King James Version

What Does Isaiah 63:10 Mean?

“But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.”

Context

For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour.

In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.

But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.

Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him? shepherd: or, shepherds

That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name?

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Topics in This Verse

Holy Spirit

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **Vexed his holy Spirit . . .**—Literally, *his Spirit of holiness. *So St. Paul speaks of Christians as “grieving the Holy Spirit.” Here, and in Psalm 51:11, as in the “Angel of the Presence,” we may note a foreshadowing of the truth of the trinal personality of the unity of the Godhead, which was afterwards to be revealed. That which “vexed” the Holy Spirit was, in the nature of the case, the unholiness of the people, and this involved a change in the manifestation of the Divine Love, which was now compelled to show itself as wrath.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 63:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.