King James Version

What Does Isaiah 64:5 Mean?

Isaiah 64:5 in the King James Version says “Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth;...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 64 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved.”

Isaiah 64:5 · KJV

Salvation

Context

3

When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down at thy presence.

4

For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him. seen: or, seen a God beside thee, which doeth so for him, etc

5

Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved.

6

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

7

And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities. consumed: Heb. melted because: Heb. by the hand

Read Isaiah 64 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved.' God meets those who work righteousness joyfully and remember His ways. Yet here is confession: 'thou art wroth; for we have sinned.' Despite sin, 'we shall be saved' - grace exceeds judgment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This balances divine expectation of righteousness with confession of failure. The pattern of sin-confession-hope recurs throughout Scripture.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God 'meet' those who rejoice in righteousness?
  2. What does continuance in God's ways despite sin mean for salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
פָּגַ֤עְתָּ1 of 14

“Thou meetest”

H6293

to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity

אֶת2 of 14
H853

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

שָׂשׂ֙3 of 14

“him that rejoiceth”

H7797

to be bright, i.e., cheerful

וְעֹ֣שֵׂה4 of 14

“and worketh”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

צֶ֔דֶק5 of 14

“righteousness”

H6664

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

בִּדְרָכֶ֖יךָ6 of 14

“thee in thy ways”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

יִזְכְּר֑וּךָ7 of 14

“those that remember”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

הֵן8 of 14
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

אַתָּ֤ה9 of 14
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

קָצַ֙פְתָּ֙10 of 14

“behold thou art wroth”

H7107

to crack off, i.e., (figuratively) burst out in rage

וַֽנֶּחֱטָ֔א11 of 14

“for we have sinned”

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

בָּהֶ֥ם12 of 14
H0
עוֹלָ֖ם13 of 14

“in those is continuance”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

וְנִוָּשֵֽׁעַ׃14 of 14

“and we shall be saved”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

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 64:5 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 64:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 4:16Acts 10:35Philippians 3:13-15Psalms 103:17Psalms 112:1Malachi 3:6

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