Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable [things is in] their vessels;
Which remain {H3427} among the graves {H6913}, and lodge {H3885} in the monuments {H5341}, which eat {H398} swine's {H2386} flesh {H1320}, and broth {H4839}{H6564} of abominable {H6292} things is in their vessels {H3627};
They sit among the graves and spend the night in caverns; they eat pig meat and their pots hold soup made from disgusting things.
sitting among the graves, spending nights in secret places, eating the meat of pigs and polluted broth from their bowls.
that sit among the graves, and lodge in the secret places; that eat swine’s flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels;
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Isaiah 66:17
They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one [tree] in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD. -
Leviticus 11:7
And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he [is] unclean to you. -
Isaiah 66:3
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. -
Deuteronomy 14:3
Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing. -
Ezekiel 4:14
Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth. -
Deuteronomy 14:8
And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it [is] unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase. -
Deuteronomy 14:21
Ye shall not eat [of] any thing that dieth of itself: thou shalt give it unto the stranger that [is] in thy gates, that he may eat it; or thou mayest sell it unto an alien: for thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.
Isaiah 65:4 is part of a prophetic indictment against a rebellious and disobedient people within Israel who have turned away from God. This verse specifically details some of their idolatrous and defiling practices, highlighting their profound spiritual apostasy.
Context
In Isaiah chapter 65, the prophet Isaiah presents a stark contrast between God's readiness to be found by those who did not seek Him (the Gentiles, or humble seekers) and the persistent rebellion of His chosen people, Israel. God laments their continuous provocation and outlines the specific sins that have alienated them. Verse 4 serves as a detailed accusation against those who stubbornly cling to pagan customs and defile themselves, despite God's repeated calls to repentance. This passage sets the stage for God's promise of a new heaven and a new earth for the righteous, while judgment awaits the unfaithful (see Isaiah 65:17).
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The term "abominable" (Hebrew: sheqets or to'evah in similar contexts) emphasizes the strong disapproval and disgust God has for these practices. It signifies something utterly loathsome and morally repugnant in God's sight, not just ritually unclean. The phrase "broth of abominable things" suggests a mixture or stew made from unclean animals or perhaps even sacrificial offerings to idols, further highlighting the depth of their spiritual defilement.
Spiritual Significance & Application
Isaiah 65:4 serves as a powerful warning against spiritual compromise and syncretism. For a modern audience, while literal grave-dwelling and swine-eating might not be common issues, the underlying principles remain highly relevant: