King James Version

What Does Isaiah 66:2 Mean?

Isaiah 66:2 in the King James Version says “For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, e... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 66 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Isaiah 66:2 · 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

4

I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not. delusions: or, devices


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The declaration 'to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word' identifies God's chosen dwelling place - not temples but humble hearts. The three characteristics (poor, contrite, trembles at word) describe brokenness over sin and reverence for Scripture. This echoes the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3) - 'Blessed are the poor in spirit' - establishing spiritual poverty as prerequisite for divine presence.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Contrasted with those who built elaborate temple while tolerating sin (v. 3-4), God seeks internal transformation over external religion. The Pharisees' opposite approach (external piety, internal pride) demonstrated why Jesus pronounced woes rather than beatitudes on religious elite.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to be 'poor in spirit' and have a 'contrite' heart before God?
  2. How is 'trembling at God's word' different from merely reading or studying Scripture?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְאֶת1 of 20
H853

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

כָּל2 of 20
H3605

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

אֵ֙לֶּה֙3 of 20
H428

these or those

יָדִ֣י4 of 20

For all those things hath mine 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

עָשָׂ֔תָה5 of 20

made

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וַיִּהְי֥וּ6 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כָל7 of 20
H3605

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

אֵ֖לֶּה8 of 20
H428

these or those

נְאֻם9 of 20

and all those things have been saith

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֑ה10 of 20

the LORD

H3068

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

וְאֶל11 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

זֶ֣ה12 of 20
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אַבִּ֔יט13 of 20

but to this man will I look

H5027

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

אֶל14 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עָנִי֙15 of 20

even to him that is poor

H6041

depressed, in mind or circumstances

וּנְכֵה16 of 20

and of a contrite

H5223

smitten, i.e., (literally) maimed, or (figuratively) dejected

ר֔וּחַ17 of 20

spirit

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

וְחָרֵ֖ד18 of 20

and trembleth

H2730

fearful; also reverential

עַל19 of 20
H5921

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

דְּבָרִֽי׃20 of 20

at my word

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause


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 66:2 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 66:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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