King James Version

What Does Isaiah 65:20 Mean?

Isaiah 65:20 in the King James Version says “There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die a... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 65 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.

Isaiah 65:20 · KJV


Context

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.

19

And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.

20

There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.

21

And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.

22

They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. shall long: Heb. shall make them continue long, or, shall wear out


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A difficult but important promise: "There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed." This verse has generated interpretive debate. The most likely meaning within its context: in the renewed earth, lifespans will extend dramatically (like pre-flood patriarchs), with someone dying at 100 considered premature ("a child"). Yet death still exists for the "sinner"—suggesting a millennial or transitional period before the final eternal state where death is completely abolished (Revelation 21:4). From a Reformed perspective, this may describe conditions during Christ's millennial reign (Revelation 20:1-6) before the final judgment and new creation. Alternatively, it may be symbolic language describing the dramatic improvements in the restored order without being strictly literal. The key point: God's restoration dramatically reverses the curse, extending life and health, though complete perfection awaits the final state.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Post-exilic life expectancy was far shorter than patriarchal ages (Genesis 5). The prophecy promised dramatic improvement—lifespans extending to hundreds of years, suggesting a restoration toward pre-fall conditions. This looked beyond immediate historical fulfillment to the Messianic age and ultimately the consummated kingdom. The New Testament describes believers already experiencing eternal life (John 3:36, 5:24) while still subject to physical death, with complete resurrection and glorification awaiting Christ's return (1 Corinthians 15:51-57, Philippians 3:20-21).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse relate to other promises about death being abolished (Revelation 21:4)?
  2. What does dramatically extended lifespan symbolize about God's restoration of creation?
  3. How should we understand progressive fulfillment—the 'already' and 'not yet' of kingdom promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
לֹא1 of 23
H3808

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

יִֽהְיֶ֨ה2 of 23
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מִשָּׁ֜ם3 of 23
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

ע֗וֹד4 of 23
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

ע֤וּל5 of 23

There shall be no more thence an infant

H5764

a babe

יָמָ֑יו6 of 23

his days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וְזָקֵ֔ן7 of 23

nor an old man

H2205

old

אֲשֶׁ֥ר8 of 23
H834

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

לֹֽא9 of 23
H3808

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

יְמַלֵּ֖א10 of 23

that hath not filled

H4390

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

אֶת11 of 23
H853

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

יָמָ֑יו12 of 23

his days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

כִּ֣י13 of 23
H3588

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

הַנַּ֗עַר14 of 23

for the child

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

בֶּן15 of 23

old

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מֵאָ֥ה16 of 23

an hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

שָׁנָ֖ה17 of 23

years

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

יָמ֔וּת18 of 23

shall die

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וְהַ֣חוֹטֶ֔א19 of 23

but the sinner

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

בֶּן20 of 23

old

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מֵאָ֥ה21 of 23

an hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

שָׁנָ֖ה22 of 23

years

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

יְקֻלָּֽל׃23 of 23

shall be accursed

H7043

to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)


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 65:20 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 65:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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