King James Version

What Does Isaiah 65:22 Mean?

Isaiah 65:22 in the King James Version says “They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 65 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Isaiah 65:22 · KJV


Context

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

23

They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.

24

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The promise continues: "They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat." This emphatically restates verse 21's promise—complete security without dispossession. Then comes the comparison: "for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands." Trees live for centuries or millennia (oaks, cedars), suggesting dramatic lifespan extension. The term "mine elect" (bechirai) explicitly identifies these promises as for God's chosen people—the remnant according to election. "Long enjoy" (yebalu) means wearing out or using fully—comprehensive, sustained enjoyment. From a Reformed perspective, the explicit reference to "the elect" confirms these promises are for those sovereignly chosen by God (Ephesians 1:4-5, 2 Thessalonians 2:13). The security isn't based on human effort but divine election—God ensures His chosen people inherit and enjoy what He has prepared. The tree imagery suggests deep rootedness, stability, and longevity—characteristics of those firmly planted in God's grace (Psalm 1:3, 92:12-14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The exile's horror included watching enemies inhabit their homes and consume their produce (Lamentations 5:2-3). The return began reversing this, but complete security eluded them under Persian, Greek, and Roman domination. The promises ultimately apply to spiritual realities. Christ secured an inheritance that cannot fade or be taken away (1 Peter 1:3-5). The elect will eternally enjoy what Christ has prepared (John 14:2-3, Revelation 21:1-7). Their enjoyment is not transitory but eternal, secured by God's sovereign purpose and Christ's accomplished redemption.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the explicit reference to 'my elect' teach about who inherits these promises?
  2. How does the tree imagery describe the stability and longevity of the redeemed?
  3. In what ways do the elect 'long enjoy the work of their hands' both now and eternally?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
לֹ֤א1 of 17
H3808

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

יִבְנוּ֙2 of 17

They shall not build

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

וְאַחֵ֣ר3 of 17

and another

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

יֵשֵׁ֔ב4 of 17

inhabit

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

לֹ֥א5 of 17
H3808

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

יִטְּע֖וּ6 of 17

they shall not plant

H5193

properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)

וְאַחֵ֣ר7 of 17

and another

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

יֹאכֵ֑ל8 of 17

eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

כִּֽי9 of 17
H3588

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

יְמֵ֣י10 of 17

are the 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

הָעֵץ֙11 of 17

of a tree

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

יְמֵ֣י12 of 17

are the 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

עַמִּ֔י13 of 17

of my people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וּמַעֲשֵׂ֥ה14 of 17

the work

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

יְדֵיהֶ֖ם15 of 17

of their hands

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

יְבַלּ֥וּ16 of 17

shall long enjoy

H1086

to fail; by implication to wear out, decay (causatively, consume, spend)

בְחִירָֽי׃17 of 17

and mine elect

H972

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 65:22 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 65:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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