Isaiah 66:18

KJV

For I [know] their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory.

KJV (with Strong's)

For I know their works {H4639} and their thoughts {H4284}: it shall come {H935}, that I will gather {H6908} all nations {H1471} and tongues {H3956}; and they shall come {H935}, and see {H7200} my glory {H3519}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"For I [know] their deeds and their thoughts. "[The time] is coming when I will gather together all nations and languages. They will come and see my glory,

Berean Standard Bible

“And I, knowing their deeds and thoughts, am coming to gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see My glory.

American Standard Version

For Iknowtheir works and their thoughts: the time cometh, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and shall see my glory.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 66:18 presents a profound declaration of God's absolute omniscience and His sovereign plan to gather all humanity for a decisive encounter with His glory. The verse establishes divine knowledge of every human action and intention, setting the stage for a universal assembly of "all nations and tongues." This gathering culminates in a breathtaking revelation of God's majesty, serving as both a display of righteous judgment and a manifestation of saving power, ultimately revealing His undeniable reign over all creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 66 serves as the climactic conclusion to the entire book of Isaiah, bringing to a grand crescendo the prophet's sweeping vision of judgment and salvation. Following a stark contrast between true worship and hypocritical ritualism (Isaiah 66:1-6), and a miraculous depiction of Jerusalem's rebirth and expansion (Isaiah 66:7-14), the chapter shifts to a powerful declaration of God's impending judgment upon His adversaries (Isaiah 66:15-17). Verse 18 directly follows this pronouncement of fiery judgment, initiating a new phase of divine action: the universal gathering of humanity. This transition underscores that God's judgment is not an end in itself, but a prelude to a global revelation of His character and purposes, leading to the establishment of a new heavens and new earth where His glory is fully manifest, as prophesied in [Isaiah 65:17-19](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17-19 - New Heavens, New Earth, and Joy in Jerusalem").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written in a period likely encompassing the Babylonian exile and the return, Isaiah's prophecies often address the immediate historical circumstances of Judah while simultaneously projecting far into the eschatological future. The concept of "nations" (goyim) in the Old Testament often referred to the Gentile nations, distinct from Israel. While sometimes portrayed as enemies or objects of judgment, there were also prophetic streams envisioning their inclusion in God's redemptive plan. The idea of God "gathering" nations would have resonated with the historical experience of exile and dispersion, but here it takes on a grander, universal, and eschatological dimension, pointing to a time beyond the immediate post-exilic period. The "glory" of God (kavod) was a central concept in Israelite theology, often associated with the Shekinah presence in the Tabernacle and Temple, symbolizing His weighty presence, power, and majesty. The promise that "all nations" would "see my glory" would have been a radical departure from the common understanding of God's localized presence, expanding His revelation to a global scale.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major themes woven throughout Isaiah. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Omniscience and Sovereignty**, emphasizing God's complete knowledge of human hearts and deeds, which undergirds His righteous judgment and sovereign control over history. Secondly, it powerfully articulates the **Universal Scope of God's Plan**, moving beyond Israel to encompass "all nations and tongues," a theme echoed in other prophetic passages like [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - All Nations Flow to Zion") where all peoples stream to Jerusalem to learn God's ways. Thirdly, the verse culminates in the **Revelation of God's Glory**, portraying a future where God's majesty is undeniably displayed to all humanity. This theme of divine self-manifestation is central to Isaiah's vision of God's ultimate triumph and the establishment of His kingdom, where the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea, as described in [Isaiah 11:9](/isaiah/11-9 "Isaiah 11:9 - The Knowledge of the Lord Covering the Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Works (Hebrew, _maʻăseh'_):** This term refers to an action, deed, or transaction, encompassing both good and bad acts. It can also imply a product or activity. In this context, it signifies the outward manifestations of human will and character. God's knowledge of "works" implies a comprehensive understanding of all human conduct, whether public or private, righteous or rebellious.
* **Thoughts (Hebrew, _machăshâbâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to contrive" or "to plan," this word denotes intention, plan, or device, whether for good or ill. It penetrates beyond mere external actions to the internal machinations of the human mind and heart. God's knowledge of "thoughts" emphasizes His omniscience, His ability to discern the deepest motivations and hidden purposes of humanity, leaving nothing concealed from His gaze.
* **Glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** Primarily meaning "weight" or "heaviness," this word figuratively conveys splendor, honor, majesty, and copiousness. It describes the tangible manifestation of God's inherent greatness, power, and divine presence. When nations "see my glory," it signifies a profound, undeniable encounter with the visible and experiential manifestation of God's awe-inspiring majesty, which will elicit either worship or terror.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I know their works and their thoughts:"** This opening clause establishes God's absolute omniscience. The divine "I know" (Hebrew: *yada'*) implies an intimate, experiential, and complete understanding, not merely intellectual awareness. God possesses full discernment of both humanity's external actions ("works") and their internal motivations and intentions ("thoughts"). This foundational statement underscores His perfect justice and the basis for all subsequent divine action, as nothing is hidden from Him.
* **"it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues;"** This is a prophetic declaration of a future, divinely initiated event. The phrase "it shall come" emphasizes the certainty and inevitability of this occurrence. God Himself, in His sovereign power, declares His intention to "gather" (Hebrew: *qâbats*, to collect or assemble) every single people group on earth. The dual phrase "nations" (goyim, referring to ethnic groups or peoples) and "tongues" (lashonot, referring to language groups) highlights the comprehensive and universal scope of this gathering, encompassing the entirety of humanity without exception.
* **"and they shall come, and see my glory."** This clause reveals the ultimate purpose and climax of the universal gathering. The gathered peoples "shall come" (Hebrew: *bôwʼ*, to arrive or enter) to a specific place or moment. The culmination is that they will "see" (Hebrew: *râʼâh*, to perceive, behold, or experience) God's "glory" (kavod, His manifest presence, splendor, and majesty). This "seeing" is not merely passive observation but a profound, undeniable encounter with the divine, which will either lead to worship and submission or to judgment and terror, depending on the heart's posture.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 66:18 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Omniscience** is immediately established through God's declaration, "I know their works and their thoughts," setting a tone of divine authority and comprehensive understanding. This is followed by a dramatic shift to **Universalism**, as God proclaims His intent to "gather all nations and tongues," emphasizing the global scope of His redemptive and judicial plans, transcending the boundaries of Israel. The verse culminates in a powerful **Theophany**, where all humanity will "see my glory." This anticipated revelation of God's **Glory** (kavod) is a central motif in Isaiah, often associated with overwhelming power and majesty. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** between humanity's hidden works and thoughts and God's openly revealed glory, highlighting the ultimate transparency before the divine. The entire verse functions as a **Prophecy**, foretelling a future, decisive event in salvation history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 66:18 stands as a monumental declaration of God's ultimate sovereignty over all creation, His perfect knowledge of humanity, and His unwavering commitment to reveal His glory universally. It underscores that God's plan is not limited to one nation but encompasses all peoples, drawing them into a final, undeniable encounter with His majesty. This eschatological vision speaks to the culmination of history, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess His Lordship, whether in worship or in judgment. The verse bridges the themes of divine judgment and ultimate salvation, showing that even the gathering for judgment serves the larger purpose of displaying God's glory to a world that has largely rejected Him. It anticipates a time when the truth of God's character and power will be undeniably manifest to all, leaving no room for ignorance or denial.

* [Psalm 139:1-4](/psalm/139-1 "Psalm 139:1-4 - God's Omniscient Knowledge")
* [Zechariah 8:20-23](/zechariah/8-20 "Zechariah 8:20-23 - Many Nations Seek the Lord")
* [Revelation 15:4](/revelation/15-4 "Revelation 15:4 - All Nations Worship God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 66:18 offers a profound mirror for self-examination and a powerful lens through which to view God's global purposes. The opening declaration, "For I know their works and their thoughts," serves as a sobering reminder of our absolute transparency before God. There is no hidden motive, no secret deed, no unspoken thought that escapes His all-seeing gaze. This truth should cultivate a deep sense of integrity and authenticity in our private and public lives, prompting us to align our inner intentions with our outward actions, striving to live in a manner pleasing to Him. Simultaneously, the promise that God "will gather all nations and tongues" to "see my glory" ignites a fervent hope and fuels our participation in His global mission. It reminds us that God's heart beats for every people group, every language, every culture. This vision compels us to pray for, support, and engage in the spread of the Gospel to the ends of the earth, knowing that His ultimate plan involves the salvation and worship of people from every tribe and nation. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, anticipating the glorious day when God's majesty will be undeniably revealed to all, bringing an end to all injustice and ushering in His perfect reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the knowledge that God "knows my works and my thoughts" impact my daily decisions and inner life?**
* **In what ways can I actively participate in God's mission to "gather all nations and tongues" to see His glory?**
* **How does anticipating the universal revelation of God's glory shape my hope and perseverance in the face of present challenges?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that God "knows their works and their thoughts"?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes God's absolute omniscience, meaning He has complete, intimate, and experiential knowledge of every human being. "Works" refers to all outward actions, deeds, and behaviors, whether good or bad. "Thoughts" delves deeper, referring to inner intentions, plans, motivations, and the hidden machinations of the heart and mind. Nothing is concealed from God; He sees and understands not just what we do, but why we do it, and what we contemplate even before it becomes an action. This divine knowledge forms the basis for His righteous judgment and sovereign dealings with humanity, as highlighted in passages like [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things Open Before God").

**How will God "gather all nations and tongues"?**

Answer: This refers to a future, eschatological event where God, in His sovereign power, will assemble all peoples from every ethnic and linguistic group. The exact manner of this gathering is debated among scholars, but it is universally understood as a pivotal moment in salvation history. It could refer to a gathering for final judgment, a drawing of all peoples to worship Him, or a combination of both. Prophetic texts often speak of a time when all nations will come to Jerusalem to worship the Lord, as seen in [Zechariah 14:16](/zechariah/14-16 "Zechariah 14:16 - Nations Go Up to Worship the King"). Ultimately, it signifies a global, undeniable manifestation of God's authority and presence.

**What does it mean for "all nations" to "see my glory"?**

Answer: To "see my glory" means to witness a profound, undeniable manifestation of God's majesty, power, and inherent splendor. In the Old Testament, God's glory (Hebrew: *kavod*) was often associated with visible displays of His presence, like the cloud in the wilderness or the Shekinah in the Temple. In the context of Isaiah 66:18, it implies a universal revelation of God's character and reign that will leave no one untouched or unaware. For those who have rejected Him, it will be a terrifying display of His righteous judgment; for those who have trusted Him, it will be a glorious unveiling of His saving power and ultimate triumph, leading to worship and eternal joy, echoing the vision in [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation Worships").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 66:18 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The declaration that God "knows their works and their thoughts" is perfectly embodied in Jesus, who demonstrated divine omniscience throughout His earthly ministry, knowing the thoughts of those around Him (e.g., [Matthew 9:4](/matthew/9-4 "Matthew 9:4 - Jesus Knew Their Thoughts")). More significantly, the prophecy of God gathering "all nations and tongues" to "see my glory" is directly fulfilled through Christ's redemptive work and the subsequent global mission of the Church. Jesus Himself commissioned His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), breaking down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile through His cross ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Broke Down the Wall")). The "glory" that all nations will see is preeminently the glory of God revealed in the face of Jesus Christ, the "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). Ultimately, at His second coming, every eye will see Him, and He will gather His elect from every nation, fulfilling this universal vision ([Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Will See Him"); [Matthew 24:31](/matthew/24-31 "Matthew 24:31 - Gathering the Elect")). Thus, Isaiah 66:18 powerfully anticipates the global reach of the Gospel and the climactic revelation of God's glory in and through His Son, Jesus Christ, who will reign over all peoples.

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 86:9

All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.

Revelation 11:15

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Isaiah 2:2

And it shall come to pass in the last days, [that] the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

Isaiah 37:28

But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against me.

Psalms 67:2

That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.

Isaiah 66:10

Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her:

Revelation 2:9

I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and [I know] the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but [are] the synagogue of Satan.