King James Version

What Does Isaiah 66:23 Mean?

Isaiah 66:23 in the King James Version says “And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to w...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 66 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD. from one new: Heb. from new moon to his new moon, and from sabbath to his sabbath”

Isaiah 66:23 · KJV

Context

21

And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the LORD.

22

For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.

23

And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD. from one new: Heb. from new moon to his new moon, and from sabbath to his sabbath

24

And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.

Read Isaiah 66 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Universal worship is promised: "And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD." The Hebrew midei-chodesh bechodsho umidei shabbat beshabbato (from new moon in its time, from sabbath in its time) suggests regular, continuous worship—monthly and weekly cycles. "All flesh" (kol-basar) emphasizes comprehensive participation—everyone worships. This is extraordinary: earlier "all flesh" faced judgment (v.16); now "all flesh" worships! The distinction between elect and reprobate is assumed—only the redeemed "all flesh" worship. From a Reformed perspective, this describes the consummated kingdom where all the elect worship God perpetually (Revelation 7:15, 22:3). The new moon and sabbath language uses old covenant worship terminology to describe new covenant reality—continuous, corporate worship of all believers. The regularity (monthly, weekly) suggests ongoing, not merely occasional, worship. This is believers' eternal activity: glorifying and enjoying God forever through worship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Under the old covenant, new moon and sabbath observances were significant worship times (Numbers 10:10, 28:11-15, Isaiah 1:13). Israelites gathered regularly for worship. This prophecy looked beyond physical Jerusalem and temporal observances to eternal worship in God's presence. The early church gathered weekly (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2) for worship, continuing the pattern. Throughout church history, believers have maintained regular corporate worship. Complete fulfillment comes in the consummated kingdom where worship is perpetual (Revelation 4:8, 7:15). The new moon and sabbath references aren't mandating old covenant observances but using familiar language to describe regular, ongoing worship of all believers in the new creation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the promise of perpetual worship describe the believer's eternal destiny and delight?
  2. What does 'all flesh' worshiping indicate about the final distinction between elect and reprobate?
  3. How should anticipation of eternal worship shape our present worship priorities and practices?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְהָיָ֗ה1 of 14
H1961

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

וּמִדֵּ֥י2 of 14

“And it shall come to pass that from”

H1767

enough (as noun or adverb), used chiefly with preposition in phrases

בְּחָדְשׁ֔וֹ3 of 14

“one new moon”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

בְּחָדְשׁ֔וֹ4 of 14

“one new moon”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

וּמִדֵּ֥י5 of 14

“And it shall come to pass that from”

H1767

enough (as noun or adverb), used chiefly with preposition in phrases

בְּשַׁבַּתּ֑וֹ6 of 14

“one sabbath”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

בְּשַׁבַּתּ֑וֹ7 of 14

“one sabbath”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

יָב֧וֹא8 of 14

“come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

כָל9 of 14
H3605

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

בָּשָׂ֛ר10 of 14

“shall all flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

לְהִשְׁתַּחֲוֺ֥ת11 of 14

“to worship”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

לְפָנַ֖י12 of 14

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אָמַ֥ר13 of 14

“me saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָֽה׃14 of 14

“the LORD”

H3068

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

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 66:23 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 66:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 46:1Psalms 86:9Zechariah 14:16Colossians 2:16-17Ezekiel 46:6Revelation 15:4

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