King James Version

What Does Isaiah 65:14 Mean?

Isaiah 65:14 in the King James Version says “Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of sp...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 65 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Isaiah 65:14 · KJV

JoyHoly Spirit

Context

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:

16

That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.

Read Isaiah 65 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The contrast between the righteous and wicked intensifies: "Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit." The Hebrew rinnah (sing/shout for joy) describes exuberant celebration from tuv lev (goodness of heart)—profound inner gladness. This contrasts sharply with the wicked's experience: crying for ke'ev lev (pain of heart) and howling for shever ruach (breaking/crushing of spirit). The verbs escalate—crying, then howling—depicting increasing anguish. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates the eternal destinies of the elect and reprobate. The righteous experience overwhelming joy in God's presence (Psalm 16:11, John 15:11, 16:22), while the wicked endure unbearable torment separated from all good (Matthew 8:12, 13:42, Luke 16:23-24). The difference isn't merely circumstantial but essential—flowing from relationship or lack thereof with God. The servants' joy comes from heart transformation; the wicked's anguish comes from spiritual bankruptcy and divine judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy addressed the divided post-exilic community—some faithful, many compromising. It warned that eternal destinies would diverge based on covenant faithfulness. Jesus frequently taught this same division—sheep and goats (Matthew 25:31-46), wheat and tares (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43), wise and foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). The principle continues: those in Christ experience inexpressible joy (1 Peter 1:8), while those rejecting Him store up wrath (Romans 2:5). Ultimate fulfillment comes at final judgment when destinies are eternally fixed (Revelation 20:11-15, 21:1-8).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the contrast between the servants' joy and the wicked's sorrow reflect eternal realities?
  2. What is the source of joy 'of heart' that sustains believers even in present trials?
  3. How should the certainty of these divergent destinies motivate evangelistic urgency?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
הִנֵּ֧ה1 of 12
H2009

lo!

עֲבָדַ֛י2 of 12

“Behold my servants”

H5650

a servant

יָרֹ֖נּוּ3 of 12

“shall sing”

H7442

properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)

מִטּ֣וּב4 of 12

“for joy”

H2898

good (as a noun), in the widest sense, especially goodness (superlative concretely, the best), beauty, gladness, welfare

לֵ֔ב5 of 12

“of heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

וְאַתֶּ֤ם6 of 12
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תִּצְעֲקוּ֙7 of 12

“but ye shall cry”

H6817

to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)

מִכְּאֵ֣ב8 of 12

“for sorrow”

H3511

suffering (physical or mental), adversity

לֵ֔ב9 of 12

“of heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

וּמִשֵּׁ֥בֶר10 of 12

“for vexation”

H7667

a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)

ר֖וּחַ11 of 12

“of spirit”

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

תְּיֵלִֽילוּ׃12 of 12

“and shall howl”

H3213

to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)

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 65:14 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 65:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 66:4Matthew 8:12Luke 13:28Jeremiah 31:7Isaiah 24:14James 5:13

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