King James Version

What Does Isaiah 65:13 Mean?

Isaiah 65:13 in the King James Version says “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drin...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 65 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Isaiah 65:13 · KJV

Context

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

15

And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name:

Read Isaiah 65 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed.' Sharp contrast between servants and rebels: eating vs. hunger, drinking vs. thirst, rejoicing vs. shame. The Hebrew 'eved' (servant) marks the blessed group. Parallel structure emphasizes the contrast.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This division anticipates the eschatological separation of sheep and goats. Present choices determine eternal destinies.

Reflection Questions

  1. What distinguishes 'my servants' from those who forsake the LORD?
  2. How do contrasting eternal destinies affect present choices?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
לָכֵ֞ן1 of 20
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

כֹּה2 of 20
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר׀3 of 20

“Therefore thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י4 of 20

“the Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִ֗ה5 of 20

“GOD”

H3069

god

הִנֵּ֨ה6 of 20
H2009

lo!

עֲבָדַ֛י7 of 20

“Behold my servants”

H5650

a servant

יֹאכֵ֙לוּ֙8 of 20

“shall eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וְאַתֶּ֣ם9 of 20
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תִּרְעָ֔בוּ10 of 20

“but ye shall be hungry”

H7456

to hunger

הִנֵּ֧ה11 of 20
H2009

lo!

עֲבָדַ֛י12 of 20

“Behold my servants”

H5650

a servant

יִשְׁתּ֖וּ13 of 20

“shall drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

וְאַתֶּ֣ם14 of 20
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תִּצְמָ֑אוּ15 of 20

“but ye shall be thirsty”

H6770

to thirst (literally or figuratively)

הִנֵּ֧ה16 of 20
H2009

lo!

עֲבָדַ֛י17 of 20

“Behold my servants”

H5650

a servant

יִשְׂמָ֖חוּ18 of 20

“shall rejoice”

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

וְאַתֶּ֥ם19 of 20
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תֵּבֹֽשׁוּ׃20 of 20

“but ye shall be ashamed”

H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

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 65:13 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 65:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Malachi 3:18Isaiah 66:14Luke 16:24-25Isaiah 61:7Isaiah 66:5Luke 14:23-24

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