King James Version

What Does Isaiah 65:5 Mean?

Isaiah 65:5 in the King James Version says “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 b...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 65 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Isaiah 65:5 · KJV

Context

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

6

Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom,

7

Your iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, saith the LORD, which have burned incense upon the mountains, and blasphemed me upon the hills: therefore will I measure their former work into their bosom.

Read Isaiah 65 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'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.' The supreme irony: those practicing paganism claim superior holiness! 'Stand back, I'm holier than you.' Such hypocrisy is 'smoke in my nose' (disgusting odor) and 'fire that burneth' (constant irritation). Self-righteousness amid actual sin provokes divine wrath.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This spiritual arrogance while practicing idolatry characterized the religious establishment that rejected prophetic calls to repentance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does self-righteousness coexist with actual sin?
  2. What provokes God more - sin itself or self-righteous sin?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
הָאֹֽמְרִים֙1 of 15

“Which say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

קְרַ֣ב2 of 15

“Stand”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֵלֶ֔יךָ3 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַל4 of 15
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּגַּשׁ5 of 15

“by thyself come not near”

H5066

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

בִּ֖י6 of 15
H0
כִּ֣י7 of 15
H3588

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

קְדַשְׁתִּ֑יךָ8 of 15

“to me for I am holier”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

אֵ֚לֶּה9 of 15
H428

these or those

עָשָׁ֣ן10 of 15

“than thou These are a smoke”

H6227

smoke, literally or figuratively (vapor, dust, anger)

בְּאַפִּ֔י11 of 15

“in my nose”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

אֵ֥שׁ12 of 15

“a fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

יֹקֶ֖דֶת13 of 15

“that burneth”

H3344

to burn

כָּל14 of 15
H3605

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

הַיּֽוֹם׃15 of 15

“all the day”

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

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 65:5 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 65:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 18:9-12Luke 7:39Proverbs 16:5Luke 15:28-30Romans 2:17-29Deuteronomy 29:20

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