King James Version

What Does Isaiah 65:12 Mean?

Isaiah 65:12 in the King James Version says “Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 65 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Isaiah 65:12 · KJV


Context

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:

14

Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit. vexation: Heb. breaking


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'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.' Wordplay on 'Meni' (number): since you serve 'number,' I will number you to judgment. The Hebrew 'manah' (number/destine) is ironic. Despite calling and speaking, they didn't answer or hear - deliberate choice of evil.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This judgment corresponds to their sin. They chose Fate; God chooses their fate. Divine calling rejected leads to divine judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does judgment often correspond to the nature of the sin?
  2. What does it mean to 'not answer' and 'not hear' when God calls?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וּמָנִ֨יתִי1 of 20

Therefore will I number

H4487

properly, to weigh out; by implication, to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll

אֶתְכֶ֜ם2 of 20
H853

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

לַחֶ֗רֶב3 of 20

you to the sword

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

וְכֻלְּכֶם֙4 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

לַטֶּ֣בַח5 of 20

to the slaughter

H2874

properly, something slaughtered; hence, a beast (or meat, as butchered); abstractly butchery (or concretely, a place of slaughter)

תִּכְרָ֔עוּ6 of 20

and ye shall all bow down

H3766

to bend the knee; by implication, to sink, to prostrate

יַ֤עַן7 of 20
H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

קָרָ֙אתִי֙8 of 20

because when I called

H7121

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

וְלֹ֣א9 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עֲנִיתֶ֔ם10 of 20

ye did not answer

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

דִּבַּ֖רְתִּי11 of 20

when I spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

וְלֹ֣א12 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שְׁמַעְתֶּ֑ם13 of 20

ye did not hear

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

וַתַּעֲשׂ֤וּ14 of 20

but did

H6213

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

הָרַע֙15 of 20

evil

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

בְּעֵינַ֔י16 of 20

before mine eyes

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וּבַאֲשֶׁ֥ר17 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹֽא18 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

חָפַ֖צְתִּי19 of 20

that wherein I delighted

H2654

properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire

בְּחַרְתֶּֽם׃20 of 20

and did choose

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select


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 65:12 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 65:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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