Isaiah 66:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

They that sanctify {H6942} themselves, and purify {H2891} themselves in the gardens {H1593} behind {H310} one {H259} tree in the midst {H8432}, eating {H398} swine's {H2386} flesh {H1320}, and the abomination {H8263}, and the mouse {H5909}, shall be consumed {H5486} together {H3162}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Those who consecrate and purify themselves in order to enter the gardens, then follow the one who was already there, eating pig meat, reptiles and mice, will all be destroyed together," says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

“Those who consecrate and purify themselves to enter the groves—to follow one in the center of those who eat the flesh of swine and vermin and rats—will perish together,” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

They that sanctify themselves and purify themselves to go unto the gardens, behind one in the midst, eating swine’s flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, they shall come to an end together, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 66:17 delivers a stark and climactic prophecy of divine judgment against those who engage in profound spiritual hypocrisy and syncretism. It condemns individuals who perform self-initiated purification rituals in pagan settings, while simultaneously consuming foods explicitly forbidden by God's law and partaking in practices deemed abominable. The verse powerfully exposes the futility of outward religious acts when the heart is deeply defiled by rebellion and a blatant disregard for God's holiness, culminating in a declaration that such individuals will face collective and utter destruction from the sovereign LORD.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a potent and climactic pronouncement within Isaiah 66, the concluding chapter of the prophet's monumental work. Chapter 66 functions as a grand finale, sharply contrasting God's favor upon the humble and contrite with His severe judgment against the rebellious and hypocritical. Following passages that describe God's true dwelling place and His regard for those who tremble at His word, as seen in [Isaiah 66:1-2](/isaiah/66-1-2 "Isaiah 66:1-2 - God's Dwelling and Regard for the Humble"), this verse intensifies the focus on those who pervert true worship through syncretism and disobedience. It sets the stage for the ultimate separation between the righteous and the wicked in God's coming kingdom, echoing earlier warnings against empty ritualism and false piety found throughout the book of [Isaiah](/isaiah/1 "The Book of Isaiah - Prophecies of Judgment and Salvation"). The immediate verses prior (Isaiah 66:15-16) speak of God coming with fire and chariots to execute judgment, making verse 17 a specific application of this impending wrath.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practices condemned in Isaiah 66:17 reflect persistent challenges faced by ancient Israel: the pervasive temptation to blend the worship of Yahweh with the idolatrous customs of surrounding Canaanite and other pagan cultures. "Gardens" and "trees" were common sites for pagan fertility cults and illicit worship, often involving rituals deemed abominable by the Mosaic Law, as explicitly forbidden in [Deuteronomy 12:2-4](/deuteronomy/12-2-4 "Deuteronomy 12:2-4 - Destroying Pagan Places of Worship"). The consumption of "swine's flesh" and "mouse" directly violated the clear dietary laws established in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals"), which served not only hygienic purposes but primarily as markers of Israel's covenant identity, signifying their separation as a holy people unto the Lord. These acts were not accidental transgressions but deliberate choices to assimilate pagan practices, demonstrating a profound spiritual rebellion and a rejection of their unique covenant relationship with God.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 66:17 powerfully contributes to several pervasive themes found throughout Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. It underscores the theme of **true versus false worship**, highlighting that God values genuine obedience and a pure heart over superficial rituals and outward displays of piety. The verse exposes the insidious dangers of **hypocrisy and syncretism**, where outward acts of "sanctification" are nullified and indeed condemned by inward defilement and adherence to forbidden practices. Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **divine judgment**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His own holiness and justice, and His resolute determination to consume those who persistently engage in spiritual rebellion. This impending judgment is a consistent warning throughout Isaiah, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 1:10-17](/isaiah/1-10-17 "Isaiah 1:10-17 - True Worship vs. Empty Rituals") where God expresses His disdain for empty sacrifices.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sanctify (Hebrew, _qâdash'_):** From H6942, meaning "to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally); appoint, bid, consecrate, dedicate, defile, hallow, (be, keep) holy(-er, place), keep, prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify(-ied one, self), [idiom] wholly." The reflexive form of the verb (H6942 with H8693) emphasizes that these individuals were *self-initiating* acts of purification. This self-sanctification, however, was not in accordance with God's law but was likely part of pagan rites or a hypocritical attempt to appear righteous while engaging in detestable practices, thus perverting the very concept of holiness.
* **gardens (Hebrew, _gannâh'_):** From H1593, feminine of `gan`, meaning "a garden." In this context, these are not innocent horticultural spaces but specific locations for illicit, idolatrous worship. Often, pagan cults utilized groves or "high places" for their rituals, which frequently involved fertility rites, cultic prostitution, and the worship of false gods. The mention of "gardens" here immediately signals a setting of spiritual compromise and forbidden practices, directly opposing the pure and exclusive worship God commanded for His people.
* **abomination (Hebrew, _sheqets'_):** From H8263, meaning "filth, i.e. (figuratively and specifically) an idolatrous object; abominable(-tion)." This is a very strong and damning term in the Old Testament, consistently used to describe things utterly detestable to God, particularly in the context of idolatry, unclean practices, or forbidden foods. Its inclusion here underscores the severe nature of the offenses committed by these individuals, indicating that their actions were not merely minor transgressions but deeply offensive acts of spiritual defilement that provoked divine wrath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves":** This initial phrase describes individuals who undertake rituals of self-purification. The reflexive verbs suggest a deliberate, self-willed effort to achieve a state of cleanness or holiness. However, the subsequent context immediately reveals the profound hypocrisy and perversion of these acts, as they are performed in a manner utterly contrary to God's commands and true holiness. Their "sanctification" is a human-centered, defiled attempt at righteousness.
* **"in the gardens behind one [tree] in the midst":** This clause specifies the illicit and idolatrous location of their "purification." "Gardens" and "trees" were notorious sites for pagan worship, often associated with fertility cults and idolatrous practices. The phrase "behind one tree in the midst" could refer to a central cult object, an idol, an Asherah pole, or a specific sacred tree, signifying a focal point for their detestable rituals. This detail vividly highlights their syncretistic worship, mixing outward acts of piety with deep-seated paganism and a blatant disregard for God's explicit prohibitions.
* **"eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse":** This part of the verse details their specific acts of defilement and rebellion. The consumption of "swine's flesh" and "mouse" directly violates the Mosaic dietary laws outlined in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals"), which designated these animals as unclean and forbidden. "The abomination" (H8263, _sheqets_) is a broader term for anything utterly detestable to God, especially idolatrous objects or practices. This comprehensive list emphasizes their blatant disregard for God's covenant and their willingness to partake in practices associated with paganism, demonstrating a complete spiritual compromise.
* **"shall be consumed together, saith the LORD":** This is the authoritative divine pronouncement of judgment. The verb "consumed" (H5486, _çûwph_) implies utter destruction, termination, or being brought to an end. "Together" (H3162, _yachad_) indicates a collective fate, signifying that all who participate in such spiritual rebellion and defilement will face God's wrath, without exception. The concluding phrase, "saith the LORD" (H5002, _nᵉʼum_ H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), serves as an authoritative divine declaration, underscoring the certainty, solemnity, and unchangeable nature of the impending judgment from the sovereign God of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 66:17 is rich in literary devices that powerfully amplify its message of condemnation and divine judgment. **Irony** is central, as those who claim to "sanctify themselves, and purify themselves" are simultaneously engaging in the most defiling acts imaginable to a holy God. This stark juxtaposition highlights their profound spiritual hypocrisy and the perversion of true holiness. The vivid **imagery** of "gardens behind one [tree] in the midst" immediately conjures a picture of illicit pagan worship sites, creating a strong visual contrast with the purity and exclusive devotion God demands. The explicit listing of forbidden items—"swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse"—functions as a powerful **enumeration**, emphasizing the comprehensive and deliberate nature of their defilement and their utter disregard for God's law. Finally, the concluding phrase, "shall be consumed together, saith the LORD," serves as a definitive **pronouncement of judgment**, delivered with the authoritative weight of divine decree, leaving no doubt about the severe and certain consequences awaiting those who persist in such rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse offers profound theological insights into the nature of true holiness, the gravity of spiritual compromise, and the certainty of divine judgment. It unequivocally asserts that God is not swayed by outward religious performance or self-initiated rituals if the heart is disobedient and entangled in practices He has explicitly forbidden. The "sanctification" described here is a perversion, a ritualistic facade that masks deep-seated idolatry and contempt for God's law. This passage forcefully reiterates the consistent biblical truth that God demands genuine, wholehearted devotion and a radical separation from anything that defiles, whether it be overt pagan practices or a subtle disregard for His revealed will. The severe judgment pronounced underscores God's unwavering commitment to His own holiness and justice, demonstrating that He will not tolerate syncretism or hypocrisy within His covenant people.

* [Deuteronomy 12:2-4](/deuteronomy/12-2-4 "Deuteronomy 12:2-4 - Destroying Pagan Places of Worship")
* [Leviticus 11:7-8](/leviticus/11-7-8 "Leviticus 11:7-8 - Unclean Animals: Swine")
* [Psalm 51:16-17](/psalm/51-16-17 "Psalm 51:16-17 - God Desires a Broken Spirit, Not Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 66:17 stands as a timeless and sobering warning against the insidious dangers of religious hypocrisy and spiritual syncretism. For contemporary believers, it compels us to deeply examine the authenticity of our faith and the integrity of our walk with God. Are our spiritual disciplines, acts of worship, and outward expressions of piety truly rooted in a genuine, obedient heart, or are they merely superficial rituals performed alongside compromises with worldly values and practices? This verse issues a profound call to radical commitment to God's holiness, urging us to identify and ruthlessly remove any "gardens" or "unclean foods" in our lives—anything that subtly or overtly defiles our walk with Christ, dilutes our devotion to Him, or contradicts His Word. It serves as a potent reminder that God desires truth in the inward parts and a life wholly set apart for His glory, not a blend of Christian profession with cultural norms or personal desires that are contrary to His divine will. Our worship must be in spirit and truth, reflecting a transformed life that genuinely honors Him in every aspect, recognizing that true purity comes from God, not from self-effort.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be engaging in "self-sanctification" or outward religious performance without true inward devotion to God?**
* **Are there "gardens" or "unclean foods"—practices, attitudes, or influences—in my life that subtly or overtly compromise my commitment to Christ?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of genuine obedience and purity that aligns with God's desires, rather than merely adhering to outward rituals?**

### FAQ

**What does "behind one [tree] in the midst" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase strongly suggests specific cultic sites or objects used in pagan worship. In the ancient Near East, sacred groves, high places, or prominent trees often served as focal points for idolatrous rituals, including fertility rites, child sacrifice, and other forbidden practices. The "one tree in the midst" could denote a central idol, an Asherah pole (a pagan cult object representing a goddess), or a specific tree considered sacred to a false deity. By engaging in "sanctification" in such locations, the people were attempting to blend Yahweh worship with paganism, which was an abomination to the Lord. This detail underscores the syncretistic nature of their defilement, contrasting sharply with the pure and exclusive worship God commanded at His temple and in accordance with His Law.

**Why are "swine's flesh" and "mouse" specifically mentioned as unclean?**

Answer: The mention of "swine's flesh" and "mouse" directly references the dietary laws given in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals"), where these animals are explicitly listed as unclean and forbidden for consumption by Israelites. These dietary laws were not merely about hygiene but served a profound theological purpose: to distinguish Israel as a holy people set apart for God, separate from the surrounding pagan nations. Eating these forbidden foods was a blatant act of disobedience and a symbolic rejection of their covenant identity and God's commands. Furthermore, some pagan cults were known to consume such animals in their rituals, making the act even more detestable as a sign of assimilation into idolatry and a defiance of God's holiness.

**Does this verse imply that outward rituals are always bad?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that outward rituals are inherently bad. God Himself instituted numerous rituals, sacrifices, and ceremonial laws in the Mosaic Law as means of worship, atonement, and instruction for His people. The issue here is the *heart* behind the rituals and the *context* in which they are performed. Isaiah 66:17 condemns rituals that are self-initiated, hypocritical, or performed in conjunction with idolatrous and defiling practices. The problem arises when outward acts of "sanctification" become a cover for spiritual rebellion or are blended with practices contrary to God's revealed will. True worship requires both inward purity and outward obedience that aligns with God's commands, as emphasized throughout the prophetic literature (e.g., [Isaiah 1:11-17](/isaiah/1-11-17 "Isaiah 1:11-17 - God's Displeasure with Empty Rituals") and [Amos 5:21-24](/amos/5-21-24 "Amos 5:21-24 - God Desires Justice, Not Empty Worship")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 66:17 directly condemns the syncretistic and defiling practices of ancient Israel, it finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in its revelation of true purity and the ultimate judgment against all unholiness. The self-initiated "sanctification" described in the verse stands in stark contrast to the genuine sanctification and purification offered exclusively through Christ. No amount of human effort, ritualistic performance, or outward show, especially when mixed with sin and idolatry, can truly cleanse a person from their spiritual defilement. Instead, the New Testament proclaims that true cleansing comes through the atoning sacrifice of [Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose precious blood "cleanses us from all sin" ([1_john/1-7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). The judgment pronounced in Isaiah 66:17 foreshadows the ultimate divine judgment against all who reject God's gracious provision for holiness and persist in rebellion. Christ, however, bore that judgment on the cross, offering a path to reconciliation and true spiritual purity for all who believe and are found "in Christ Jesus," where there is "no condemnation" ([romans/8-1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Furthermore, the call to separation from defiling practices finds its ultimate expression in the believer's call to be set apart for Christ, living as new creations who have been purified by Him and are called to walk in holiness, no longer conforming to the patterns of this world but being transformed by the renewing of their minds ([romans/12-2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind") and [2_corinthians/5-17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in 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

Isaiah 65:3

A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick;

Isaiah 65:4

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

Deuteronomy 14:3

Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.

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.

Isaiah 1:28

And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners [shall be] together, and they that forsake the LORD shall be consumed.

Isaiah 1:29

For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which ye have desired, and ye shall be confounded for the gardens that ye have chosen.

Leviticus 11:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, These [are] the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that [are] on the earth.