King James Version

What Does Isaiah 64:7 Mean?

Isaiah 64:7 in the King James Version says “And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 64 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Isaiah 64:7 · KJV

Context

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

8

But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

9

Be not wroth very sore, O LORD, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we are all thy people.

Read Isaiah 64 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'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.' The absence of genuine prayer compounds the problem - 'none that calleth...stirreth up himself.' Spiritual lethargy accompanies moral failure. God's hidden face is both judgment and experience.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This describes the low point of spiritual condition - no one even seeking God. The 'hidden face' of God is the most devastating aspect of judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What spiritual lethargy prevents stirring yourself to seek God?
  2. What does it feel like when God 'hides His face'?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְאֵין1 of 13
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

קוֹרֵ֣א2 of 13

“And there is none that calleth”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

בְשִׁמְךָ֔3 of 13

“upon thy name”

H8034

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

מִתְעוֹרֵ֖ר4 of 13

“that stirreth up”

H5782

to wake (literally or figuratively)

לְהַחֲזִ֣יק5 of 13

“himself to take hold”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

בָּ֑ךְ6 of 13
H0
כִּֽי7 of 13
H3588

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

הִסְתַּ֤רְתָּ8 of 13

“of thee for thou hast hid”

H5641

to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively

פָנֶ֙יךָ֙9 of 13

“thy face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מִמֶּ֔נּוּ10 of 13
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

וַתְּמוּגֵ֖נוּ11 of 13

“from us and hast consumed”

H4127

to melt, i.e., literally (to soften, flow down, disappear), or figuratively (to fear, faint)

בְּיַד12 of 13

“us because”

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

עֲוֹנֵֽנוּ׃13 of 13

“of our iniquities”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

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 64:7 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 64:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 22:30Hosea 7:14Isaiah 50:2Isaiah 59:16Hosea 7:7Isaiah 54:8

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