Isaiah 65:17

KJV

¶ For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

KJV (with Strong's)

For, behold, I create {H1254} new {H2319} heavens {H8064} and a new {H2319} earth {H776}: and the former {H7223} shall not be remembered {H2142}, nor come {H5927} into mind {H3820}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"For, look! I create new heavens and a new earth; past things will not be remembered, they will no more come to mind.

Berean Standard Bible

For behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.

American Standard Version

For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 65:17 serves as a profound prophetic declaration, unveiling God's sovereign intention to usher in a radical and unprecedented era of cosmic renewal. This verse promises not a mere renovation but a complete re-creation of existence, where "new heavens and a new earth" will emerge, so glorious and perfect that all memory of past suffering, imperfection, and sorrow will fade into utter irrelevance. It stands as a cornerstone of biblical eschatology, assuring believers of a future reality defined by divine perfection and profound joy, far surpassing the limitations and brokenness of the present world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 65:17 is strategically placed within the latter portion of the Book of Isaiah (chapters 40-66), often referred to as "Third Isaiah" or "Trito-Isaiah," which primarily addresses the post-exilic community in Jerusalem. This section masterfully weaves together themes of divine judgment for the unfaithful and glorious promises of restoration for the righteous. Chapter 65 specifically opens with God lamenting the persistent rebellion and idolatry of His people (verses 1-7), contrasting their unfaithfulness with His steadfast love and ultimate plan for redemption. Verses 8-16 detail the impending judgment upon those who "forsake the Lord" and "forget My holy mountain," highlighting the stark consequences of their apostasy. However, with verse 17, the narrative pivots dramatically, introducing a breathtaking vision of future blessedness for God's true servants. This verse, therefore, marks a profound transition from divine condemnation to ultimate salvation, serving as the foundational promise upon which the subsequent vivid descriptions of the new creation's peace, prosperity, and harmony are built, culminating in the idyllic scene where even the wolf and the lamb will feed together ([Isaiah 65:25](/isaiah/65-25 "Isaiah 65:25 - Peace in the New Creation")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah 65:17 was delivered to a people who had endured the traumatic experience of the Babylonian exile and were now grappling with the formidable challenges of rebuilding their homeland and restoring their spiritual identity in Jerusalem. The "former things" that would not be remembered likely refer to the immense suffering, oppression, and destruction endured during the exile, as well as the subsequent struggles of restoration, including economic hardship, social instability, and spiritual disillusionment. In ancient Near Eastern thought, the cosmos was often perceived as a reflection of divine order and justice; its disruption or decay could signify divine displeasure or chaos. Consequently, the promise of a "new heavens and a new earth" would have resonated deeply as a radical reversal of their fortunes, signifying a complete restoration of divine favor, cosmic harmony, and an end to all forms of suffering. This vision offered profound hope beyond their immediate political and social realities, pointing to a divinely orchestrated future that transcended human capacity for renewal and provided spiritual sustenance to persevere in faithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several profound theological themes central to Isaiah's overarching message and biblical eschatology. Firstly, it powerfully highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Creative Power**, emphasizing God's absolute authority and unique ability to bring forth something entirely new and perfect, just as He did in the [original creation account](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). The act of "creating" signifies a work that is uniquely God's, independent of existing materials or human effort, demonstrating His omnipotence. Secondly, it underscores **Radical Renewal and Transformation**, promising a comprehensive change that affects both the celestial ("heavens") and terrestrial ("earth") realms, implying a complete eradication of the pervasive effects of sin, decay, and brokenness. This is not merely a repair but a fundamental re-creation. Thirdly, the verse offers **Profound Eschatological Hope**, pointing to a future where God's redemptive work culminates in a state of perfect bliss, where past sorrows are rendered utterly irrelevant by the overwhelming joy of the new reality. This hope is a recurring motif throughout scripture, assuring believers that the present suffering is temporary compared to the glory that will be revealed ([Romans 8:18](/romans/8-18 "Romans 8:18 - Present Suffering and Future Glory")). Finally, it speaks to **God's Unwavering Faithfulness to His Promises**, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His ultimate purpose to establish a righteous and peaceful dwelling for them, where the joy of the Lord will be their enduring strength ([Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "Nehemiah 8:10 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **create (Hebrew, _bârâʼ'_):** This verb (H1254) is a primitive root in Hebrew, almost exclusively used in the Old Testament to describe God's unique, divine activity of creation. It often implies creation *ex nihilo* (out of nothing) or bringing something into existence that was not there before, as seen in the [creation of the heavens and the earth](/genesis/1-1 "Genesis 1:1 - God Creates the Heavens and the Earth"). Its use here underscores that the "new heavens and new earth" are not merely reformed or renovated versions of the old, but a fresh, divinely initiated work of unprecedented scale and perfection. It signifies a fundamental, qualitative transformation brought about by God's sovereign power, demonstrating His absolute authority over all existence.
* **new (Hebrew, _châdâsh'_):** Derived from the root H2319, this adjective means "new" or "fresh." When applied to the "heavens and earth," it signifies a complete renewal, not just a superficial change. It implies a state that is pristine, unblemished, and free from the decay, corruption, and effects of sin that characterize the present creation. This "newness" is a qualitative change, indicating a reality fundamentally different and superior to the former, a state of perfect restoration and divine order.
* **remembered (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** This primitive root (H2142) means "to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention." In this context, the negative "shall not be remembered" does not imply a forced amnesia or cognitive erasure of past events. Rather, it signifies that the glory, joy, and perfection of the new creation will be so overwhelmingly magnificent and all-consuming that the pain, sorrow, and imperfections of the former existence will fade into utter insignificance. They will no longer "come into mind" (H3820, _lêb_ - heart/mind), because the new reality will fully satisfy every longing and erase every tear, rendering the old troubles powerless to disturb the profound peace and joy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth:"** This opening clause serves as a divine announcement, introduced by "For, behold," an exclamation designed to draw immediate and profound attention to a foundational truth. The emphatic "I create" underscores God's personal, singular, and sovereign agency in bringing about this radical transformation. The phrase "new heavens and a new earth" signifies a comprehensive and qualitative renewal of the entire cosmos—encompassing both the celestial realm (heavens) and the terrestrial realm (earth). This is not merely an improvement or refurbishment of the existing order but a complete, divinely initiated re-creation, establishing a perfect and righteous environment for God's redeemed people.
* **"and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind."** This second clause describes the profound and liberating impact of this new creation. The "former" refers to the old order, characterized by sin, suffering, sorrow, and imperfection. The declaration that it "shall not be remembered, nor come into mind" is a powerful statement about the overwhelming joy, peace, and perfection of the new reality. It implies that the glory and blessedness of the new heavens and new earth will be so utterly complete and satisfying that any past pain, hardship, or sorrow will be entirely eclipsed, losing all power to disturb or diminish the profound contentment experienced in God's eternal presence. It is a promise of complete healing, ultimate contentment, and a future free from the lingering shadows of the past.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 65:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its transformative and hopeful message. **Divine Fiat** is powerfully evident in the declarative "I create," emphasizing God's absolute authority and omnipotent power to bring forth this new reality simply by His word, much like in the [original Genesis creation](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). This highlights the effortless and sovereign nature of His creative act, underscoring that this renewal is entirely His work. **Hyperbole** is skillfully utilized in the phrase "the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind." While not suggesting literal amnesia, it uses exaggeration to underscore the profound and overwhelming joy and perfection of the new creation, implying that the past suffering will be so completely dwarfed by future glory that it will cease to hold any emotional or mental significance. This serves to comfort and assure the audience of a future free from the lingering effects of trauma and sorrow. Finally, the phrase "new heavens and a new earth" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for a completely renewed existence, encompassing both the spiritual and physical realms, utterly free from the curse of sin and its devastating consequences. It symbolizes a state of perfect harmony, righteousness, and peace, a comprehensive transformation of all creation into its intended, unblemished state.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 65:17 is a cornerstone prophecy that profoundly shapes biblical eschatology, revealing God's ultimate intention for His creation and His people. Theologically, it underscores God's intrinsic attribute as the sovereign Creator, capable of not only initiating existence but also radically renewing it, demonstrating His power to utterly overcome the pervasive effects of sin and decay. This promise of a "new heavens and a new earth" speaks to the comprehensive nature of God's redemption, which extends beyond individual salvation to encompass the entire cosmos, implying a restoration of the original harmony and perfection lost in the Fall. It assures believers that the current brokenness, suffering, and injustice of the world are not God's final word, but rather a temporary state preceding a glorious, eternal reality where righteousness dwells. This vision provides immense hope, anchoring faith in God's unwavering faithfulness to bring His redemptive plan to its full consummation, where all things are made new and every sorrow is forgotten in the boundless light of His presence.

* [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heaven and New Earth Revealed")
* [2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - Looking for New Heavens and a New Earth")
* [Romans 8:21](/romans/8-21 "Romans 8:21 - Creation's Deliverance from Bondage")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The prophetic vision of Isaiah 65:17 offers profound comfort and a vital eternal perspective for believers navigating the complexities, brokenness, and often overwhelming suffering of the present world. It serves as a powerful reminder that our current struggles, sorrows, and the pervasive effects of sin are not the ultimate reality, nor are they God's final design for His creation. This promise of a "new heavens and a new earth" encourages us to live with an unwavering hope that transcends immediate circumstances, knowing that God's ultimate plan is one of complete restoration, perfect joy, and eternal peace. It calls us to trust in His sovereign power to bring about even the most radical transformations, assuring us that the glory to come will so overwhelmingly eclipse any past pain or present hardship that it will cease to hold any power over us. This future hope should motivate us to live lives aligned with the values of that coming kingdom—justice, righteousness, compassion, and peace—even now, as we eagerly anticipate the full consummation of God's redemptive work. It challenges us to hold loosely to the temporary and cling tightly to the eternal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of "new heavens and a new earth" reshape your perspective on current suffering or global brokenness?**
* **In what ways does the idea that "the former shall not be remembered" offer you comfort or release from past hurts or regrets?**
* **How might living with this profound eschatological hope impact your daily decisions, priorities, and pursuit of holiness in the present moment?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more eternal perspective in a world often focused on the temporary and the transient?**

### FAQ
**What does 'new heavens and a new earth' truly mean?**

Answer: The phrase "new heavens and a new earth" signifies a complete and radical renewal of the entire cosmos, encompassing both the celestial and terrestrial realms. It does not necessarily imply the annihilation of the current creation, but rather its purification, transformation, and perfection, free from the curse of sin and decay. It will be a realm where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - A Dwelling Place for Righteousness")), marked by God's unhindered presence, perfect harmony, and eternal peace, fulfilling the vision of a renewed creation found in [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heaven and New Earth").

**Does 'the former shall not be remembered' imply forced amnesia?**

Answer: No, the phrase "the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind" does not suggest a forced amnesia or a literal erasure of past memories. Instead, it is a powerful expression of **hyperbole**, emphasizing the overwhelming glory, joy, and perfection of the new creation. The blessedness of this new reality will be so profound, comprehensive, and all-consuming that any past pain, sorrow, or imperfection will be rendered utterly insignificant and irrelevant. The new experience will so completely satisfy and enthrall that the former troubles will simply fade from conscious preoccupation, losing their power to cause distress, as God Himself will wipe away every tear ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")).

**How does this prophecy relate to the current world and Christian living?**

Answer: This prophecy provides a foundational hope and eternal perspective for Christian living in the current world. It assures believers that the present brokenness, suffering, and injustice are temporary and will ultimately be overcome by God's perfect, redemptive plan. This hope encourages perseverance amidst trials, motivates holy living, and inspires active engagement in God's redemptive work in the present, knowing that our efforts contribute to a kingdom that will ultimately culminate in a perfect, renewed creation. It reminds us that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship in Heaven")), and we live in eager anticipation of God's final consummation of all things.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 65:17 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is not only the divine agent of the new creation but also its very essence and guarantee. While the Old Testament prophets looked forward to a future cosmic renewal, the New Testament reveals that this "new heavens and new earth" is inaugurated through Christ's redemptive acts—His atoning death, victorious resurrection, and glorious ascension. Paul profoundly declares that "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away; behold, the new has come" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). This signifies that the spiritual reality of the new creation has already begun in believers through the indwelling Holy Spirit, transforming hearts and minds and providing a foretaste of the coming glory. Furthermore, Christ is explicitly identified as the one "by whom all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ, Creator of All Things")), and He is the one who will ultimately "reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross" ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). The promise of a future, perfected cosmos in Isaiah 65:17 is therefore secured by Christ's finished work, culminating in His glorious return when He will fully establish the new heavens and new earth, where He will reign supreme and God will dwell with His people forever, wiping away every tear ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with Humanity, No More Tears")). Thus, the hope of a world free from sorrow and pain is not an abstract concept but a concrete promise rooted in the person and work of Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end of all things ([Revelation 22:13](/revelation/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega")).

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

2 Peter 3:13

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Isaiah 66:22

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.

Revelation 21:1

¶ And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

Revelation 21:5

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

Isaiah 43:18

Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.

Jeremiah 3:16

And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit [it]; neither shall [that] be done any more.

Isaiah 51:16

And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou [art] my people.