Isaiah 66:22

KJV

For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.

KJV (with Strong's)

For as the new {H2319} heavens {H8064} and the new {H2319} earth {H776}, which I will make {H6213}, shall remain {H5975} before {H6440} me, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, so shall your seed {H2233} and your name {H8034} remain {H5975}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"For just as the new heavens and the new earth that I am making will continue in my presence," says ADONAI, "so will your descendants and your name continue.

Berean Standard Bible

“For just as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, will endure before Me,” declares the LORD, “so your descendants and your name will endure.

American Standard Version

For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith Jehovah, so shall your seed and your name remain.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 66:22 delivers a profound promise of enduring hope and permanence, serving as a climactic affirmation of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His renewed creation. This verse declares that just as the divinely fashioned new heavens and new earth will stand eternally before the Lord, so too will the lineage and identity of His faithful remnant endure, securing their place and legacy in the eschatological age.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 66:22 stands near the conclusion of the book of Isaiah, specifically within the final chapters (Isaiah 65-66) that present a grand vision of God's ultimate judgment and glorious restoration. This section contrasts the fate of the rebellious with the blessed destiny of the obedient, culminating in a powerful eschatological hope. The verse immediately follows prophecies concerning the gathering of all nations to Jerusalem (Isaiah 66:18-21) and precedes a final image of universal worship and the perpetual judgment of the wicked (Isaiah 66:23-24). It directly builds upon the promise of a [new heavens and a new earth](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - Prophecy of New Creation") introduced in the preceding chapter, emphasizing the stability and permanence of this divine renewal.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah, particularly in its latter half, address a people who have experienced exile or are on the cusp of it, grappling with questions of God's faithfulness, their national identity, and their future. The concept of "seed" (posterity) and "name" (reputation, legacy) was profoundly important in ancient Near Eastern cultures, signifying continuity and honor. For a people facing potential annihilation or assimilation, the promise of an enduring seed and name was an extraordinary comfort, assuring them that their identity as God's chosen people would not be erased. The imagery of creation and new creation also resonates with the foundational narratives of Israel, reminding them of God's sovereign power as Creator and Sustainer.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several core themes present throughout Isaiah. Firstly, **Divine Faithfulness and Permanence** is paramount; God's promises are as unshakeable as His new creation. This reinforces His reliability, a message crucial for a people who had experienced significant national upheaval. Secondly, **Everlasting Hope for God's People** provides profound assurance; their identity, spiritual lineage, and place before God are eternally secure. This promise of an enduring future contrasts sharply with the fleeting nature of earthly kingdoms and human endeavors. Finally, the theme of **New Creation** is central, pointing to a complete, divinely orchestrated renewal of the cosmos, where righteousness and God's presence are fully manifested, a vision that finds its ultimate echo in the New Testament's [descriptions of the new heaven and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - John's Vision of the New Creation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **new (Hebrew, _châdâsh'_):** From the root חָדַשׁ, meaning "to renew, repair, make new." This word signifies not merely a superficial change but a profound, qualitative renewal. In the context of "new heavens and new earth," it speaks of a creation that is fresh, vibrant, and fundamentally different from the old, corrupted order, indicating a divine act of restoration that brings about a pristine state.
* **remain (Hebrew, _ʻâmad'_):** A primitive root conveying the sense "to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)." It denotes stability, endurance, establishment, and continuance. Its repetition in the verse emphasizes the absolute, unwavering, and eternal nature of both God's new creation and His promise regarding His people's perpetual existence before Him.
* **seed (Hebrew, _zeraʻ'_):** From זָרַע, meaning "seed," but figuratively extending to "fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity." In this context, it refers primarily to descendants or offspring, encompassing both physical lineage and spiritual posterity. Coupled with "name," it speaks to the enduring identity, legacy, and continuous presence of God's faithful people throughout all generations and into eternity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make,"**: This opening clause establishes a foundational comparison, drawing on God's ultimate creative power. The "new heavens and new earth" represent a complete, divine re-creation, a perfect and uncorrupted cosmos that God Himself brings into being. The phrase "which I will make" highlights God's sole agency and sovereign authority in this grand eschatological renewal.
* **"shall remain before me, saith the LORD,"**: This segment declares the absolute permanence and stability of God's new creation. "Shall remain before me" signifies not only their enduring existence but also their continuous presence in God's sight and under His direct oversight. The divine oracle "saith the LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh) serves as an authoritative seal, guaranteeing the truth and certainty of this promise, underscoring the unchangeable nature of God's word.
* **"so shall your seed and your name remain."**: This final clause presents the core promise to God's faithful people, directly paralleling the permanence of the new creation. "Your seed" refers to their descendants, their lineage, both physical and spiritual. "Your name" encompasses their identity, reputation, and legacy. Together, "seed and name" signify their enduring presence, recognition, and secure standing before God, ensuring that the faithful will never be cut off or forgotten.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 66:22 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of enduring hope. The most prominent is **Simile**, introduced by the "For as... so shall..." construction, which creates a direct and forceful comparison. The permanence of God's new creation serves as the ultimate guarantee for the permanence of His people's "seed and name." This simile elevates the promise to an unshakeable certainty, grounded in the very nature of God's creative and sustaining power. Additionally, **Parallelism** is evident in the balanced structure of the comparison, where the stability of the cosmic order is directly mirrored by the stability of the covenant people's existence. The phrase "saith the LORD" functions as a **Divine Oracle Formula**, a common prophetic device that authenticates the message as a direct utterance from God, lending it ultimate authority and infallibility.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 66:22 stands as a cornerstone of biblical eschatology, connecting the promise of a renewed creation with the enduring security of God's covenant people. It underscores the profound truth that God's faithfulness is inextricably linked to His creative power and His redemptive plan. The permanence of the "new heavens and new earth" is not merely a backdrop but the very foundation upon which the eternal security of the "seed and name" of the faithful rests. This vision assures believers that their identity in God, their spiritual lineage, and their future inheritance are as immutable as God's own creative acts, promising a future where their relationship with Him is perpetually established and celebrated.

* [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - A New Heaven and a New Earth")
* [2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - The Promise of New Heavens and a New Earth")
* [Genesis 17:7](/genesis/17-7 "Genesis 17:7 - God's Everlasting Covenant with Abraham's Seed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 66:22 offers profound comfort and a steadfast anchor for the soul in a world characterized by relentless change, uncertainty, and the fleeting nature of all things temporal. This verse reminds us that our ultimate hope is not placed in human institutions, economic stability, or personal achievements, which are all subject to decay, but in the unchanging character and eternal purposes of the Almighty God. It calls us to cultivate an eternal perspective, recognizing that our true identity, our spiritual lineage as children of God, and our inheritance are secured not by our own efforts but by the unshakeable promises of a faithful Creator. This truth should inspire unwavering perseverance in the face of trials, deep trust in God's sovereign plan, and a life lived in worship, knowing that our future is as certain as the new creation God Himself will bring forth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of the "new heavens and new earth" shape your understanding of God's ultimate plan for creation and humanity?**
* **In what ways does the assurance that "your seed and your name shall remain" provide comfort and security in a world of constant change and uncertainty?**
* **What practical implications does living with an "eternal perspective," as inspired by this verse, have for your daily decisions and priorities?**

### FAQ
**What does "new heavens and new earth" signify in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "new heavens and new earth" (Hebrew: `châdâsh shâmayim vᵉʼerets`) signifies a complete, qualitative renewal and transformation of the cosmos, not merely a superficial renovation. It speaks of a creation that is fresh, pure, and restored to a state of perfection, free from the corruption of sin. This is a divine act, emphasizing God's sovereign power to make all things new, establishing a dwelling place where righteousness fully abides, as further revealed in [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - John's Vision of the New Creation") and [2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - The Promise of New Heavens and a New Earth").

**Who is meant by "your seed and your name"?**

Answer: "Your seed and your name" refers to God's faithful people, those who respond to His call and obey His voice. "Seed" (Hebrew: `zeraʻ`) denotes posterity, descendants, or offspring, encompassing both physical lineage and spiritual heirs. "Name" (Hebrew: `shêm`) signifies identity, reputation, legacy, and remembrance. Together, these phrases assure the enduring presence, recognition, and secure standing of God's covenant people before Him. This promise extends beyond a mere physical line to include all who are spiritually Abraham's seed through faith, as elaborated in the New Testament.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 66:22 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of the "new creation" and through whom God's people are eternally secured. Christ Himself is the one who inaugurates the new covenant and makes all things new (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ") and [Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - God Makes All Things New")). The permanence promised to "your seed and your name" is realized in those who are "in Christ," for they become the true spiritual seed of Abraham by faith (cf. [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")). Through His atoning work, Jesus provides the means for humanity to enter into this new creation, securing an imperishable inheritance and an eternal name that will never be blotted out (cf. [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation and Name Above All Names") and [Hebrews 1:8](/hebrews/1-8 "Hebrews 1:8 - Christ's Eternal Throne")). Thus, the enduring presence of God's people before Him is guaranteed not by their own merit, but by their union with Christ, the eternal Son, in whom all the promises of God are "Yes" and "Amen" (cf. [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes 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 65:17

¶ For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

Revelation 21:1

¶ And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

2 Peter 3:13

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

John 10:27

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

John 10:29

My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand.

1 Peter 1:4

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

1 Peter 1:5

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.