Isaiah 65:13

KJV

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}, Behold, my servants {H5650} shall eat {H398}, but ye shall be hungry {H7456}: behold, my servants {H5650} shall drink {H8354}, but ye shall be thirsty {H6770}: behold, my servants {H5650} shall rejoice {H8055}, but ye shall be ashamed {H954}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore this is what Adonai ELOHIM says: "My servants will eat, while you go hungry; my servants will drink, while you go thirsty. My servants will rejoice, while you will be ashamed.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: “My servants will eat, but you will go hungry; My servants will drink, but you will go thirsty; My servants will rejoice, but you will be put to shame.

American Standard Version

Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry; behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty; behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be put to shame;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 65:13 delivers a stark and profound divine pronouncement, delineating the disparate destinies of God's faithful servants and those who stubbornly rebel against Him. Through a series of powerful antithetical statements, the Lord GOD declares that His obedient people will experience abundant provision, spiritual satisfaction, and profound joy, while the disobedient will suffer hunger, thirst, and ultimately, shame. This verse serves as a climactic judgment within a broader prophetic context, highlighting God's unwavering justice and His distinct relationship with those who truly serve Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 65:13 is situated within the latter portion of the Book of Isaiah, specifically chapters 60-66, often referred to as the "Book of Consolation" or "Third Isaiah." This section transitions from themes of judgment and exile to promises of restoration, new creation, and the establishment of God's righteous kingdom. Chapter 65 itself opens with God lamenting the idolatry and rebellion of His people, who "did not ask for me" and "did not seek me" ([Isaiah 65:1](/isaiah/65-1 "Isaiah 65:1 - God's Call to the Rebellious")). It then contrasts their unfaithfulness with the faithfulness of a remnant, whom God calls "my servants." Verse 13, therefore, acts as a pivotal moment of divine separation and judgment, clearly distinguishing between these two groups and setting the stage for the glorious promises of a new heaven and a new earth that follow immediately in [Isaiah 65:17-25](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17-25 - The New Heavens and New Earth"). The verse's sharp antithesis underscores the seriousness of the covenant relationship and the consequences of either upholding or violating it.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah, particularly those in chapters 40-66, are often understood to address the Jewish people during and after their Babylonian exile. The period of exile (586-539 BC) was a time of profound national crisis, leading to introspection about their relationship with God and the reasons for their suffering. Many had succumbed to idolatry and syncretism, adopting the practices of the surrounding cultures. Isaiah's message, delivered through the prophet, served to both condemn their unfaithfulness and offer hope for a future restoration. The imagery of eating, drinking, and rejoicing was deeply significant in an agrarian society where provision was a direct sign of divine favor, and hunger or thirst indicated divine displeasure or curse, as seen in covenant blessings and curses throughout the Pentateuch (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Shame, in ancient Near Eastern cultures, was a public disgrace, signifying a loss of honor and divine rejection.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 65:13 powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent in Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Justice and Retribution**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to rewarding obedience and punishing rebellion. The stark contrast between blessing and curse is a fundamental aspect of God's covenant relationship with His people. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Distinction Between the Righteous and the Wicked**, a recurring motif throughout Scripture. God clearly differentiates between those who genuinely serve Him and those who do not, and their ultimate fates diverge dramatically. This distinction is not arbitrary but based on their actions and attitudes towards God's commands and presence. Thirdly, while the language is physical, the verse speaks to **Spiritual Provision and Satisfaction**. The "eating" and "drinking" of God's servants signify profound spiritual nourishment, divine favor, and a deep sense of well-being derived from their relationship with God, contrasting sharply with the spiritual emptiness and dissatisfaction of the disobedient, who are "hungry" and "thirsty" for true life. This theme resonates with the promise of God's Spirit satisfying the soul, as expressed in [Isaiah 55:1-2](/isaiah/55-1 "Isaiah 55:1-2 - Invitation to the Thirsty").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **servants (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to work" or "to serve," this term (H5650) denotes one who is in a state of service or bondage. In a theological context, it refers to those who willingly submit to God's authority and carry out His will. Here, "my servants" refers to the faithful remnant of Israel, those who truly seek and obey the Lord, in contrast to the rebellious majority. Their identity as "servants" defines their relationship with God and is the basis for the blessings they receive.
* **eat (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_)/hungry (Hebrew, _râʻêb'_):** The verb "eat" (H398) is a primitive root signifying consumption, both literally and figuratively, implying satisfaction and sustenance. Its antithesis, "hungry" (H7456), means to famish or suffer hunger. This pairing represents the ultimate provision and satisfaction granted by God to His faithful, versus the deprivation and spiritual emptiness experienced by the disobedient. It speaks not only to physical sustenance but more profoundly to spiritual nourishment and fulfillment.
* **rejoice (Hebrew, _sâmach'_)/ashamed (Hebrew, _bûwsh'_):** "Rejoice" (H8055) describes a state of being brightened up, blithe, or gleesome, indicating deep joy and gladness. Its stark contrast, "ashamed" (H954), means to pale, to be disappointed, or to be put to confusion and disgrace. This pairing highlights the profound joy and honor that come from being in right relationship with God, versus the public humiliation, disgrace, and ultimate disappointment that await those who reject Him. Shame, in this context, is not merely personal embarrassment but a public declaration of divine disfavor and judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD":** This opening phrase establishes the divine authority and certainty of the pronouncement. It signals that what follows is not a human opinion or a mere prediction, but a direct, authoritative declaration from the sovereign God, Adonai YHWH (H136, H3069), emphasizing the absolute truth and immutability of His word.
* **"Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry":** This clause introduces the first of three striking antitheses. "Behold" (הִנֵּה, _hinneh_) serves as an exclamation, drawing immediate attention to the coming contrast. God's "servants" (the faithful remnant) are promised abundant provision and satisfaction ("shall eat"), while the rebellious are condemned to deprivation and emptiness ("shall be hungry"). This is a spiritual hunger, a lack of divine sustenance and blessing.
* **"behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty":** The second parallel reinforces the first. The faithful will experience refreshing and complete satisfaction ("shall drink"), while the disobedient will suffer spiritual drought and an unquenchable craving for what they lack ("shall be thirsty"). This imagery further emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's provision for His own and the severe spiritual destitution of those outside His favor.
* **"behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed":** The final antithesis culminates the pronouncement. God's servants will experience profound joy, gladness, and celebration ("shall rejoice"), which stems from their secure relationship with God and His blessings. In stark contrast, the rebellious will face public disgrace, humiliation, and utter disappointment ("shall be ashamed"), a consequence of their rebellion and a sign of God's judgment upon them.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 65:13 is masterfully crafted using several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Antithetical Parallelism**, where opposing ideas are presented in parallel clauses to emphasize contrast. This is evident in the repeated structure: "my servants shall [blessing], but ye shall [curse]." This device serves to highlight the absolute divergence in destiny between the two groups. The triple repetition of this structure also creates a sense of **Emphasis** and **Rhythmic Cadence**, making the divine decree more impactful and memorable. The use of **Imagery** related to fundamental human needs—eating, drinking, hunger, thirst—makes the spiritual realities tangible and relatable, illustrating the profound satisfaction and deprivation in vivid terms. Finally, the concluding contrast of "rejoice" and "ashamed" employs **Irony**, as those who sought satisfaction apart from God find only ultimate disgrace, while those who humbly served Him find true joy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 65:13 serves as a powerful testament to God's righteous character and His covenantal faithfulness. It underscores the principle that human actions have divine consequences, vividly portraying the blessings reserved for obedience and the judgments awaiting rebellion. This verse reinforces the biblical truth that true spiritual sustenance and joy are found exclusively in a right relationship with the Lord, while separation from Him leads to spiritual emptiness and ultimate shame. It speaks to the eschatological hope for God's people, where their ultimate satisfaction and rejoicing will be fully realized in His presence, and the final judgment of the unrighteous will be complete. The distinctions drawn here are not merely temporal but point to eternal realities, aligning with the broader prophetic vision of a final separation between those who belong to God and those who do not.

* [Psalm 1:6](/psalms/1-6 "The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked")
* [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31 "The Judgment of the Nations")
* [Revelation 21:6](/revelation/21-6 "God's Promise to the Thirsty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 65:13 offers both profound comfort and a solemn warning, inviting deep self-reflection for every believer. For those who genuinely seek to serve the Lord, it is an assurance that God sees their faithfulness and will provide for their deepest needs—spiritual sustenance, refreshing, and an unshakeable joy that transcends earthly circumstances. This promise encourages perseverance in obedience, reminding us that true satisfaction is not found in worldly pursuits but in intimacy with our Creator. Conversely, the verse serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual destitution and ultimate shame that await those who reject God's gracious invitation and persist in rebellion. It challenges us to examine our hearts: Are we truly among "my servants," living in humble submission and seeking God's will, or are we, through our actions and attitudes, aligning ourselves with those who will ultimately be hungry, thirsty, and ashamed? Our daily choices regarding obedience and worship have eternal implications for our spiritual well-being and ultimate destiny.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I seeking satisfaction outside of God's provision, and how might this lead to spiritual "hunger" or "thirst"?**
* **How does the promise of "rejoicing" for God's servants encourage me in times of difficulty or temptation?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to more fully align myself with the "servants" of the Lord, demonstrating my obedience and trust?**
* **How does the concept of "shame" in this verse relate to the ultimate consequences of rejecting God's grace?**

### FAQ
**What does "my servants" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: In Isaiah 65:13, "my servants" refers to the faithful remnant within Israel—those who have remained loyal to God, sought Him, and obeyed His commands, even amidst the widespread idolatry and rebellion of the broader nation. This group is distinguished from the unfaithful, who are addressed as "ye" and face judgment. This distinction is crucial throughout Isaiah, highlighting God's commitment to those who truly follow Him, even if they are a minority.

**Is the hunger and thirst mentioned here literal or spiritual?**

Answer: While the language of "eat," "drink," "hungry," and "thirsty" uses literal physical terms, the primary meaning in this prophetic context is deeply spiritual. It signifies spiritual satisfaction, divine provision, and abundant life for God's faithful servants, contrasting with the spiritual emptiness, lack of divine sustenance, and ultimate dissatisfaction experienced by the disobedient. This reflects a broader biblical principle where physical blessings often symbolize spiritual realities, as seen in passages like [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") where Jesus declares Himself the bread of life.

**How does this verse relate to God's mercy and grace?**

Answer: While Isaiah 65:13 is a pronouncement of judgment and distinction, it is framed within a larger context of God's enduring mercy and grace. The very existence of "my servants" is a testament to God's preserving grace, as He always maintains a faithful remnant. Furthermore, the chapter immediately shifts to the glorious promises of a new creation ([Isaiah 65:17](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - The New Heavens and New Earth")), demonstrating that God's ultimate plan is not solely judgment but also restoration and renewal for those who turn to Him. The warning itself is an act of grace, calling people to repentance before the full weight of judgment falls.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 65:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential "Servant of the Lord," as prophesied throughout Isaiah (e.g., [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant")). Through His perfect obedience, suffering, and atoning sacrifice, Jesus secured the blessings of divine provision and eternal joy for all who believe in Him. He is the "Bread of Life" who satisfies all spiritual hunger ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the "Living Water" who quenches all spiritual thirst ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus, the Living Water")). Those who are "in Christ" become God's true servants, experiencing His abundant grace and provision, and ultimately sharing in His eternal joy. Conversely, those who reject Christ remain in spiritual hunger and thirst, facing the ultimate shame and judgment that He bore on the cross for humanity's sin. The stark contrast between the blessed servants and the shamed rebels in Isaiah 65:13 foreshadows the final eschatological separation between those who are found in Christ and those who are not, culminating in the glorious feast of the Lamb for the redeemed ([Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")) and the eternal separation for the unrepentant ([Matthew 25:46](/matthew/25-46 "Matthew 25:46 - Eternal Punishment and Eternal Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Malachi 3:18

Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

Isaiah 66:14

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.

Isaiah 61:7

For your shame [ye shall have] double; and [for] confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.

Luke 16:24

And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

Luke 16:25

But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

Isaiah 66:5

¶ 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.

Luke 14:23

And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel [them] to come in, that my house may be filled.