (intransitive) to dread; hence, to harass

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 29:23 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 29:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 19:25Ephesians 2:10Isaiah 8:13Isaiah 45:11Isaiah 5:16Isaiah 60:21

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 29 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 29 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes