King James Version
What Does Isaiah 64:5 Mean?
“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.”
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
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(5) **Thou meetest him . . .**—The “meeting” is obviously one of favour. That was the law of God’s dealings with men. He met, in this sense, those who at once rejoiced in righteousness and practised it. But with Israel it was not so. Their sins had brought them under His anger, not under His favour.
In **those is continuance . . .**—The clause is difficult, and has been variously interpreted—(1) “*In these *(the ways of God) *there is permanence *(literally, *eternity*)*, that we may be saved;” *and (2) “*In these *(the ways of evil) *have we been a long time, and shall we be saved?” *The latter seems preferable. So taken, the clause carries on the confession of the people’s sinfulness.
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 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
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge