Isaiah 66:2

KJV

For all those [things] hath mine hand made, and all those [things] have been, saith the LORD: but to this [man] will I look, [even] to [him that is] poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

KJV (with Strong's)

For all those things hath mine hand {H3027} made {H6213}, and all those things have been, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}: but to this man will I look {H5027}, even to him that is poor {H6041} and of a contrite {H5223} spirit {H7307}, and trembleth {H2730} at my word {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Didn't I myself make all these things? This is how they all came to be," says ADONAI. "The kind of person on whom I look with favor is one with a poor and humble spirit, who trembles at my word.

Berean Standard Bible

Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.

American Standard Version

For all these things hath my hand made, and so all these things came to be, saith Jehovah: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at my word.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 66:2 presents a profound and climactic declaration from the LORD, asserting His absolute sovereignty as the Creator and Sustainer of the cosmos. Against this backdrop of infinite might, God reveals a surprising and counter-intuitive truth: His divine gaze and favor are specifically directed not towards the outwardly powerful or religiously self-sufficient, but towards those who are spiritually humble, broken over their sin, and who approach His authoritative word with reverent awe and obedience. This verse serves as a powerful summary of true worship and the internal posture God truly desires from His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 66:2 stands as a pivotal statement near the very end of the book of Isaiah, serving as a concluding summary of God's ultimate priorities for His people. The preceding verse, [Isaiah 66:1](/isaiah/66-1 "Isaiah 66:1 - God's Dwelling Place and Throne"), directly challenges the notion that God can be contained within human-built structures, asking, "Where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?" This sets up a profound contrast between human attempts to confine or impress God through physical temples and sacrifices, and God's true desire for a particular kind of heart. The chapter as a whole critiques superficial religiosity and self-righteousness, contrasting it with genuine devotion and the promise of a new creation for those who are faithful. The verse immediately following, [Isaiah 66:3](/isaiah/66-3 "Isaiah 66:3 - Abominable Sacrifices and Hypocrisy"), further condemns those whose outward religious acts are devoid of a right heart, emphasizing that God detests hypocrisy. Thus, [Isaiah 66:2](/isaiah/66-2 "Isaiah 66:2 - God's Regard for the Humble") functions as the divine standard against which all worship and human disposition are measured.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy is delivered in a post-exilic context, or at least anticipates it, where the Jewish people have returned from Babylon and are engaged in rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. There was a strong emphasis on restoring the physical structures of worship and re-establishing the sacrificial system. However, a danger existed that the people might place their trust in the external rituals and the physical temple itself, rather than in the God whom these things were meant to honor. The cultural understanding of worship often involved grand displays, impressive buildings, and elaborate sacrifices. Isaiah's message here cuts through this outward focus, reminding the people that God is not impressed by human grandeur or material offerings alone. Instead, He seeks an internal disposition of humility and reverence, challenging the prevailing cultural tendency to equate religious piety with external performance. This emphasis on the heart over mere ritual was a recurring prophetic theme, as seen in earlier prophets like [Amos](/amos/5 "Amos 5 - Seek the Lord and Live") and [Hosea](/hosea/6 "Hosea 6 - Steadfast Love, Not Sacrifice").
* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several major theological themes prevalent throughout Isaiah and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it powerfully reiterates God's **sovereignty and omnipotence** as the sole Creator and Sustainer of the universe, a theme foundational to Isaiah's message of God's ultimate control over history and nations (e.g., [Isaiah 40:28](/isaiah/40-28 "Isaiah 40:28 - The Everlasting God")). Secondly, it introduces the theme of **divine favor for humility**, contrasting God's infinite power with His specific regard for the "poor and contrite in spirit." This spiritual poverty is not a lack of material wealth, but a recognition of one's utter dependence on God and a brokenness over sin, a concept echoed in passages like [Psalm 34:18](/psalms/34-18 "Psalm 34:18 - The Lord is Near to the Brokenhearted")). Finally, the verse highlights the critical theme of **reverence and obedience to God's Word**. To "tremble at my word" signifies a profound awe and respect for divine revelation, leading to diligent adherence and submission, which is a hallmark of true wisdom and piety throughout Scripture (e.g., [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **look (Hebrew, _nâbaṭ'_):** From H5027, this word means "to scan, i.e. look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care." It signifies more than a casual glance; it implies a focused, intentional gaze that carries with it an attitude of positive regard, approval, and compassionate attention. God's "looking" upon the humble is an act of divine favor and intimate concern, a deliberate turning of His attention towards them.
* **poor (Hebrew, _ʻânîy'_):** From H6041, meaning "depressed, in mind or circumstances; afflicted, humble, lowly, needy." While it can refer to material poverty, in this context, especially when paired with "contrite spirit," it primarily denotes spiritual humility and lowliness. It describes one who recognizes their spiritual destitution, their lack of inherent merit, and their complete dependence on God's grace, rather than relying on their own strength or righteousness.
* **trembleth (Hebrew, _chârêd'_):** From H2730, meaning "fearful; also reverential; afraid, trembling." This term describes a profound and holy awe, a reverential fear that is not born of terror, but of deep respect and submission to God's authority and His word. It implies a seriousness about divine truth that leads to careful obedience and a sensitivity to God's commands, recognizing the weighty implications of His spoken revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For all those [things] hath mine hand made, and all those [things] have been, saith the LORD:"** This opening clause establishes God's absolute sovereignty and omnipotence. The phrase "mine hand made" (H3027, H6213) emphasizes God's direct, personal, and powerful involvement in creation. "All those things" refers to the entire cosmos, the heavens and the earth, and everything within them, as implied by the preceding verse's discussion of God's dwelling. The declaration "saith the LORD" (H5002, H3068) underscores the divine authority and unchangeable truth of this statement, setting the foundational premise for what follows: because God is the supreme Creator, He has the ultimate prerogative to determine what truly matters to Him.
* **"but to this [man] will I look,"** This clause introduces a stark contrast ("but") to the preceding declaration of God's universal creative power. Despite His infinite capacity and dominion over all creation, God specifies a particular object of His divine gaze and favor. The word "look" (H5027) signifies a deliberate, attentive, and favorable regard. It implies that God actively seeks out and directs His attention towards a specific type of individual, highlighting His discerning and purposeful interaction with humanity.
* **"[even] to [him that is] poor and of a contrite spirit,"** Here, the first two characteristics of the favored individual are described. "Poor" (H6041) in this spiritual sense means humble, lowly, and recognizing one's spiritual neediness and dependence on God. "Contrite spirit" (H5223, H7307) refers to a spirit that is "smitten" or "crushed," indicating a heart broken over sin, repentant, and devoid of self-righteousness. This describes an inner disposition of humility and penitence, acknowledging one's unworthiness before a holy God and relying solely on His mercy.
* **"and trembleth at my word."** This final characteristic completes the description of the person upon whom God will "look." "Trembleth" (H2730) signifies a profound reverence and awe for God's spoken word (H1697). It is not a fear of terror, but a holy respect that leads to careful attention, submission, and obedience to divine instruction. This indicates a serious regard for the authority and truth of God's revelation, demonstrating a heart that values and submits to what God has spoken above all else.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 66:2 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is the most prominent, setting God's infinite power as the Creator of "all things" against His specific, intimate focus on the humble individual. This juxtaposition emphasizes that God's favor is not based on human achievement or external grandeur, but on an internal spiritual state. **Anthropomorphism** is present in the phrase "mine hand made" and "will I look," attributing human-like actions (making with a hand, looking) to God to make His creative power and discerning attention relatable to human understanding. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism** in its description of the favored individual, presenting a threefold characteristic: "poor," "contrite spirit," and "trembleth at my word." These phrases, while distinct, are conceptually aligned, reinforcing the multifaceted nature of true humility and reverence. The very structure of the verse, moving from a universal declaration to a specific, counter-intuitive focus, creates a sense of **Emphasis** on the qualities God truly values.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 66:2 provides a crucial theological statement about the nature of true worship and the character of God. It asserts that while God is utterly transcendent and the sovereign Creator of all, His immanent attention and favor are directed not towards those who seek to impress Him with outward displays or self-righteousness, but towards those who embody humility, brokenness over sin, and a reverent submission to His word. This challenges any notion of earning God's favor through human effort or external performance, redirecting the focus to the internal disposition of the heart. It reveals a God who values authentic spiritual posture over ritualistic adherence, setting a standard for relationship with Him that transcends cultural or religious norms.

* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - The Sacrifices of God are a Broken Spirit")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What Does the Lord Require?")
* [Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 66:2 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting us to critically examine the true nature of our relationship with God. In a world often driven by external metrics of success, power, and outward appearance, this verse powerfully reminds us that God's priorities are profoundly different. He is not impressed by our accomplishments, our material wealth, or even our religious activities if they are not rooted in a humble and contrite heart. To be "poor in spirit" means recognizing our utter spiritual bankruptcy apart from God's grace, acknowledging our sinfulness, and shedding any pretense of self-sufficiency. To have a "contrite spirit" is to be genuinely grieved by our sin and to turn to God in repentance. And to "tremble at His word" means to approach Scripture not as a mere text, but as the living, authoritative voice of the Almighty, worthy of our deepest reverence, careful study, and unwavering obedience. This verse calls us to cultivate an inner posture of humility, dependence, and awe, understanding that it is this heart-condition that truly opens us to God's favor and transforming presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to rely on my own strength or outward performance rather than cultivating a spirit of humility and dependence on God?**
* **What does it truly mean for my spirit to be "contrite" before God, and how can I foster this brokenness over sin in my daily life?**
* **How seriously do I take God's Word, and what does it look like for me to "tremble" at it in a way that leads to obedience and reverence?**
* **How might my understanding of worship change if I prioritize the internal state of my heart as described in this verse, rather than focusing solely on external religious acts?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to be "poor and of a contrite spirit"?**

Answer: To be "poor" in this context (Hebrew: _ʻânîy_) refers not primarily to material poverty, but to a spiritual lowliness and humility. It describes someone who recognizes their utter spiritual neediness and dependence on God, acknowledging that they have nothing to offer Him of their own merit. A "contrite spirit" (Hebrew: _nâkeh rûwach_) means a spirit that is "smitten" or "crushed." This signifies a heart that is broken over its own sinfulness, deeply repentant, and devoid of pride or self-righteousness. It's a heart that has been humbled by the recognition of God's holiness and its own unworthiness, leading to a sincere desire for God's mercy and grace. This concept is beautifully echoed in [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - The Sacrifices of God are a Broken Spirit"), where God declares He will not despise a "broken and contrite heart."

**Why does God "look" upon such a person, given His omnipotence?**

Answer: The verse highlights a profound paradox of God's character. While God's hand has made "all things" (referring to His infinite power and universal dominion as Creator), His divine gaze and favor are specifically directed towards the humble. The word "look" (Hebrew: _nâbaṭ_) implies a deliberate, attentive, and favorable regard. God's omnipotence means He could choose to be impressed by power, wealth, or human achievements, but He chooses to value humility and brokenness. This demonstrates that God's priorities are fundamentally different from human priorities. He seeks a genuine, internal disposition of dependence and reverence, rather than outward displays or self-sufficiency, because true relationship with Him is founded on acknowledging His sovereignty and our need for Him. This preference is consistent throughout Scripture, as seen in passages like [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud") which states, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 66:2 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. The "man" to whom God looks, the one who is "poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word," perfectly describes the very essence of Christ's own life and the disposition He calls His followers to embody. Jesus, though God incarnate, emptied Himself and took on the form of a servant, demonstrating ultimate humility ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). He declared, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" ([Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit")), echoing Isaiah's prophecy and establishing humility as the foundational characteristic of those who enter God's kingdom. Furthermore, Jesus consistently lived in perfect submission and reverence for His Father's word, stating, "I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me" ([John 8:28](/john/8-28 "John 8:28 - Jesus Speaks What He Hears from the Father")). He perfectly embodied the one who "trembleth at my word," not in fear of judgment, but in perfect obedience and devotion. Therefore, those who are "in Christ" are called to share in this same spirit of humility, brokenness over sin, and reverent obedience to God's word, thereby becoming the very people upon whom God delights to look. Through Christ, the seemingly impossible standard of [Isaiah 66:2](/isaiah/66-2 "Isaiah 66:2 - God's Regard for the Humble") becomes attainable for all who believe, as His Spirit empowers believers to live out this counter-cultural posture of dependence and reverence.

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 57:15

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name [is] Holy; I dwell in the high and holy [place], with him also [that is] of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Psalms 34:18

The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Psalms 51:17

The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Matthew 5:3

¶ Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:4

Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

2 Chronicles 34:27

Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard [thee] also, saith the LORD.

2 Chronicles 34:28

Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same. So they brought the king word again.