King James Version

What Does Isaiah 65:7 Mean?

Isaiah 65:7 in the King James Version says “Your iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, saith the LORD, which have burned incense upon the mountai... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 65 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Isaiah 65:7 · KJV


Context

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.

8

Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all.

9

And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'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.' Accumulated sin - their own plus their fathers' - is addressed. Mountain and hill worship was pagan practice. 'Measure' (madad) indicates precise proportional judgment. Like father, like son.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Multi-generational sin accumulates. The pattern of high-place worship condemned throughout Kings reaches its full penalty here.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do generational sin patterns compound over time?
  2. What generational patterns might you need to break?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַעֲוֺנֹ֨ת1 of 18

Your iniquities

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

וַעֲוֺנֹ֨ת2 of 18

Your iniquities

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

אֲבוֹתֵיכֶ֤ם3 of 18

of your fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

יַחְדָּו֙4 of 18

together

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

אָמַ֣ר5 of 18

saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה6 of 18

the LORD

H3068

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

אֲשֶׁ֤ר7 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

קִטְּרוּ֙8 of 18

which have burned incense

H6999

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

עַל9 of 18
H5921

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

הֶ֣הָרִ֔ים10 of 18

upon the mountains

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

וְעַל11 of 18
H5921

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

הַגְּבָע֖וֹת12 of 18

me upon the hills

H1389

a hillock

חֵרְפ֑וּנִי13 of 18

and blasphemed

H2778

to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;

וּמַדֹּתִ֧י14 of 18

therefore will I measure

H4058

properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended

פְעֻלָּתָ֛ם15 of 18

work

H6468

(abstractly) work

רִֽאשֹׁנָ֖ה16 of 18

their former

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

עֶל17 of 18
H5921

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

חֵיקָֽם׃18 of 18

into their bosom

H2436

the bosom (literally or figuratively)


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 65:7 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 65:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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