King James Version

What Does Isaiah 66:14 Mean?

Isaiah 66:14 in the King James Version says “And when ye see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the LORD sha... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 66 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And when ye see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants, and his indignation toward his enemies.

Isaiah 66:14 · KJV


Context

12

For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees.

13

As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.

14

And when ye see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants, and his indignation toward his enemies.

15

For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.

16

For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The promise continues: "And when ye see it, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb." The response to God's comfort is profound—heart rejoicing and bones flourishing. "Bones" (atsam) represent the whole person, especially physical vitality. The simile "like herb" (ka'deshe) suggests green, vigorous growth—comprehensive restoration. Then comes distinction: "and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants, and his indignation toward his enemies." God's "hand" represents His powerful activity—blessing for servants, judgment for enemies. The Hebrew noada (be known) means revealed, made evident—both blessing and judgment become unmistakable. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates the double outcome of divine activity. God's work brings joy and flourishing to the elect while bringing judgment to the reprobate. The same sun melts wax and hardens clay; the same gospel saves some and condemns others (2 Corinthians 2:15-16). God's servants recognize His favor; His enemies experience His wrath (Romans 2:5-9).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The prophecy promised that seeing God's restoration would produce joy and vitality among the faithful while confirming judgment on the rebellious. Partial fulfillment came when the faithful returned from exile while the wicked faced judgment. Greater fulfillment came through Christ—His advent brought joy to those who believed (Luke 2:10-14, John 15:11) while pronouncing judgment on those who rejected Him (John 3:18, 36). This pattern continues throughout the church age—the gospel producing life and death, salvation and condemnation. Final fulfillment comes at Christ's return when the division becomes eternal (Matthew 25:31-46, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does genuine spiritual health manifest in both 'heart' and 'bones'—inner and outer life?
  2. What does it mean that God's 'hand' is known differently by servants versus enemies?
  3. How should the reality of God's indignation toward His enemies shape our evangelistic urgency?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וּרְאִיתֶם֙1 of 14

And when ye see

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְשָׂ֣שׂ2 of 14

shall rejoice

H7797

to be bright, i.e., cheerful

לִבְּכֶ֔ם3 of 14

this your heart

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

וְעַצְמוֹתֵיכֶ֖ם4 of 14

and your bones

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

כַּדֶּ֣שֶׁא5 of 14

like an herb

H1877

a sprout; by analogy, grass

תִפְרַ֑חְנָה6 of 14

shall flourish

H6524

to break forth as a bud, i.e., bloom; generally, to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the wings); figuratively, to flourish

וְנוֹדְעָ֤ה7 of 14

shall be known

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

יַד8 of 14

and the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

יְהוָה֙9 of 14

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֶת10 of 14
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

עֲבָדָ֔יו11 of 14

toward his servants

H5650

a servant

וְזָעַ֖ם12 of 14

and his indignation

H2194

properly, to foam at the mouth, i.e., to be enraged

אֶת13 of 14
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אֹיְבָֽיו׃14 of 14

toward his enemies

H341

hating; an adversary


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 66:14 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 66:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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