King James Version

What Does Isaiah 65:11 Mean?

Isaiah 65:11 in the King James Version says “But ye are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop , and that furn...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 65 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But ye are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop , and that furnish the drink offering unto that number. troop: or, Gad number: or, Meni, a pagan god”

Isaiah 65:11 · KJV

Context

9

And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.

10

And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the valley of Achor a place for the herds to lie down in, for my people that have sought me.

11

But ye are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop , and that furnish the drink offering unto that number. troop: or, Gad number: or, Meni, a pagan god

12

Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not.

13

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:

Read Isaiah 65 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'But ye are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number.' Sharp contrast: those who forsake and forget. 'That troop' (Gad) and 'that number' (Meni) are pagan fortune/destiny deities. Preparing tables and offerings for these 'gods' constitutes abandonment of the LORD.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Gad and Meni were Mesopotamian gods of fortune. Worshiping fate/destiny deities denies God's sovereignty and providence.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern 'gods' of fortune or fate do people trust instead of the LORD?
  2. How does forgetting 'my holy mountain' lead to pagan practice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְאַתֶּם֙1 of 13
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

עֹזְבֵ֣י2 of 13

“But ye are they that forsake”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

יְהוָ֔ה3 of 13

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הַשְּׁכֵחִ֖ים4 of 13

“that forget”

H7913

oblivious

אֶת5 of 13
H853

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

הַ֣ר6 of 13

“mountain”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

קָדְשִׁ֑י7 of 13

“my holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

הַֽעֹרְכִ֤ים8 of 13

“that prepare”

H6186

to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)

לַגַּד֙9 of 13

“for that troop”

H1409

fortune

שֻׁלְחָ֔ן10 of 13

“a table”

H7979

a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal

וְהַֽמְמַלְאִ֖ים11 of 13

“and that furnish”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

לַמְנִ֥י12 of 13

“unto that number”

H4507

the apportioner, i.e., fate (as an idol)

מִמְסָֽךְ׃13 of 13

“the drink offering”

H4469

mixture, i.e., (specifically) wine mixed (with water or spices)

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 65:11 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 65:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 32:17Isaiah 2:2Isaiah 1:281 Corinthians 10:20-21Isaiah 57:13Ezekiel 23:41-42

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