King James Version

What Does Isaiah 66:5 Mean?

Isaiah 66:5 in the King James Version says “Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sa...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 66 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.”

Isaiah 66:5 · KJV

Joy

Context

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

5

Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.

6

A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the LORD that rendereth recompence to his enemies.

7

Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.

Read Isaiah 66 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God addresses the faithful remnant: "Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word." The Hebrew charadim (tremble) describes reverential fear and responsive obedience—those who take God's word seriously. These face opposition: "Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed." The faithful experience hatred and excommunication from their own ethnic/religious community. The opponents' taunt, "Let the LORD be glorified," suggests they justified persecution as serving God—a bitter irony. Yet God promises vindication: He will appear to the faithful's joy and persecutors' shame. From a Reformed perspective, this describes the perennial experience of the true church suffering persecution from nominal religion. Jesus warned that expulsion from synagogues would be considered service to God (John 16:2). Paul experienced persecution from fellow Jews (Acts 9:23, 2 Corinthians 11:24-26). True believers often face their fiercest opposition from religious establishment, not pagans. Yet God promises eschatological vindication.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The post-exilic community divided between faithful and compromising. The faithful remnant faced opposition from the religious majority (Nehemiah 6:10-14, Malachi 3:13-18). This pattern intensified in Jesus' era—the faithful few following Christ were excommunicated from synagogues (John 9:22, 12:42, 16:2). Throughout church history, reformers and revivalists faced persecution from established religious institutions. The promise of vindication sustained them—God would appear to demonstrate who truly served Him (Malachi 3:17-18, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to 'tremble at God's word' in contemporary context?
  2. How should believers respond when persecuted by religious people claiming to serve God?
  3. What comfort does God's promised vindication provide to those currently facing opposition for faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
שִׁמְעוּ֙1 of 18

“Hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

דְּבָר֑וֹ2 of 18

“at his word”

H1697

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

יְהוָ֔ה3 of 18

“Let the LORD”

H3068

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

הַחֲרֵדִ֖ים4 of 18

“ye that tremble”

H2730

fearful; also reverential

אֶל5 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דְּבָר֑וֹ6 of 18

“at his word”

H1697

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

אָמְרוּ֩7 of 18

“sake said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲחֵיכֶ֨ם8 of 18

“Your brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

שֹׂנְאֵיכֶ֜ם9 of 18

“that hated”

H8130

to hate (personally)

מְנַדֵּיכֶ֗ם10 of 18

“you that cast you out”

H5077

properly, to toss; figuratively, to exclude, i.e., banish, postpone, prohibit

לְמַ֤עַן11 of 18
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

שְׁמִי֙12 of 18

“for my name's”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יִכְבַּ֣ד13 of 18

“be glorified”

H3513

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

יְהוָ֔ה14 of 18

“Let the LORD”

H3068

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

וְנִרְאֶ֥ה15 of 18

“but he shall appear”

H7200

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

בְשִׂמְחַתְכֶ֖ם16 of 18

“to your joy”

H8057

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

וְהֵ֥ם17 of 18
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

יֵבֹֽשׁוּ׃18 of 18

“and they shall be ashamed”

H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

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 66:5 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 66:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 15:18-20Isaiah 66:2Matthew 5:10-12Matthew 10:22Psalms 38:20Isaiah 5:19

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