Isaiah 65:16

KJV

That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.

KJV (with Strong's)

That he who blesseth {H1288} himself in the earth {H776} shall bless {H1288} himself in the God {H430} of truth {H543}; and he that sweareth {H7650} in the earth {H776} shall swear {H7650} by the God {H430} of truth {H543}; because the former {H7223} troubles {H6869} are forgotten {H7911}, and because they are hid {H5641} from mine eyes {H5869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus someone on earth who blesses himself will bless himself by the God of truth, and someone on earth who swears an oath will swear by the God of truth; for past troubles will be forgotten, hidden from my eyes.

Berean Standard Bible

Whoever invokes a blessing in the land will do so by the God of truth, and whoever takes an oath in the land will swear by the God of truth. For the former troubles will be forgotten and hidden from My sight.

American Standard Version

so that he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 65:16 powerfully articulates a foundational shift in the eschatological vision of God's renewed creation, where all human reliance and solemn commitments will be exclusively directed toward the "God of truth." This verse contrasts the former era of seeking blessing or swearing by earthly, transient things with a future characterized by absolute devotion to the faithful and true God. It culminates in a profound promise of radical transformation, where the pain and memory of past afflictions are completely erased, signifying a comprehensive spiritual and emotional restoration for God's redeemed people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 65:16 is situated within a pivotal chapter that delineates a stark contrast between divine judgment and glorious restoration. The preceding verses (Isaiah 65:1-12) detail God's indictment of rebellious Israel, outlining their idolatry and unfaithfulness, which led to severe consequences. Following this pronouncement of judgment, verses 13-16 introduce a dramatic shift, promising blessing and a new reality for God's faithful servants, distinguishing them from the unrepentant. Verse 16 specifically serves as a bridge, establishing the theological basis for the radical transformation described immediately after, particularly the promise of [new heavens and a new earth](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - The Prophecy of New Creation"), where former troubles are utterly forgotten. It marks the spiritual foundation upon which the physical renewal will be built, emphasizing a transformed relationship with God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah, spanning centuries of prophetic activity, addresses both pre-exilic and post-exilic Judah. By chapter 65, the context leans heavily towards the post-exilic period, where the people of Israel had returned from Babylon but still faced challenges of spiritual apathy, syncretism, and the temptation to revert to idolatrous practices or rely on human strength. In the ancient Near East, swearing oaths was a profoundly serious act, invoking divine witness and sanction. People would swear by their gods, by the king, or by the earth itself, demonstrating where their ultimate allegiance and trust lay. Against this backdrop, Isaiah 65:16’s command to bless and swear "in the God of truth" is a radical call for exclusive monotheistic devotion, rejecting any form of polytheism or reliance on finite, created things. It reorients the people's entire worldview and system of belief towards the one true, reliable God.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Truth**, presenting God as `ʼEl ʼAmên`—the "God of Truth" or "God of Amen"—whose character is utterly reliable and unchanging. This contrasts sharply with the falsehood and transience of idols and human endeavors, a theme prevalent throughout Isaiah (e.g., [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")). Secondly, it highlights **Radical Transformation and New Creation**, not just physically (as seen in [Isaiah 65:17-25](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17-25 - Life in the New Creation")), but primarily spiritually. The shift from "blessing oneself in the earth" to "in the God of truth" signifies a profound spiritual reorientation and the establishment of a new covenant relationship. Finally, the promise that "the former troubles are forgotten" introduces the theme of **Complete Restoration and the Eradication of Suffering**, a key eschatological hope that culminates in the vision of God wiping away every tear (e.g., [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Sorrow")). This verse thus serves as a theological anchor for the comprehensive renewal promised to God's faithful.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **blesseth (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** H1288 (bârak) is a primitive root meaning "to kneel." By implication, it signifies blessing God (as an act of adoration) or man (as a benefit). It can also, by euphemism, mean to curse (God or the king, as treason). In Isaiah 65:16, the reflexive "blesseth himself" indicates seeking one's own well-being, prosperity, or security. The contrast is stark: seeking it from the earth (i.e., earthly means, idols, human power) versus seeking it from the God of truth. The verb implies the source from which one derives ultimate benefit and identity.
* **God of truth (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym ʼâmên'_):** H430 (ʼĕlôhîym) is the plural of `ʼĕlôah`, referring to "gods" in the ordinary sense, but specifically used (especially with the article) of the supreme God. H543 (ʼâmên) derives from `ʼâman`, meaning "sure," "faithfulness," or "truly." Thus, "God of truth" (literally "God of Amen") signifies God as the absolutely reliable, trustworthy, and faithful One. He is the ultimate reality and the unchangeable foundation upon which all true blessing and solemn vows must rest, in stark contrast to the transient and deceptive nature of earthly things.
* **troubles (Hebrew, _tsârâh'_):** H6869 (tsârâh) is a feminine noun meaning "tightness," and figuratively, "trouble." It encompasses adversity, affliction, anguish, distress, and tribulation. The use of this word here emphasizes the profound and pervasive suffering experienced in the past, which, in the new era, will be completely forgotten and hidden from God's eyes, signifying a radical and permanent cessation of all forms of distress.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth;":** This clause describes a radical reorientation of allegiance and source of blessing. In the former age, people sought their well-being, prosperity, or identity from earthly sources—whether material wealth, human power, or false gods associated with the land. In the new era, this practice will cease. Instead, all self-blessing, all seeking of ultimate security and fulfillment, will be found exclusively in the "God of truth," the one true and faithful God who is the ultimate source of all good.
* **"and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth;":** This parallel clause reinforces the theme of exclusive devotion. Oaths were solemn vows invoking a higher power to guarantee truthfulness or commitment. Previously, people might have sworn by the earth, by idols, or by human authorities. Now, all solemn declarations and covenants will be made in the name of the "God of truth," signifying that His character, His faithfulness, and His unchangeable nature are the sole guarantee and foundation for all truth and reliability. This implies a transformation of speech and integrity, rooted in divine character.
* **"because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.":** This final clause provides the reason and motivation for the radical transformation described. The "former troubles" (referring to the afflictions, sorrows, and judgments experienced in the past) will be utterly "forgotten" by humanity and "hid from mine eyes" (God's eyes). This is a powerful promise of complete cessation of suffering and a profound act of divine healing and renewal. It signifies that the pain, trauma, and memory of past afflictions will no longer burden or define the redeemed community, indicating a new era of peace and unfettered joy.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 65:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its transformative message. **Parallelism** is evident in the symmetrical structure of the first two clauses: "he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth." This repetition highlights the complete shift from an earthly focus to a divine one in both personal well-being and public declaration. **Contrast** is central, juxtaposing "in the earth" with "in the God of truth," emphasizing the fundamental change in the source of blessing and the object of oaths. This contrast underscores the exclusive devotion required in the new era. Furthermore, the phrase "forgotten, and... hid from mine eyes" utilizes **Hyperbole** and **Anthropomorphism**. While troubles may not be literally erased from memory, the hyperbole emphasizes their complete irrelevance and lack of power in the new reality. The anthropomorphism of "hid from mine eyes" attributes human characteristics (eyes, the act of hiding) to God, conveying His deliberate and complete removal of past suffering from the consciousness of His people and His own divine purview, signifying a perfect and enduring peace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 65:16 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of ultimate reality and the destiny of God's people. It underscores that true blessing, security, and integrity are found only in the God of truth, a concept that resonates throughout the biblical narrative, emphasizing His unchanging character and reliability as the ultimate foundation for life. This divine truth stands in stark contrast to the fleeting and deceptive nature of idols and human endeavors, which ultimately lead to sorrow and futility. The promise of forgotten troubles points to a radical eschatological hope where God's redemptive work is so complete that the pain of the past no longer holds sway, foreshadowing a future of perfect peace and unblemished joy. This transformation is not merely external but deeply internal, signifying a renewed relationship with God where all trust, worship, and vows are directed solely to Him, marking the dawn of a new covenant era characterized by authenticity and divine faithfulness.

* [Jeremiah 4:2](/jeremiah/4-2 "Jeremiah 4:2 - Swearing by the Lord in Truth")
* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - God Wipes Away Every Tear")
* [Hebrews 6:13-18](/hebrews/6-13 "Hebrews 6:13-18 - God's Unchangeable Promise and Oath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 65:16 offers a compelling challenge and immense comfort for believers today. It calls us to critically examine the sources of our perceived blessings and security. Do we, like those who "bless themselves in the earth," primarily seek our well-being, identity, and affirmation from worldly achievements, material possessions, social status, or human approval? Or do we genuinely "bless ourselves in the God of truth," finding our ultimate satisfaction, provision, and purpose in His unwavering character and promises? This verse urges us to cultivate an exclusive devotion to God, ensuring that our words, commitments, and the very foundation of our lives are rooted in His absolute truth and faithfulness. Furthermore, the promise that "the former troubles are forgotten, and... hid from mine eyes" provides profound hope for those grappling with past traumas, regrets, or persistent sorrows. It assures us that God's redemptive power extends to the deepest wounds of our souls, promising a future—both now and eternally—where His healing is so complete that the pain of the past loses its grip, replaced by His enduring peace and joy. This vision encourages us to trust in God's restorative work, believing that He can redeem even our most painful experiences and bring about a future free from their haunting shadow.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I primarily seek my blessings, security, and identity in my daily life? Is it "in the earth" or "in the God of truth"?**
* **How does the concept of swearing "by the God of truth" challenge me to live a life of greater integrity and faithfulness in my words and commitments?**
* **In what ways do "former troubles" still impact my life, and how can the promise of them being "forgotten" and "hid from God's eyes" offer me hope and healing?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "bless oneself in the earth" versus "in the God of truth"?**

Answer: To "bless oneself in the earth" refers to seeking one's well-being, prosperity, and security from worldly sources or human efforts. This could include relying on material wealth, political power, human wisdom, or even false gods associated with the land. It signifies a misplaced trust in finite, created things. In contrast, to "bless oneself in the God of truth" means to find one's ultimate source of blessing, security, and identity exclusively in the one true God, whose character is utterly faithful and reliable. It represents a radical reorientation of trust and devotion from the temporal to the eternal, from the created to the Creator. This shift is foundational to the new covenant relationship described in Isaiah's prophetic vision.

**How can "former troubles be forgotten" if memories persist?**

Answer: The phrase "because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes" is a powerful expression of comprehensive divine restoration. While it doesn't necessarily imply a literal erasure of memory in a human sense, it signifies that in the new creation, the pain, power, and haunting presence of past afflictions will be completely neutralized. The troubles will no longer define, burden, or cause sorrow. From God's perspective ("hid from mine eyes"), it means He no longer brings them to mind for judgment or allows them to mar the perfect peace of His redeemed people. It's a promise of radical healing and a future where the past's wounds have no hold, echoing the promise in [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Sorrow") that God will wipe away every tear.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 65:16 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of the "God of truth," for He declared Himself to be [the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life") and is described as "full of grace and truth" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). In Christ, humanity truly blesses itself in the God of truth, as all spiritual blessings are found "in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus inaugurated the new covenant, making it possible for all who believe to swear by the God of truth, not merely with words but with lives transformed by His Spirit. His death and resurrection are the definitive acts that bring about the "new creation" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), where the "former troubles" of sin, condemnation, and death are not merely forgotten but utterly vanquished. Through Christ, our past sins are forgiven and remembered no more ([Hebrews 8:12](/hebrews/8-12 "Hebrews 8:12 - God's Forgiveness in the New Covenant")), and the promise of a future free from sorrow and pain finds its ultimate guarantee in His triumphant reign, leading to the [new heavens and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heavens and New Earth") where God dwells fully with His people.

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

Isaiah 19:18

¶ In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one shall be called, The city of destruction.

Jeremiah 4:2

And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.

Hebrews 6:17

Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed [it] by an oath:

Hebrews 6:18

That by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

Psalms 31:5

Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.

John 1:17

For the law was given by Moses, [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 45:23

I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth [in] righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.