King James Version

What Does Isaiah 66:1 Mean?

Isaiah 66:1 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool : where is the house that ye build unto me? ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 66 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool : where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?”

Isaiah 66:1 · KJV

Context

1

Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool : where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?

2

For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

3

He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. lamb: or, kid burneth: Heb. maketh a memorial of

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's rhetorical questions 'where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?' challenge all human presumption to contain or serve God. The cosmic vision 'The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool' establishes God's transcendent greatness - no temple (even Solomon's) adequately houses Him. Yet verse 2 shows He dwells with contrite hearts - God is simultaneously transcendent and immanent.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Stephen quoted this in Acts 7:49-50 when challenging Jewish temple-fixation. Post-exilic focus on rebuilding temple needed this corrective - God values humble hearts over elaborate buildings. Jesus declared His body the true temple (John 2:19-21), making material structures obsolete.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance reverence for God's transcendent greatness with confidence in His immanent nearness?
  2. What 'houses' (religious structures, traditions, programs) do you wrongly think contain or impress God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
כֹּ֚ה1 of 18
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר2 of 18

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה3 of 18

“the LORD”

H3068

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

הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם4 of 18

“The heaven”

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

כִּסְאִ֔י5 of 18

“is my throne”

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

וְהָאָ֖רֶץ6 of 18

“and the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הֲדֹ֣ם7 of 18
H1916

a footstool

רַגְלָ֑י8 of 18

“is my footstool”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

אֵי9 of 18
H335

where? hence how?

זֶ֥ה10 of 18
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

בַ֙יִת֙11 of 18

“where is the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר12 of 18
H834

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

תִּבְנוּ13 of 18

“that ye build”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

לִ֔י14 of 18
H0
וְאֵי15 of 18
H335

where? hence how?

זֶ֥ה16 of 18
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

מָק֖וֹם17 of 18

“unto me and where is the place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

מְנוּחָתִֽי׃18 of 18

“of my rest”

H4496

repose or (adverbially) peacefully; figuratively, consolation (specifically, matrimony); hence (concretely) an abode

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 66:1 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 66:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 17:24Acts 7:48-50Matthew 5:34-351 Kings 8:27Psalms 132:72 Samuel 7:5-7

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