Isaiah 65:20

KJV

There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner [being] an hundred years old shall be accursed.

KJV (with Strong's)

There shall be no more thence an infant {H5764} of days {H3117}, nor an old man {H2205} that hath not filled {H4390} his days {H3117}: for the child {H5288} shall die {H4191} an hundred {H3967} years {H8141} old {H1121}; but the sinner {H2398} being an hundred {H3967} years {H8141} old {H1121} shall be accursed {H7043}.

Complete Jewish Bible

No more will babies die in infancy, no more will an old man die short of his days - he who dies at a hundred will be thought young, and at less than a hundred thought cursed.

Berean Standard Bible

No longer will a nursing infant live but a few days, or an old man fail to live out his years. For the youth will die at a hundred years, and he who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed.

American Standard Version

There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days; for the child shall die a hundred years old, and the sinner being a hundred years old shall be accursed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 65:20, nestled within a profound prophetic vision of the "new heavens and new earth," vividly portrays the radical transformation of life and death under divine blessing. It promises an era where premature death, particularly of infants, is abolished, and human lifespans are dramatically extended, with even those considered "children" living for centuries. Yet, amidst this glorious restoration, the verse soberly affirms God's unwavering justice, declaring that the sinner, even at an advanced age, will still face the consequence of being accursed, underscoring the enduring reality of moral accountability within God's righteous kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 65:20 is part of a larger eschatological passage (Isaiah 65:17-25) that describes God's glorious future for His redeemed people and the creation of a "new heavens and a new earth." This vision stands in stark contrast to the preceding verses (Isaiah 65:1-16), which detail God's righteous judgment against the unfaithful and rebellious elements within Israel. While verses 1-16 lament their idolatry and self-righteousness, the subsequent section, beginning with the powerful declaration "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth" [Isaiah 65:17](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - Creation of New Heavens and New Earth"), pivots to a breathtaking vision of unparalleled joy, peace, and divine favor. The specific promise of extended lifespans in verse 20 serves to illustrate the profound physical and societal changes that accompany this new creation, where the former sorrows and curses are largely removed.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel and the broader Near East, longevity was consistently viewed as a sign of divine blessing and favor, while premature death, especially of children, was a profound tragedy and often perceived as a sign of divine displeasure or curse (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:20-22](/deuteronomy/28-20 "Deuteronomy 28:20-22 - Curses for Disobedience")). The reality of life in the ancient world was often harsh, marked by high infant mortality rates, disease, and conflict, leading to significantly shorter average lifespans compared to modern times. Against this backdrop, the prophetic promise of Isaiah 65:20—that an "infant of days" would no longer perish prematurely and that a "child" would live to be a hundred years old—would have been an incredibly radical and comforting vision of an ideal existence, reversing the common experience of sorrow and loss. It speaks to a restoration of conditions reminiscent of the antediluvian patriarchs, whose exceptional longevity is recorded in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - Genealogies and Lifespans of the Patriarchs"), suggesting a return to a more pristine state of creation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Isaiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Blessing and Restoration**, illustrating how God's presence brings about profound changes to the natural order and human experience, reversing the curse of sin (as seen in [Genesis 3:19](/genesis/3-19 "Genesis 3:19 - The Curse and Toil")). Secondly, it highlights **Extraordinary Longevity and Renewed Life**, emphasizing a future where life flourishes under divine care, free from the pervasive sorrow of early death. This points to a time of unparalleled peace and prosperity. Thirdly, the verse maintains the theme of **God's Unwavering Justice and the Consequence of Sin**, even amidst immense blessings. The inclusion of the "sinner" being accursed demonstrates that while physical conditions are transformed, moral accountability remains paramount. This ensures that the glorious future is not one of universal, unconditional blessing, but one where righteousness is upheld and sin still carries a penalty, reinforcing God's holy character (as elaborated in [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **infant (Hebrew, _ʻûwl'_):** From the root `עוּל` (H5764), meaning "a babe" or "sucking child." In this context, "infant of days" refers to a child whose life is cut short, emphasizing the tragedy of premature death. The prophecy declares that such a sorrowful event will cease to exist in the new age, highlighting the complete reversal of suffering and loss associated with early mortality.
* **old man (Hebrew, _zâqên'_):** Derived from `זָקֵן` (H2205), meaning "old," "aged," or "elder." The phrase "old man that hath not filled his days" refers to an individual who dies before reaching a full, natural lifespan. This implies that in the promised era, people will consistently live to a ripe old age, fulfilling the full measure of their years as intended by God, a stark contrast to the common experience of unfulfilled lifespans in the ancient world.
* **sinner (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_):** A primitive root `חָטָא` (H2398), properly meaning "to miss," and hence (figuratively and generally) "to sin." This term denotes one who transgresses against God's law or misses the mark of righteousness. The inclusion of the "sinner" in this verse is crucial, as it indicates that even in an age of extraordinary blessing and longevity, moral rebellion against God will still incur divine judgment and separation ("accursed"), demonstrating that the new creation does not negate personal accountability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There shall be no more thence an infant of days,"**: This clause prophesies the end of premature death, specifically the tragic loss of very young children. In the new era, the sorrow of infant mortality, a common and devastating reality in the ancient world, will be completely eradicated, signifying a profound reversal of the curse and a testament to God's life-giving presence.
* **"nor an old man that hath not filled his days:"**: This expands on the promise of longevity, indicating that no one will die before reaching a full, satisfying lifespan. It suggests that individuals will live to their divinely appointed end, free from the diseases, accidents, or societal conditions that prematurely cut short lives, ensuring a complete and abundant existence.
* **"for the child shall die an hundred years old;"**: This striking statement uses hyperbole to emphasize the extraordinary extension of lifespans. It means that even someone who is considered "young" or "a child" by the standards of that blessed age would live for an exceptionally long time, reaching what we would consider a very old age. This illustrates the dramatic increase in human longevity under God's renewed order.
* **"but the sinner [being] an hundred years old shall be accursed."**: This final clause introduces a crucial caveat. Despite the universal extension of lifespans, the consequence of sin remains. Even if a sinner lives to be a hundred years old, they will still face divine judgment and be "accursed." This highlights that the new creation does not eliminate moral accountability; righteousness remains the prerequisite for full participation in God's unmitigated blessing, and rebellion still carries a severe penalty.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 65:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its prophetic message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "the child shall die an hundred years old," which dramatically emphasizes the extraordinary longevity of the new age. This is not necessarily a literal statement about the exact age of death, but rather an exaggeration designed to underscore the immense blessing and reversal of the curse of short lifespans. **Contrast** is central to the verse's structure, juxtaposing the blessed longevity of the righteous ("no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days") with the enduring judgment upon the wicked ("but the sinner... shall be accursed"). This stark differentiation highlights God's justice even amidst His mercy. Furthermore, the verse uses **Symbolism** where extended life and the absence of premature death symbolize the complete restoration of God's creation to a state of peace, flourishing, and divine favor, reminiscent of Edenic conditions, while the "accursed" sinner symbolizes the persistence of divine judgment for unrepentant rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 65:20 offers a profound glimpse into the eschatological hope of God's people, revealing a future where the pervasive sorrow of death, particularly premature death, is largely overcome. This vision speaks to God's ultimate desire for the flourishing of His creation and the reversal of the curse brought by sin. It affirms that in God's perfected kingdom, life will be characterized by abundance and completeness, reflecting His original design for humanity. However, the verse simultaneously upholds the immutable principle of divine justice: even in an era of unparalleled blessing, sin's consequences remain. This ensures that the new creation is not a realm of unbridled license but one where righteousness is paramount, and accountability to God's holy standards persists, reminding us that true life and blessing are found only in alignment with His will.

* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow")
* [Psalm 91:16](/psalms/91-16 "Psalm 91:16 - Long Life and Salvation")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and Gift of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 65:20 invites us to lift our gaze beyond the present struggles and sorrows to the glorious future God promises for His faithful. It paints a picture of a world where the sting of death is dramatically diminished, particularly the heartbreaking loss of children, and where life is lived to its fullest potential under divine blessing. This vision instills profound hope, reminding us that God's plan for creation is ultimately one of restoration, peace, and abundant life. It encourages us to trust in His sovereign power to bring about such radical transformation. Yet, the verse also serves as a sobering reminder of the enduring seriousness of sin. Even in a perfected environment, rebellion against God carries a severe penalty. This compels us to examine our own lives, to pursue righteousness, and to understand that true flourishing, both now and in the age to come, is inextricably linked to our relationship with a holy God. It motivates us to live with integrity, anticipating the full manifestation of God's righteous kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of extended longevity and the absence of infant mortality in Isaiah 65:20 challenge or comfort your understanding of life and death in the present world?**
* **What does the continued consequence for the "sinner" in this verse reveal about God's character and the nature of His coming kingdom?**
* **How should the balance between God's promise of restoration and the enduring reality of sin's consequences shape our daily walk as believers?**
* **In what ways does this prophetic vision inspire you to live a life of greater holiness and anticipation for God's ultimate new creation?**

### FAQ
**Does Isaiah 65:20 describe a literal physical state on a renewed earth, or is it purely symbolic?**

Answer: Biblical scholars often interpret Isaiah 65:20 as a mix of literal and symbolic language, characteristic of prophetic literature. While the imagery of extended lifespans and the absence of infant mortality is a vivid, concrete picture, it functions hyperbolically to symbolize an era of unprecedented divine blessing, peace, and flourishing. It points to a radical reversal of the curse of sin and death, where life will be lived to its fullest potential. Many see this as descriptive of the conditions during the Millennial Kingdom, a period of Christ's reign on earth (as described in [Revelation 20:4-6](/revelation/20-4 "Revelation 20:4-6 - The Millennial Reign")), before the final, eternal state of the new heavens and new earth where death is entirely abolished ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death")). The emphasis is on the profound change in the quality and duration of life under God's direct rule.

**If life is so blessed and long, why does the "sinner... shall be accursed"? Does sin still exist in this new age?**

Answer: The inclusion of the "sinner" in Isaiah 65:20 indicates that even in this period of immense blessing and extended physical life, moral accountability to God remains. It suggests that while the physical environment is transformed, the capacity for human rebellion and the consequences of sin are not entirely eradicated in this phase of God's kingdom. This implies that the Millennial Kingdom, while glorious, is not yet the final, eternal state where all evil is completely purged. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's holiness and justice are unwavering; a person's relationship with God, characterized by obedience or rebellion, still determines their ultimate destiny and experience of His blessing. The "accursed" sinner would experience divine judgment, demonstrating that even a long life without repentance does not exempt one from God's righteous wrath.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 65:20 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the mediator of the new covenant and the inaugurator of the new creation. While the verse describes a future era of extended physical life and diminished death, Christ's work on the cross and His resurrection are the foundational acts that make such a reality possible. He is the one who conquered sin and death, breaking their power and ushering in the hope of eternal life ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). The promise of a life where "no more thence an infant of days" and where lifespans are dramatically extended points forward to Christ's ultimate victory over the curse of death, which began with Adam's sin ([Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin and Death Through Adam")). Through Christ, believers are given the promise not merely of a long physical life, but of an eternal life, a life truly "filled" in every sense, in His presence ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")). Moreover, the sobering reality that "the sinner... shall be accursed" underscores the necessity of Christ's atoning work. He bore the curse for us ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")), offering redemption and reconciliation to God. Thus, the longevity and blessing envisioned in Isaiah 65:20 are but a foretaste of the complete and eternal life that is found only in union with Christ, who is the resurrection and the life ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), and through whom God's people will inherit the truly new heavens and new earth where death is no more ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death")).

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

Job 5:26

Thou shalt come to [thy] grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season.

Ecclesiastes 8:12

Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his [days] be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:

Ecclesiastes 8:13

But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong [his] days, [which are] as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.

Deuteronomy 4:40

Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong [thy] days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.

Psalms 34:12

What man [is he that] desireth life, [and] loveth [many] days, that he may see good?

Isaiah 3:11

Woe unto the wicked! [it shall be] ill [with him]: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

Romans 2:5

But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;