Isaiah 65:6

KJV

Behold, [it is] written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom,

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, it is written {H3789} before {H6440} me: I will not keep silence {H2814}, but will recompense {H7999}, even recompense {H7999} into their bosom {H2436},

Complete Jewish Bible

See, it is written before me; I will not be silent until I repay them; I will repay them to the full,

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, it is written before Me: I will not keep silent, but I will repay; I will pay it back into their laps,

American Standard Version

Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, yea, I will recompense into their bosom,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 65:6 declares God's unwavering resolve to execute precise and complete judgment against persistent rebellion and sin. It reveals that God meticulously records human actions, will not indefinitely tolerate defiance, and will personally and fully deliver the deserved consequences of unrepentant deeds directly back to the perpetrators. This verse stands as a solemn warning of divine accountability, preceding the glorious promises of restoration for the faithful and the establishment of new heavens and a new earth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 65:6 is situated within a profound prophetic discourse where the prophet Isaiah contrasts the spiritual states of two distinct groups within Israel: those who diligently seek the Lord and are blessed, and those who have continually provoked Him through idolatry and disobedience. The verses immediately preceding this declaration (Isaiah 65:2-5) vividly describe the rebellious actions of the unfaithful: "I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts; A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick; 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 say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day." This verse, therefore, is God's direct, unyielding response to such persistent and flagrant rebellion, setting the stage for the just consequences that will precede the glorious promises of the [new heavens and new earth](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - The New Heavens and New Earth") introduced later in the chapter.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah primarily addresses the kingdom of Judah during a period marked by spiritual decline, political instability, and the looming threat of Assyrian and later Babylonian empires. The idolatrous practices mentioned, such as sacrificing in gardens and burning incense on brick altars, reflect common Canaanite fertility cults and pagan rituals that Israel had adopted, often blending them with their worship of Yahweh. Eating swine's flesh and engaging with graves were direct violations of Mosaic Law, signifying a deep-seated rejection of God's covenant. The phrase "written before me" resonates with ancient Near Eastern legal and administrative practices where kings or deities kept meticulous records of deeds, decrees, and judgments. This cultural understanding would have underscored the certainty and legitimacy of God's impending judgment, not as an impulsive act but as a meticulously documented and justly administered consequence.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Divine Justice**, asserting God's unwavering commitment to righteousness and His active role in holding humanity accountable. It highlights the **Consequences of Sin**, demonstrating that rebellion against God's commands inevitably leads to divine retribution, a principle echoed throughout the prophetic books. The phrase "written before me" reinforces the theme of **God's Omniscience and Sovereignty**, emphasizing His complete knowledge of all human actions and His ultimate control over history and judgment. Furthermore, it sets up a stark contrast with the theme of **Divine Mercy and Restoration** that is also prominent in Isaiah, particularly in the latter half of the book. While judgment is certain for the unrepentant, God's ultimate plan includes a remnant who will receive His blessing, leading to the glorious vision of a renewed creation where "the former troubles are forgotten" (as seen in [Isaiah 65:16](/isaiah/65-16 "Isaiah 65:16 - God's Blessing and Forgetfulness of Past Troubles")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **written (Hebrew, _kâthab'_):** From H3789, meaning "to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)." This word emphasizes the permanence and certainty of God's record-keeping. It's not a fleeting thought or a vague memory; God's knowledge of their deeds is as if meticulously inscribed in an unchangeable ledger. This implies that the judgment to follow is not arbitrary but based on an undeniable, documented account of their actions.
* **recompense (Hebrew, _shâlam'_):** From H7999, meaning "to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate (in various applications); make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, (re-) pay (again)." While _shâlam_ often carries positive connotations of peace and completeness, in this context, it signifies the completion or full payment of a debt, specifically the debt of sin. The repetition "recompense, even recompense" further stresses the absolute certainty and thoroughness of this repayment, ensuring that nothing due will be withheld.
* **bosom (Hebrew, _chêyq'_):** From H2436, meaning "the bosom (literally or figuratively); bosom, bottom, lap, midst, within." This term refers to the fold of a garment above the waist, where people would carry personal belongings, or the lap. As an idiom, "into their bosom" vividly portrays a personal, direct, and undeniable reception of consequences. It's not a distant or indirect judgment, but one that is intimately delivered back to the individual, ensuring they personally bear the full weight and impact of their actions, as if poured directly into their own lap.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, [it is] written before me:"** This opening phrase serves as a divine declaration, an emphatic "Look!" or "Pay attention!" It immediately establishes God's omniscience and His meticulous record-keeping. The "it" refers to the rebellious deeds of the people described in the preceding verses. "Written before me" signifies that these actions are not forgotten or overlooked; they are permanently recorded in God's divine counsel, serving as the irrefutable basis for His impending judgment. This underscores the justice and legitimacy of His actions.
* **"I will not keep silence,"** This clause marks a decisive shift from forbearance to active intervention. God declares an end to His patient restraint and apparent inaction in the face of ongoing sin. His "silence" is not an indication of ignorance or indifference, but rather a period of grace that has now reached its limit. This statement signals that God will no longer tolerate their rebellion without a direct, manifest response, affirming His active involvement in the affairs of humanity and His commitment to upholding His righteous standards.
* **"but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom,"** This is the core declaration of divine retribution. "Recompense" (Hebrew: _shâlam_) means to repay or settle accounts. The powerful repetition, "recompense, even recompense," emphasizes the absolute certainty, completeness, and thoroughness of this repayment. It signifies that the full measure of what is due for their wrongdoing will be delivered. The vivid idiom "into their bosom" personalizes the judgment, indicating that the consequences will be directly and inescapably borne by the perpetrators themselves, as if the full weight of their deeds is poured back into their own personal space, leaving no room for evasion or denial.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 65:6 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message of impending judgment. The opening "Behold" functions as an **interjection** or **exclamation**, immediately grabbing the reader's attention and signaling the gravity of the divine pronouncement. The phrase "it is written before me" utilizes **anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like record-keeping to God, making His omniscience and the certainty of His judgment more relatable and impactful. This also serves as a **metaphor** for divine memory and decree. The declaration "I will not keep silence" is another instance of **anthropomorphism**, portraying God as actively ceasing a period of forbearance, thereby emphasizing His imminent and decisive action. The most striking device is the **repetition** of "recompense, even recompense," which serves as an **intensifier**, underscoring the absolute certainty, completeness, and thoroughness of the divine retribution. Finally, the phrase "into their bosom" is a potent **idiom** or **metaphor**, vividly illustrating the personal and inescapable nature of the consequences, ensuring that the full measure of their deeds is returned directly to the perpetrators themselves, leaving no ambiguity about who will bear the weight of the judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 65:6 profoundly articulates the biblical principle of divine justice and accountability. It reveals a God who is not passive in the face of sin but actively records and responds to human rebellion. This verse underscores that God's patience has limits, and His silence is not indifference but a period of grace that will eventually yield to righteous judgment for the unrepentant. The certainty of "recompense into their bosom" highlights the personal nature of divine justice—individuals will fully bear the consequences of their actions. This concept is foundational to understanding God's character as both loving and just, ensuring that righteousness will ultimately prevail and that all wrongs will be set right.

* [Psalm 62:12](/psalm/62-12 "God's Steadfast Love and Recompense")
* [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "God's Impartial Judgment")
* [Revelation 20:12](/revelation/20-12 "The Books of Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 65:6 serves as a powerful reminder that our actions, whether good or bad, are not unseen or forgotten by God. The phrase "written before me" should instill a profound sense of reverence and accountability, encouraging us to live with intentionality and integrity. It calls believers to a deeper understanding of God's justice, recognizing that while His mercy is vast, His holiness demands a response to sin. For those who are tempted to take God's patience for granted, this verse is a sobering warning to repent and turn from rebellious ways before the time of recompense arrives. Conversely, for those who have experienced injustice or seen wickedness seemingly go unpunished, this verse offers comfort and assurance that God is indeed a righteous judge who will ultimately "recompense" all wrongs, bringing true justice to fruition. It motivates us to live lives that honor God, not out of fear alone, but out of a deep respect for His character and a desire to align our lives with His righteous will, knowing that our deeds have eternal significance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be taking God's patience for granted, and what steps can I take to align my actions more closely with His will?**
* **How does the certainty of God's record-keeping ("written before me") influence my daily choices and my commitment to righteous living?**
* **If God will "recompense into their bosom," how does this truth shape my understanding of justice, both divine and human?**

### FAQ
**What does "Behold, it is written before me" signify about God's knowledge and judgment?**

Answer: This phrase signifies God's absolute omniscience and the meticulous nature of His divine record-keeping. It means that all human actions, particularly those of rebellion and disobedience, are not overlooked or forgotten by God. Instead, they are permanently and precisely documented in His divine counsel, much like a meticulous ledger or decree. This ensures that God's subsequent judgment is not arbitrary or impulsive but is based on a full, undeniable, and irrefutable account of deeds. It underscores the legitimacy and certainty of His coming actions, as His judgment is rooted in perfect knowledge and righteous decree, as seen in passages like [Psalm 139:1-4](/psalm/139-1 "Psalm 139:1-4 - God's Omniscience").

**Why does God declare, "I will not keep silence"?**

Answer: God's declaration, "I will not keep silence," indicates an end to His period of forbearance and apparent inaction in the face of persistent sin and rebellion. Throughout biblical history, God often demonstrates immense patience, allowing time for repentance. However, this statement signals that His patience has reached its limit, and He will no longer remain inactive or silent in the face of flagrant and unrepentant defiance. It is a powerful affirmation of His active involvement in human affairs and His commitment to upholding His righteous standards. It means that a time of decisive intervention and judgment is imminent, as His character demands a response to unaddressed sin, much like the warnings given in [Ezekiel 3:18-19](/ezekiel/3-18 "Ezekiel 3:18-19 - The Watchman's Responsibility").

**What is the meaning of "recompense, even recompense into their bosom"?**

Answer: The phrase "recompense, even recompense" emphasizes the absolute certainty, completeness, and thoroughness of God's repayment for sin. The Hebrew word for "recompense" (_shâlam_) implies settling accounts or making full payment. The repetition intensifies this meaning, ensuring that nothing due will be withheld. "Into their bosom" is a vivid idiom referring to the fold of a garment where one would carry things, or the lap. It signifies that the consequences of their actions will be personally, directly, and inescapably delivered back to the perpetrators themselves. It means they will fully and undeniably bear the weight of their own deeds, without evasion or mitigation, much like the principle of sowing and reaping described in [Galatians 6:7-8](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7-8 - Sowing and Reaping").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 65:6 speaks of a terrifying divine recompense for sin, its ultimate fulfillment and resolution are found in Jesus Christ. For those who are in Christ, the "recompense" for their sin has been fully borne by Him on the cross. Jesus, the sinless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly became the recipient of the divine wrath and judgment that was "written before" God for humanity's transgressions. He took the full measure of recompense "into His bosom" (or upon Himself) so that believers might be reconciled to God and spared the just consequences of their rebellion. This is the profound truth of [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness"), where "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." For those who reject Christ, however, this verse stands as a stark warning of the future judgment where Christ, as the righteous judge, will indeed "recompense" every unrepentant deed "into their bosom." He is the one who will open the books of judgment and render to each according to their works, as foretold in [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment"). Thus, Isaiah 65:6 points both to the terrifying reality of God's justice and to the glorious provision of His mercy found uniquely in the atoning work of Jesus Christ.

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

Psalms 50:3

Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.

Jeremiah 16:18

And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things.

Psalms 79:12

And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.

Isaiah 42:14

I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, [and] refrained myself: [now] will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.

Psalms 50:21

These [things] hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether [such an one] as thyself: [but] I will reprove thee, and set [them] in order before thine eyes.

Isaiah 64:12

Wilt thou refrain thyself for these [things], O LORD? wilt thou hold thy peace, and afflict us very sore?

Malachi 3:16

Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.