King James Version

What Does Isaiah 65:3 Mean?

Isaiah 65:3 in the King James Version says “A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 65 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick; upon: Heb. upon bricks”

Isaiah 65:3 · KJV

Context

1

I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name.

2

I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts;

3

A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick; upon: Heb. upon bricks

4

Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels; broth: or, pieces

5

Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day. nose: or, anger

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face, that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick.' The provocations are specified: garden sacrifices and brick-altar incense - pagan worship practices. 'To my face' (al-panai) indicates blatant, open rebellion. The Hebrew 'ka'as' (provoke to anger) is continuous.

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Historical & Cultural Context

These specific idolatrous practices - garden worship, brick altars (rather than stone as prescribed) - characterized Israel's syncretistic apostasy throughout the monarchic period.

Reflection Questions

  1. What syncretistic practices blend paganism with worship of the true God today?
  2. How does 'to my face' rebellion differ from secret sin?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
הָעָ֗ם1 of 11

“A people”

H5971

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

הַמַּכְעִסִ֥ים2 of 11

“that provoketh me to anger”

H3707

to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant

אֹתִ֛י3 of 11
H853

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

עַל4 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פָּנַ֖י5 of 11

“to my face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

תָּמִ֑יד6 of 11

“continually”

H8548

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

זֹֽבְחִים֙7 of 11

“that sacrificeth”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

בַּגַּנּ֔וֹת8 of 11

“in gardens”

H1593

a garden

וּֽמְקַטְּרִ֖ים9 of 11

“and burneth incense”

H6999

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

עַל10 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַלְּבֵנִֽים׃11 of 11

“upon altars of brick”

H3843

a brick (from the whiteness of the clay)

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 65:3 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 65:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 1:29Isaiah 66:17Deuteronomy 32:21Jeremiah 32:30-35Job 1:11Deuteronomy 32:16-19

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