King James Version

What Does Isaiah 63:15 Mean?

Isaiah 63:15 in the King James Version says “Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory: where is thy zeal and thy streng...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 63 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory: where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained? the sounding: or, the multitude”

Isaiah 63:15 · King James Version

Strength

Context

13

That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble?

14

As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD caused him to rest: so didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name.

15

Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory: where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained? the sounding: or, the multitude

16

Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting. our redeemer: or, our redeemer from everlasting is thy name

17

O LORD, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, and hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants' sake, the tribes of thine inheritance.

Read Isaiah 63 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
'Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory: where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained?' The prayer intensifies into direct appeal. 'Where is' introduces longing questions. God's 'bowels' (me'im - internal organs) represent deep emotional compassion. Are mercies 'restrained' (apaq - held back)?

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This bold prayer challenges divine apparent inactivity. The anatomical language (bowels, zeal) emphasizes visceral, emotional divine engagement that seems absent.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you pray when God seems to have restrained His mercies?
  2. What does 'the sounding of thy bowels' teach about God's compassion?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
הַבֵּ֤ט1 of 14

“Look down”

H5027

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

מִשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙2 of 14

“from heaven”

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וּרְאֵ֔ה3 of 14

“and behold”

H7200

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

מִזְּבֻ֥ל4 of 14

“from the habitation”

H2073

a residence

קָדְשְׁךָ֖5 of 14

“of thy holiness”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וְתִפְאַרְתֶּ֑ךָ6 of 14

“and of thy glory”

H8597

ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)

אַיֵּ֤ה7 of 14
H346

where?

קִנְאָֽתְךָ֙8 of 14

“where is thy zeal”

H7068

jealousy or envy

וּגְב֣וּרֹתֶ֔ךָ9 of 14

“and thy strength”

H1369

force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory

הֲמ֥וֹן10 of 14

“the sounding”

H1995

a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth

מֵעֶ֛יךָ11 of 14

“of thy bowels”

H4578

used only in plural the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen, figuratively, sympathy; by implication, a vest; by extension the stomach, the uteru

וְֽרַחֲמֶ֖יךָ12 of 14

“and of thy mercies”

H7356

compassion (in the plural)

אֵלַ֥י13 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הִתְאַפָּֽקוּ׃14 of 14

“toward me are they restrained”

H662

to contain, i.e., (reflexive) abstain

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 63:15 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 63:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 26:15Jeremiah 31:20Psalms 123:1Psalms 80:14Hosea 11:8Psalms 33:14

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