Isaiah 66:24

KJV

And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall go forth {H3318}, and look {H7200} upon the carcases {H6297} of the men {H582} that have transgressed {H6586} against me: for their worm {H8438} shall not die {H4191}, neither shall their fire {H784} be quenched {H3518}; and they shall be an abhorring {H1860} unto all flesh {H1320}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"As they leave, they will look on the corpses of the people who rebelled against me. For their worm will never die, and their fire will never be quenched; but they will be abhorrent to all humanity." ["Every month on Rosh-Hodesh and every week on Shabbat, everyone living will come to worship in my presence," says ADONAI.]

Berean Standard Bible

“As they go forth, they will see the corpses of the men who have rebelled against Me; for their worm will never die, their fire will never be quenched, and they will be a horror to all mankind.”

American Standard Version

And they shall go forth, and look upon the dead bodies of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 66:24 concludes the prophetic book with a stark and solemn depiction of divine judgment, serving as a climactic warning to those who have defiantly rebelled against God. It presents a chilling contrast to the glorious promises of new heavens and a new earth and the universal worship of God's people described in the preceding verses. This final image underscores the absolute righteousness of God and the irreversible, eternal consequences awaiting those who persist in transgression, emphasizing the ultimate separation between the redeemed and the unrepentant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 66:24 serves as the dramatic and conclusive statement of the entire book of Isaiah, immediately following a vision of universal worship and the gathering of all nations to Jerusalem in the new creation. [Isaiah 66:23](/isaiah/66-23 "Isaiah 66:23 - Universal Worship") portrays a future where "all flesh" comes to worship the Lord, yet the very next verse introduces a horrific counterpoint: the "carcases of the men that have transgressed." This abrupt transition highlights the final, absolute dichotomy between those who embrace God's covenant and those who reject it, setting the stage for the ultimate and permanent separation of destinies. It functions as a powerful, final warning within a book that consistently balances themes of judgment and salvation, emphasizing that God's redemptive plan is accompanied by His unwavering commitment to justice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of worms and unquenchable fire would have resonated deeply with Isaiah's original audience, drawing upon familiar concepts of decay, destruction, and divine wrath. The valley of Hinnom (Gehenna), located just outside Jerusalem, was historically associated with child sacrifice (e.g., [2 Kings 23:10](/2_kings/23-10 "2 Kings 23:10 - Topheth in Hinnom")) and later became a refuse dump where fires burned continuously and worms thrived on decaying matter. This physical reality likely informed the prophetic language, making the description of perpetual torment vivid and terrifying. The concept of "abhorring unto all flesh" also speaks to a societal understanding of public shame and ignominy, where the fate of the wicked served as a visible, repulsive deterrent.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes of Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Justice**, demonstrating that God's holiness demands a final reckoning for sin, even amidst His promises of restoration. Secondly, it highlights the **Eternal Consequences of Rebellion**, using the vivid metaphors of an undying worm and unquenchable fire to convey the unending nature of punishment for those who "transgressed against me." This imagery foreshadows later New Testament teachings on eternal separation, as seen in [Mark 9:48](/mark/9-48 "Mark 9:48 - Jesus on Unquenchable Fire"). Finally, the verse subtly touches upon the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Separation**, illustrating His ultimate authority to divide the righteous from the wicked and to establish a new order where evil is decisively dealt with, ensuring the purity of His new creation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **go forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâ'_):** From H3318, meaning "to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively." In this context, it describes the action of the righteous, who "go forth" from the holy city or the place of worship to witness the consequences of the wicked. This is not a casual stroll but a deliberate movement to observe the finality of divine judgment, emphasizing the stark contrast between the redeemed within the new creation and the fate of the unrepentant outside.
* **worm (Hebrew, _tôwlâʻ'_):** From H8438, referring to "a maggot (as voracious)." This term specifically denotes the larvae of insects that consume decaying flesh. The declaration that "their worm shall not die" conveys a horrific image of perpetual decomposition and corruption, implying an unending state of physical degradation and torment. It signifies a continuous, inescapable process of destruction that never reaches a conclusion, emphasizing the eternal nature of the judgment.
* **abhorring (Hebrew, _dᵉrâʼôwn'_):** From H1860, meaning "an object of aversion; abhorring, contempt." This word powerfully conveys the repulsive and utterly contemptible state of the transgressors. Their condition is not merely unpleasant but profoundly disgusting and loathsome, serving as a perpetual, vivid reminder to "all flesh" of the terrible consequences of rebellion against God. It signifies a state of complete degradation and public ignominy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me:"** This opening clause describes the action of the righteous, likely those in the new heavens and new earth, who will observe the grim fate of the wicked. The term "carcases" (Hebrew: _peger_) underscores the utter lifelessness and degradation of those who rebelled against God. This act of "looking upon" is not one of gloating, but of witnessing the final, just execution of God's judgment, serving as a perpetual testament to His holiness and the gravity of sin.
* **"for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched;"** This is the core of the judgment imagery, describing the unending nature of the torment. The "worm" represents perpetual decay and corruption, while the "fire" signifies consuming judgment. The emphatic negation ("shall not die," "shall not be quenched") stresses the eternal, irreversible quality of this punishment. It is a state of continuous, active destruction and suffering from which there is no escape or cessation.
* **"and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh."** This final clause describes the ultimate state of the transgressors: they become an object of profound disgust and contempt. This "abhorring" (Hebrew: _dᵉrâʼôwn_) is not just for the righteous, but for "all flesh," implying a universal recognition of the just and repulsive end of rebellion against the Creator. Their state serves as a perpetual, visible, and utterly detestable monument to the consequences of defying the living God.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 66:24 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its stark message. **Imagery** is paramount, with vivid descriptions of "carcases," "worm," and "fire" painting a horrifying picture of decay and torment. This sensory detail is designed to evoke a strong emotional response and impress upon the reader the severity of divine judgment. The phrase "their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched" is a potent example of **Merism**, using two contrasting but complementary elements (decay and burning) to describe a comprehensive and unending state of destruction. This also functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme and eternal nature of the punishment beyond literal human experience. Finally, the verse concludes with **Symbolism**, where the "abhorring unto all flesh" symbolizes the complete and utter degradation, ignominy, and eternal separation of the wicked from God's holy presence and creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 66:24 provides a foundational Old Testament statement on the eternal consequences of unrepentant sin, serving as a stark counterpoint to the glorious promises of salvation and new creation. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice and holiness, demonstrating that His redemptive plan for His people does not negate the necessity of judgment for those who actively rebel against Him. This verse highlights the ultimate separation between two destinies: the blessedness of those who worship God in the new heavens and earth, and the perpetual torment of those who defied Him. It asserts that God's final order will be one of absolute righteousness, where evil is not merely contained but decisively and eternally dealt with.

* [Mark 9:48](/mark/9-48 "Mark 9:48 - Jesus' Warning of Gehenna")
* [Revelation 14:11](/revelation/14-11 "Revelation 14:11 - Unending Torment")
* [Matthew 25:46](/matthew/25-46 "Matthew 25:46 - Eternal Punishment and Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 66:24, though grim, serves as a profound call to introspection and a powerful motivator for righteous living. It reminds us that while God is infinitely merciful and gracious, He is also perfectly just and holy, and sin carries eternal consequences. This verse compels us to take the reality of sin and divine judgment with utmost seriousness, fostering a deep reverence for God's character. It should drive us to a greater appreciation for the immense grace and salvation offered through Christ, which delivers us from such a terrifying fate. For believers, it reinforces the call to live lives of obedience, holiness, and urgent witness, recognizing the eternal stakes for ourselves and for those around us. It is a sober reminder that the choices made in this life have eternal ramifications, urging us to choose life in Christ and to share that life-giving message with a world desperately in need of God's mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the stark imagery of Isaiah 66:24 deepen your understanding of God's holiness and justice?**
* **In what ways does this verse highlight the gravity of sin and the eternal consequences of rejecting God's authority?**
* **How should the reality of divine judgment, as depicted here, impact your daily walk with God and your urgency in sharing the Gospel?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "worm that does not die" and "fire that is not quenched" imagery?**

Answer: This imagery, famously quoted by Jesus in the New Testament, is a powerful metaphor for eternal, unending torment and destruction. The "worm" (Hebrew: _tôwlâʻ_) refers to maggots that consume decaying flesh, symbolizing perpetual decomposition and corruption. The "fire" (Hebrew: _ʼêsh_) represents divine judgment and consuming wrath. The phrases "shall not die" and "shall not be quenched" emphasize the ceaseless, irreversible nature of this punishment. It conveys a state of active, continuous suffering and degradation that never reaches an end, signifying the eternal consequences for those who have transgressed against God. This imagery draws from the reality of the Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna) outside Jerusalem, a place of refuse and burning, to illustrate the abhorrent and perpetual fate of the wicked.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 66:24 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely as a prediction of eternal judgment, but as a profound backdrop against which the glory of Christ's redemptive work shines most brightly. Jesus Himself directly quotes this terrifying imagery of the unquenchable fire and undying worm when speaking of Gehenna, the place of eternal punishment ([Mark 9:48](/mark/9-48 "Mark 9:48 - Jesus' Warning of Gehenna"); also [Matthew 18:8](/matthew/18-8 "Matthew 18:8 - Eternal Fire")). This demonstrates that the Old Testament prophetic warnings are not mere hyperbole but a solemn reality confirmed by the Son of God. Christ's mission, therefore, is understood as the ultimate rescue from this very fate. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice to bear the wrath and judgment that humanity justly deserved ([Romans 5:8-9](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8-9 - God's Love and Wrath")). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death, providing the only means of escape from the "worm that does not die" and the "fire that is not quenched" ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). Those who place their faith in Him are not destined for "abhorring unto all flesh" but for eternal life and fellowship with God in the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Pain")). Thus, Isaiah 66:24, while terrifying in its depiction of judgment, ultimately magnifies the unparalleled grace and salvation found in Jesus Christ, who delivers us from the coming wrath.

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

Revelation 14:10

The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

Revelation 14:11

And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

Isaiah 14:11

Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, [and] the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.

Revelation 21:8

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Daniel 12:2

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt.

1 Thessalonians 2:15

Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:

1 Thessalonians 2:16

Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.