Isaiah 65:4

KJV

Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable [things is in] their vessels;

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

They sit among the graves and spend the night in caverns; they eat pig meat and their pots hold soup made from disgusting things.

Berean Standard Bible

sitting among the graves, spending nights in secret places, eating the meat of pigs and polluted broth from their bowls.

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 65:4 stands as a stark indictment against a segment of the Israelite population who had profoundly departed from the covenant of Yahweh. This verse meticulously details their egregious acts of spiritual rebellion, including engaging in necromantic practices associated with the dead and defiling themselves through the consumption of ritually unclean foods. It serves as a vivid illustration of their deep-seated apostasy, highlighting a deliberate embrace of pagan customs and a rejection of God's holy standards, thereby provoking divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 65 opens with God expressing His availability to those who did not seek Him, contrasting this with the persistent disobedience of His chosen people, Israel. The preceding verses (Isaiah 65:1-3) lament Israel's continuous provocation, describing them as a rebellious people who stubbornly walk in a way that is not good, following their own thoughts. Verse 4 then provides specific, tangible examples of this rebellion, detailing the abhorrent practices that have alienated them from God. This immediate context establishes a clear dichotomy between God's gracious invitation and Israel's defiant rejection, setting the stage for the subsequent pronouncements of judgment upon the unfaithful and promises of restoration for the righteous, culminating in the vision of a [new heavens and a new earth](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - The New Creation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During Isaiah's prophetic ministry (8th century BCE), Judah was frequently exposed to and influenced by the religious practices of surrounding pagan nations. These included forms of ancestor worship, necromancy (consulting the dead), and various cultic rituals often performed in sacred groves or high places. The mention of "graves" and "monuments" strongly suggests participation in such forbidden death cults, which sought communication with the deceased or veneration of spirits, directly contravening the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominable Practices")). Furthermore, the consumption of "swine's flesh" and "broth of abominable things" was a direct violation of the strict dietary laws outlined in the Torah (e.g., [Leviticus 11:7-8](/leviticus/11-7 "Leviticus 11:7-8 - Unclean Animals") and [Deuteronomy 14:8](/deuteronomy/14-8 "Deuteronomy 14:8 - Unclean Animals")). These laws were not arbitrary but served to distinguish Israel as a holy people, set apart for Yahweh, and to protect them from the spiritual defilement associated with pagan practices.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 65:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Idolatry and Apostasy**, vividly illustrating the extent to which a portion of Israel had abandoned exclusive devotion to Yahweh for syncretistic and pagan practices. Secondly, it highlights **Ritual Impurity and Disobedience**, demonstrating how the deliberate violation of specific covenant laws—such as dietary restrictions and prohibitions against necromancy—symbolized a deeper spiritual rebellion against God's holiness and authority. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Divine Judgment**, serving as concrete evidence for God's righteous indignation and the impending consequences for those who persistently provoke Him. This specific indictment foreshadows the broader judgment against the unfaithful, contrasting sharply with God's ultimate plan for a purified remnant and a renewed creation, as seen in the latter part of [Isaiah](/isaiah/65 "The Book of Isaiah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **remain (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, this primitive root means "to sit down," but by implication, "to dwell" or "to remain." In this context, it signifies a persistent, settled presence among the graves, indicating a deliberate and ongoing engagement in necromantic or death-related cultic practices rather than a fleeting encounter. It speaks to their entrenched spiritual state.
* **swine's (Hebrew, _chăzîyr'_):** From H2386, this word refers to a "hog" or "boar." Its inclusion here is highly significant, as swine were explicitly designated as unclean animals in the Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 11:7](/leviticus/11-7 "Leviticus 11:7 - The Prohibition of Swine")). The consumption of its flesh was a clear act of rebellion against God's covenantal dietary laws, symbolizing a complete disregard for ritual purity and a willing assimilation into pagan customs.
* **abominable (Hebrew, _piggûwl'_):** From H6292, this term means "fetid" or, figuratively, "unclean" and "ceremonially loathsome." It signifies something utterly detestable and morally repugnant in God's sight. Its use here emphasizes the profound disgust God has for the "broth" (likely a stew or concoction) made from such unclean things, underscoring the deep spiritual defilement of those who consume it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which remain among the graves":** This clause describes a specific group of rebellious Israelites who habitually linger in burial places. This practice was likely associated with necromancy, seeking communication with the dead, or engaging in cults of the deceased, all of which were strictly forbidden by the Mosaic Law as detestable acts against God's sovereignty and life-giving power. It indicates a deliberate rejection of God as the sole source of guidance and truth.
* **"and lodge in the monuments":** This phrase parallels the preceding one, further emphasizing the persistent nature of their engagement with death-related rituals. "Monuments" (from H5341, _nâtsar_, meaning to guard or preserve, often referring to hidden places or watch-towers, which could include tombs or cultic sites) suggests they spent nights in these places, perhaps seeking visions, dreams, or messages from spirits, deepening their spiritual defilement and commitment to forbidden practices.
* **"which eat swine's flesh":** This directly points to a blatant violation of God's dietary laws given in the Torah. Swine were considered unclean animals, and their consumption was prohibited for Israelites to maintain ritual purity and distinguish themselves as God's holy people. Eating swine's flesh was a clear act of defiance against God's commands and a symbol of their assimilation into the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations.
* **"and broth of abominable [things is in] their vessels":** This final clause describes another form of ritual impurity and rebellion. The "broth" (H4839, _mârâq_, or H6564, _pârâq_, both meaning soup) made from "abominable things" (H6292, _piggûwl_, meaning something utterly loathsome and ceremonially unclean) suggests a concoction made from other forbidden animals or perhaps even sacrificial offerings to idols. The presence of this "broth" in their "vessels" (H3627, _kᵉlîy_, meaning any apparatus or utensil) indicates that defilement permeated their daily lives and household items, signifying a pervasive spiritual corruption.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 65:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey the depth of Israel's apostasy. **Parallelism** is evident in the pairing of "remain among the graves" and "lodge in the monuments," which intensifies the description of their persistent engagement in death cults and necromancy. This repetition underscores the deliberate and habitual nature of their forbidden practices. **Imagery** is richly used, painting vivid pictures of defilement: the gloomy setting of "graves" and "monuments," the repulsive act of eating "swine's flesh," and the disgusting "broth of abominable things." These images evoke a strong sense of revulsion and spiritual impurity, reflecting God's own abhorrence. Furthermore, these specific actions serve as powerful **Symbolism**. The graves and monuments symbolize a turning away from the living God to the realm of the dead and forbidden spiritualism. Swine's flesh and abominable broth symbolize a deliberate rejection of God's covenantal holiness and a willing embrace of pagan defilement, representing a complete spiritual compromise and rebellion against divine authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 65:4 provides a profound theological insight into the nature of true worship and the consequences of spiritual compromise. It reveals God's unwavering expectation of exclusive devotion and holiness from His covenant people. The detailed description of their defiling practices underscores that rebellion against God is not merely abstract but manifests in tangible acts that violate His revealed will and character. These actions, whether engaging with the dead or consuming forbidden foods, signify a deeper spiritual adultery—a preference for human-devised rituals and worldly customs over the pure, life-giving relationship with the Creator. God's strong condemnation highlights His jealousy for His own glory and His commitment to the purity of His people, illustrating that outward actions are often symptomatic of inward spiritual corruption.

* [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-12 "Forbidden Practices")
* [Leviticus 11:7-8](/leviticus/11-7 "Dietary Laws Regarding Swine")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14-18](/2_corinthians/6-14 "Separation from Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 65:4 serves as a timeless warning against spiritual syncretism and the dangers of allowing worldly influences to corrupt our devotion to God. While modern believers may not literally dwell among graves or consume swine's flesh as acts of rebellion, the underlying principles of compromise and spiritual defilement remain profoundly relevant. We are called to examine our lives for areas where we might be subtly blending Christian faith with ungodly philosophies, cultural norms, or personal desires that contradict God's Word. This could manifest as seeking guidance from sources other than God (e.g., New Age practices, secular humanism), or indulging in entertainment and lifestyles that defile our minds and spirits, much like the "broth of abominable things" defiled the vessels of the ancient Israelites. Our willingness to obey God's commands, even those that seem culturally inconvenient, is a testament to our genuine love and trust in Him. True spiritual freedom comes from wholehearted devotion to the Lord, free from the defiling influences of a world that often seeks to draw us away from His holiness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be subtly compromising my faith by adopting worldly philosophies or practices that contradict God's Word?**
* **Are there "unclean" influences (e.g., media, relationships, habits) that I need to remove from my "vessels" (my life, my home, my mind) to pursue greater holiness?**
* **Am I truly seeking God alone for wisdom and guidance, or am I relying on other sources that might be leading me astray?**
* **What specific steps can I take this week to deepen my commitment to God's holiness and separate myself more fully from worldly defilement?**

### FAQ
**Why were these specific practices—dwelling among graves and eating swine's flesh—considered so abominable by God?**

Answer: These practices were considered abominable because they represented a direct and egregious violation of God's covenantal laws and His very character of holiness. Dwelling among graves and lodging in monuments were associated with necromancy, ancestor worship, or other forms of death cults, which sought to commune with the dead. God explicitly forbade such practices (e.g., [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominable Practices")) because they bypassed Him as the sole source of life, truth, and guidance, turning instead to demonic influences or human superstition. Eating swine's flesh was a clear violation of the dietary laws given in the Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 11:7-8](/leviticus/11-7 "Leviticus 11:7-8 - Unclean Animals")). These laws were not arbitrary; they served to distinguish Israel as a holy nation, set apart from the pagan nations, and to cultivate a sense of ritual purity that reflected God's own purity. Engaging in these acts was a deliberate act of rebellion, a rejection of God's authority, and a willing assimilation into the spiritual defilement of idolatry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 65:4 details specific ritual and moral transgressions under the Old Covenant, its Christ-centered fulfillment points to the ultimate cleansing and spiritual transformation offered through Jesus Christ. The practices of dwelling among graves and eating unclean things symbolize a deeper spiritual deadness and defilement, a state from which humanity could not cleanse itself. Jesus, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), including its underlying principles of holiness and separation. He declared all foods clean ([Mark 7:18-19](/mark/7-18 "Mark 7:18-19 - All Foods Clean")), signifying that true defilement comes not from what enters the body, but from the sin that originates in the heart ([Mark 7:20-23](/mark/7-20 "Mark 7:20-23 - What Defiles a Person")). Through His perfect sacrifice, Christ offers a radical purification that goes beyond ritual cleansing, making us spiritually alive and truly clean before God ([Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13 "Hebrews 9:13-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Believers are now called to a new kind of holiness—a spiritual separation from the world's defilements and idolatries, not through external laws but through an inward transformation by the Holy Spirit ([Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed by the Renewal of Your Mind")). This means abandoning spiritual "graves" of dead works and "unclean vessels" of worldly desires, living instead as new creations in Christ, whose bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies Are Temples")).

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 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.