King James Version

What Does Isaiah 65:16 Mean?

Isaiah 65:16 in the King James Version says “That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth sha... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 65 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Isaiah 65:16 · KJV


Context

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.

17

For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. come: Heb. come upon the heart

18

But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The promise 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' depicts universal acknowledgment of Yahweh. The title 'God of truth' (literally 'God of Amen') emphasizes absolute faithfulness and reliability. The reason: 'because the former troubles are forgotten' - God's comprehensive redemption eclipses all past suffering.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This anticipates Philippians 2:10-11 - 'every knee shall bow...every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.' The 'God of truth' will be universally acknowledged either in salvation (believers) or judgment (rebels). The forgotten 'former troubles' points to new creation where 'former things are passed away' (Revelation 21:4).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the assurance that 'former troubles will be forgotten' in new creation give hope for present suffering?
  2. What does it mean that God is the 'God of truth' - absolutely reliable in every promise?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
אֲשֶׁ֨ר1 of 18
H834

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

יִתְבָּרֵךְ֙2 of 18

That he who blesseth

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

בָּאָ֔רֶץ3 of 18

himself in the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יִתְבָּרֵךְ֙4 of 18

That he who blesseth

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

בֵּאלֹהֵ֣י5 of 18

by the God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אָמֵ֑ן6 of 18

of truth

H543

sure; abstract, faithfulness; adverb, truly

יִשָּׁבַ֖ע7 of 18

and he that sweareth

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

בָּאָ֔רֶץ8 of 18

himself in the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יִשָּׁבַ֖ע9 of 18

and he that sweareth

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

בֵּאלֹהֵ֣י10 of 18

by the God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אָמֵ֑ן11 of 18

of truth

H543

sure; abstract, faithfulness; adverb, truly

כִּ֣י12 of 18
H3588

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

נִשְׁכְּח֗וּ13 of 18

are forgotten

H7911

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

הַצָּרוֹת֙14 of 18

troubles

H6869

transitively, a female rival

הָרִ֣אשֹׁנ֔וֹת15 of 18

because the former

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

וְכִ֥י16 of 18
H3588

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

נִסְתְּר֖וּ17 of 18

and because they are hid

H5641

to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively

מֵעֵינָֽי׃18 of 18

from mine eyes

H5869

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


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 65:16 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 65:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study