King James Version

What Does Isaiah 65:25 Mean?

Isaiah 65:25 in the King James Version says “The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent'... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 65 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Isaiah 65:25 · KJV


Context

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The chapter culminates with reconciliation in creation: "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." This echoes Isaiah 11:6-9, prophesying dramatic transformation of animal nature—predators becoming herbivores, natural enmities ceasing. The wolf and lamb feeding together, the lion eating straw, symbolize complete peace and restoration. The serpent's curse (Genesis 3:14, "dust shalt thou eat") continues, distinguishing Satan's permanent judgment from creation's restoration. The verse concludes: "They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD." Lo-yare'u velo-yashchitu (not hurt and not destroy) promises complete cessation of violence. "My holy mountain" represents God's entire kingdom. From a Reformed perspective, this describes the cosmic scope of redemption. Christ's work reconciles not just people to God but all creation (Colossians 1:20, Romans 8:19-22). The curse is reversed, paradise regained, with one exception—Satan's judgment stands. The new creation is characterized by perfect peace.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The pre-fall creation knew no predation or death (Genesis 1:29-30). The fall brought cosmic curse (Genesis 3:14-19, Romans 8:20-22). This prophecy looks beyond the cross to the consummation when creation is liberated from bondage to decay (Romans 8:21). Partial fulfillment occurs presently as the gospel transforms human relationships (Galatians 3:28, Ephesians 2:14-16), but complete fulfillment awaits Christ's return and the new creation (Revelation 21:1-5). Then former enemies will dwell in perfect harmony, all violence ceasing, paradise fully restored except for Satan's permanent exile (Revelation 20:10).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the transformation of predator-prey relationships symbolize comprehensive redemption?
  2. What does Satan's continued curse (dust as food) teach about the permanence of divine judgment?
  3. How does creation's restoration relate to human redemption and the cosmic scope of Christ's work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
זְאֵ֨ב1 of 20

The wolf

H2061

a wolf

וְטָלֶ֜ה2 of 20

and the lamb

H2924

a lamb

יִרְע֣וּ3 of 20

shall feed

H7462

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

כְאֶחָ֗ד4 of 20

together

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וְאַרְיֵה֙5 of 20

and the lion

H738

a lion

כַּבָּקָ֣ר6 of 20

like the bullock

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

יֹֽאכַל7 of 20

shall eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

תֶּ֔בֶן8 of 20

straw

H8401

properly, material, i.e., (specifically) refuse haum or stalks of grain (as chopped in threshing and used for fodder)

וְנָחָ֖שׁ9 of 20

shall be the serpent's

H5175

a snake (from its hiss)

עָפָ֣ר10 of 20

and dust

H6083

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

לַחְמ֑וֹ11 of 20

meat

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

לֹֽא12 of 20
H3808

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

יָרֵ֧עוּ13 of 20

They shall not hurt

H7489

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

וְלֹֽא14 of 20
H3808

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

יַשְׁחִ֛יתוּ15 of 20

nor destroy

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

בְּכָל16 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַ֥ר17 of 20

mountain

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

קָדְשִׁ֖י18 of 20

in all my holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

אָמַ֥ר19 of 20

saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָֽה׃20 of 20

the LORD

H3068

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


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 65:25 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 65:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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