Isaiah 66:14

KJV

And when ye see [this], your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants, and [his] indignation toward his enemies.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when ye see {H7200} this, your heart {H3820} shall rejoice {H7797}, and your bones {H6106} shall flourish {H6524} like an herb {H1877}: and the hand {H3027} of the LORD {H3068} shall be known {H3045} toward his servants {H5650}, and his indignation {H2194} toward his enemies {H341}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Your heart will rejoice at the sight, your bodies will flourish like newly sprouted grass. It will be known that the hand of ADONAI is with his servants; but with his enemies, his fury.

Berean Standard Bible

When you see, you will rejoice, and you will flourish like grass; then the hand of the LORD will be revealed to His servants, but His wrath will be shown to His enemies.

American Standard Version

And ye shall see it, and your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like the tender grass: and the hand of Jehovah shall be known toward his servants; and he will have indignation against his enemies.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 66:14 serves as a powerful eschatological declaration, culminating the prophetic book with a vivid depiction of God's ultimate restoration and judgment. It promises profound, holistic joy and complete revitalization for God's faithful servants upon witnessing His decisive intervention, starkly contrasting this blessed state with the manifestation of His righteous indignation against His adversaries. This verse encapsulates the Lord's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, assuring them of vindication, flourishing life, and an undeniable demonstration of His sovereign hand in history, while simultaneously affirming the certainty of His justice against rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 66:14 is situated at the climax of the book of Isaiah, providing a definitive summary of the ultimate destinies for those who align with God and those who oppose Him. It immediately follows God's tender promise of comfort for Jerusalem, likening His solace to a mother comforting her child, as seen in [Isaiah 66:13](/isaiah/66-13 "Isaiah 66:13 - God's Comfort for Jerusalem"). The pronoun "this" in "when ye see this" refers broadly to the comprehensive fulfillment of God's preceding promises throughout the chapter and the latter half of the book. These promises include the Lord's coming in fire to execute judgment on the wicked, the gathering of all nations to Jerusalem, the establishment of new heavens and a new earth ([Isaiah 66:22](/isaiah/66-22 "Isaiah 66:22 - New Heavens and New Earth")), and the perpetual worship of God's redeemed people. Thus, the verse functions as a concluding statement on divine justice and restoration, bringing Isaiah's grand prophetic narrative to a powerful close.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah, though attributed to a single prophet, encompasses a vast sweep of Israelite history, from the Assyrian crisis in the 8th century BCE to the Babylonian exile and the subsequent promise of return. By chapter 66, the prophetic vision transcends immediate historical circumstances, focusing on an eschatological future where God's ultimate purposes are realized. The imagery of "bones flourishing like an herb" would have deeply resonated with an agrarian society, symbolizing complete revitalization and vigorous new life emerging from a state of barrenness or decay, much like dry ground bursting forth with greenery after abundant rain. The concept of the "hand of the LORD" was a deeply ingrained idiom in Israelite culture, signifying God's active power, intervention, and authority, whether in blessing or judgment. This idiom underscored Yahweh's direct involvement in their covenant history. The sharp distinction drawn between "servants" and "enemies" reflects the ongoing tension between faithfulness to the covenant and rebellion against God, a theme central to Israel's historical and theological self-understanding.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout the book of Isaiah. The theme of **Divine Comfort and Restoration** is paramount, as the promised joy and flourishing represent the ultimate expression of God's solace for His afflicted people, echoing earlier promises of comfort in [Isaiah 40:1-2](/isaiah/40-1-2 "Isaiah 40:1-2 - Comfort for God's People"). It also highlights **God's Sovereignty and Justice**, demonstrating His absolute control over human destiny and His unwavering commitment to righteous judgment. The stark contrast between the fate of His "servants" and His "enemies" underscores the theme of **Distinction and Vindication**, where the faithful are clearly set apart for blessing, while the rebellious face His wrath. This final vision of joy for the righteous and indignation for the wicked brings to a climactic close Isaiah's grand narrative of judgment and salvation, culminating in God's glorious presence among His people in a renewed creation, a vision anticipated in passages like [Isaiah 65:17-19](/isaiah/65-17-19 "Isaiah 65:17-19 - New Heavens and New Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rejoice (Hebrew, _sûws'_):** From H7797, this primitive root signifies being bright, cheerful, or glad, and to make mirth. It denotes a profound, inner delight and exultation that permeates one's entire being, transcending superficial happiness. In this context, it describes the deep, holistic joy that will fill the hearts of God's people upon witnessing His redemptive and vindicating acts.
* **flourish (Hebrew, _pârach'_):** From H6524, this primitive root means to break forth as a bud, to bloom, or to spread. It carries the vivid imagery of new growth, vitality, and vigorous expansion, often associated with plants bursting into life. When applied to "bones" (H6106, _ʻetsem_, representing the body's strength and substance), it powerfully conveys a complete, physical, and spiritual rejuvenation, a miraculous return to robust health and vigor after a period of decline or suffering.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, this primitive word refers to the open hand, indicating power, means, and direction. It is a pervasive biblical idiom for God's active presence, intervention, and authority. Here, "the hand of the LORD" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_) signifies His benevolent, protective, and demonstrably powerful action on behalf of His servants (H5650, _ʻebed_).
* **indignation (Hebrew, _zâʻam'_):** From H2194, this primitive root literally means to foam at the mouth, signifying being enraged, abhorring, or having strong displeasure. It denotes intense divine wrath, fury, and righteous judgment against sin and rebellion. Its use here highlights the severity and certainty of God's just recompense against those who oppose Him (H341, _ʼôyêb_).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when ye see this,"**: This opening clause establishes the condition for the promised outcomes. "This" refers to the comprehensive fulfillment of God's promises and prophecies outlined in the preceding verses and chapters of Isaiah—His ultimate judgment on the wicked, His return to Zion, the gathering of all nations, and the establishment of a new creation. The act of "seeing" (H7200, _râʼâh_) implies not merely observation but a full realization, experience, and comprehension of these divine acts.
* **"your heart shall rejoice,"**: Upon witnessing God's intervention and the unfolding of His grand plan, the inner being of His faithful servants will be filled with profound gladness. The "heart" (H3820, _lêb_) in Hebrew thought encompasses not only emotions but also the will, intellect, and the very core of one's being, indicating a complete, pervasive, and deeply rooted joy (H7797, _sûws_).
* **"and your bones shall flourish like an herb:"**: This vivid and potent imagery extends the promised joy and restoration to the physical realm, signifying a complete and holistic renewal. "Bones" (H6106, _ʻetsem_) represent the very strength, vitality, and substance of the body. To "flourish" (H6524, _pârach_) "like an herb" (H1877, _desheʼ_) depicts a miraculous bursting forth of vitality and vigor, akin to a parched landscape suddenly thriving with lush, vibrant greenery. It speaks to a deep, physical, and spiritual rejuvenation, a return to robust health and flourishing life.
* **"and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants,"**: This clause highlights the visible, undeniable, and experiential manifestation of God's active power and favor. His "hand" (H3027, _yâd_) signifies His protective, benevolent, and delivering intervention. It will be "known" (H3045, _yâdaʻ_), meaning clearly recognized, understood, and experienced, by those who serve Him (H5650, _ʻebed_), affirming His covenant faithfulness and unwavering care.
* **"and his indignation toward his enemies."**: In stark contrast to His favor for His servants, God's "indignation" (H2194, _zâʻam_), representing His righteous wrath and judgment, will be equally evident and "known" (H3045, _yâdaʻ_) toward those who oppose Him (H341, _ʼôyêb_). This demonstrates God's perfect justice and impartiality, ensuring that both His faithfulness to His people and His judgment on the rebellious are fully and unmistakably manifested.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 66:14 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message of divine justice and restoration. **Simile** is prominently used in the phrase "your bones shall flourish like an herb," creating a vivid and accessible image of complete and vibrant renewal. This comparison draws a powerful parallel between the miraculous physical and spiritual revitalization of God's people and the lush, vigorous growth of vegetation after a period of dormancy. The verse also utilizes strong **Antithesis** or **Contrast** by sharply juxtaposing God's disposition and actions towards two distinct groups: His benevolent "hand" known "toward his servants" versus "his indignation" known "toward his enemies." This stark contrast emphasizes the clarity and certainty of divine justice and the ultimate separation between the righteous and the wicked. Furthermore, the phrase "hand of the LORD" is a common **Idiom** throughout the Old Testament, representing God's active power, presence, and intervention, making His divine actions tangible and understandable to the audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 66:14 powerfully encapsulates the biblical tension between divine judgment and salvation, affirming God's unwavering commitment to His covenant. It reveals a God who is both merciful and just, ensuring that His faithful experience profound joy and holistic renewal, while those who oppose Him face His righteous wrath. This dual manifestation of God's character underscores His absolute sovereignty over history and destiny, culminating in a clear vindication of His people and a decisive triumph over evil. The verse points to a future where God's presence and power are unequivocally known, bringing ultimate comfort and flourishing to those who trust Him, and righteous recompense to those who reject Him.

* [Psalm 37:34](/psalm/37-34 "Psalm 37:34 - Hope in God's Vindication")
* [Romans 2:6-8](/romans/2-6-8 "Romans 2:6-8 - God's Impartial Judgment")
* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Sorrow or Pain")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 66:14 offers a profound wellspring of hope and a sober reminder of divine justice for believers today. In a world often marked by suffering, injustice, and spiritual weariness, the promise that our "heart shall rejoice, and our bones shall flourish like an herb" speaks to a holistic, God-given renewal that transcends present circumstances. It assures us that our ultimate destiny, for those who serve the Lord, is one of complete vitality and joy—a spiritual and physical flourishing that comes directly from His hand. This promise encourages perseverance through trials, knowing that God's active favor is profoundly "known toward his servants," providing protection, sustenance, and ultimate vindication. Conversely, the declaration of His "indignation toward his enemies" serves as a powerful call to repentance and alignment with God's will, reminding us of the serious consequences of persistent rebellion against His righteous authority. It compels us to live in a manner that reflects our identity as His servants, trusting in His perfect justice and eagerly anticipating His glorious appearing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific areas of your life (heart, body, spirit) are in need of God's "flourishing" today, and how does this verse encourage you to seek His renewal and vitality?**
* **How does understanding God's distinct disposition towards His servants and His enemies shape your view of His character and your own walk of faith and obedience?**
* **In what ways can you more fully "see" or recognize the "hand of the LORD" at work in your life and in the world around you, even amidst challenges and uncertainties?**

### FAQ
**What does "your bones shall flourish like an herb" mean?**

Answer: This vivid imagery signifies a complete and profound renewal, extending beyond mere emotional joy to include physical and spiritual revitalization. "Bones" (Hebrew _ʻetsem_) represent the core strength, vitality, and substance of the body, while "flourish like an herb" (Hebrew _pârach_ and _desheʼ_) evokes the image of dry, dormant ground bursting forth with lush, vibrant new growth. It means that God's people will experience a miraculous restoration of health, vigor, and life, a deep rejuvenation that permeates their entire being, much like the promise in [Ezekiel 37:1-14](/ezekiel/37-1-14 "Ezekiel 37:1-14 - The Valley of Dry Bones") where dry bones are brought back to life by the Spirit of God.

**How is God's "hand" being "known" different from His "indignation" being "known"?**

Answer: The "hand of the LORD" (Hebrew _yâd YHWH_) is a biblical idiom that typically signifies God's active power, intervention, and authority. When it is "known toward his servants," it implies a visible and undeniable manifestation of His benevolent, protective, and delivering power on their behalf. It speaks of His favor, blessing, and providential care. In contrast, "his indignation" (Hebrew _zâʻam_) refers to His righteous wrath, fury, and judgment. When this is "known toward his enemies," it means that His just recompense and punishment will be clearly and powerfully demonstrated against those who oppose Him. Both are manifestations of His sovereign character and actions, but one is for salvation and the other for judgment, as seen in passages like [Exodus 9:3](/exodus/9-3 "Exodus 9:3 - The Hand of the Lord on Livestock") (judgment) and [Ezra 7:9](/ezra/7-9 "Ezra 7:9 - The Good Hand of God") (favor).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 66:14 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The promise of the heart rejoicing and bones flourishing like an herb points directly to the spiritual and physical renewal offered through Christ's atoning sacrifice and glorious resurrection. He is the very source of true, abiding joy that the world cannot give or take away, as He Himself declared in [John 15:11](/john/15-11 "John 15:11 - Jesus' Joy in Us"). The "flourishing" of bones, symbolizing complete restoration and vitality, foreshadows the new life believers receive in Christ—a spiritual resurrection from death to life in the present ([Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - Made Alive with Christ")) and the future bodily resurrection promised to all who are in Him ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ the Firstfruits")). Furthermore, the "hand of the LORD" being known toward His servants is perfectly demonstrated in Jesus, who is the very embodiment of God's active grace, power, and protection for His people, upholding all things by the word of His power ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things")). Conversely, Christ's glorious return will also bring the full manifestation of God's "indignation toward his enemies," as He will judge the living and the dead, bringing righteous recompense upon those who have rejected His saving grace ([2 Thessalonians 1:7-9](/2_thessalonians/1-7-9 "2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 - Vengeance on Those Who Do Not Know God")). Thus, Isaiah 66:14 beautifully anticipates the comprehensive work of Christ, who brings ultimate joy and life to His redeemed and righteous judgment to His adversaries.

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

Zechariah 10:7

And [they of] Ephraim shall be like a mighty [man], and their heart shall rejoice as through wine: yea, their children shall see [it], and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the LORD.

Ezra 8:31

¶ Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth [day] of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.

Ezra 8:22

For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God [is] upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath [is] against all them that forsake him.

Ezra 7:9

For upon the first [day] of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first [day] of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him.

Isaiah 65:12

Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose [that] wherein I delighted not.

Isaiah 65:16

That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.

Proverbs 17:22

¶ A merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.