King James Version

What Does Isaiah 65:23 Mean?

Isaiah 65:23 in the King James Version says “They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 65 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 65:23 · KJV

Context

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.

25

The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The promise extends to labor and offspring: "They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble." Labor won't be futile (riq—empty/vain), and children won't be born for behalah (sudden terror/calamity). This reverses the curse where labor is toilsome and uncertain (Genesis 3:17-19) and children face premature death or disaster. The reason: "for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them." Being zera berukhei Adonai (seed of the blessed of the LORD) guarantees covenant protection and blessing. The phrase "and their offspring with them" extends blessing generationally—covenant promises encompass descendants. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates the covenant of grace extending to believers and their children (Acts 2:39, 1 Corinthians 7:14). While salvation requires individual regeneration, God's covenant mercies typically flow through family lines. Believers' labor has eternal significance (1 Corinthians 15:58), and their children are set apart as holy, recipients of covenant promises and means of grace.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The exile brought the horror of laboring in vain—all efforts destroyed—and children born into captivity or death (Lamentations 2:11-12, 20). Even after return, insecurity persisted. The prophecy looked beyond temporal circumstances to covenant security. The early church experienced fruitful labor (Acts 6:7, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Philippians 2:16) and saw generational blessing as children were included in the covenant (Acts 2:39, 1 Corinthians 7:14). Complete fulfillment awaits the consummated kingdom where all labor produces lasting fruit and all covenant children enjoy perfect security.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does union with Christ ensure our labor is 'not in vain' (1 Corinthians 15:58)?
  2. What does it mean that believers and their offspring are 'the seed of the blessed of the LORD'?
  3. How should covenant promises to our children shape our parenting and discipleship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
לֹ֤א1 of 13
H3808

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

יִֽיגְעוּ֙2 of 13

“They shall not labour”

H3021

properly, to gasp; hence, to be exhausted, to tire, to toil

לָרִ֔יק3 of 13

“in vain”

H7385

emptiness; figuratively, a worthless thing; adverbially, in vain

וְלֹ֥א4 of 13
H3808

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

יֵלְד֖וּ5 of 13

“nor bring forth”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

לַבֶּהָלָ֑ה6 of 13

“for trouble”

H928

panic, destruction

כִּ֣י7 of 13
H3588

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

זֶ֜רַע8 of 13

“for they are the seed”

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

בְּרוּכֵ֤י9 of 13

“of the blessed”

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

יְהוָה֙10 of 13

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הֵ֔מָּה11 of 13
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וְצֶאֱצָאֵיהֶ֖ם12 of 13

“and their offspring”

H6631

issue, i.e., produce, children

אִתָּֽם׃13 of 13
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, 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 65:23 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 65:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 61:9Jeremiah 32:38-39Deuteronomy 28:3-12Acts 2:39Psalms 115:14-15Isaiah 49:4

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