Isaiah 66:24

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.

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}.

"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.]

“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.”

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

Isaiah 66:24 concludes the book of Isaiah with a stark and somber image of divine judgment, serving as a powerful warning to those who transgress against God. It contrasts sharply with the glorious promises of the new heavens and new earth and the restoration of God's people described in the preceding verses.

Context

This verse immediately follows a depiction of universal worship and the gathering of all nations to Jerusalem during the new creation (Isaiah 66:23). It presents the ultimate, permanent separation between the righteous, who will worship God, and the wicked, who have rebelled against Him. The imagery here signifies the finality of God's judgment and the eternal consequences for those who reject His covenant. It provides a sobering conclusion to a book filled with prophecies of both judgment and restoration, emphasizing that while God offers salvation, He also enacts justice.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Justice: The verse vividly portrays the severe and irreversible consequences for those who have "transgressed against me" (God). It underscores God's absolute righteousness and His commitment to upholding justice, ensuring that rebellion does not go unpunished.
  • Eternal Consequences of Rebellion: The phrases "their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched" are central to the verse's meaning. They convey an unending state of decay and torment, indicating the eternal nature of the punishment for the unrighteous. This imagery is later affirmed by Jesus Christ Himself when speaking about eternal punishment in the New Testament (e.g., Mark 9:48).
  • A Warning and Abhorrence: The idea that the wicked "shall be an abhorring unto all flesh" suggests that their state will serve as a perpetual, repulsive reminder of the consequences of sin. This sight is not for the enjoyment of the righteous, but as a testimony to God's holiness and the gravity of rejecting Him.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used in this verse contribute significantly to its impact:

  • The "worm" (Hebrew: tola or rimmah, referring to maggots) speaks of decomposition and decay, often associated with death and corruption. The idea that it "shall not die" implies a continuous, unending process of destruction.
  • The "fire" (Hebrew: esh) is a common biblical metaphor for divine judgment and purification. The phrase "neither shall their fire be quenched" (from the root kabah, meaning 'to be extinguished') powerfully conveys the idea of an unceasing, consuming judgment.
  • "Abhorring" (Hebrew: dera'on) denotes something disgusting, repulsive, or an object of contempt. This emphasizes the complete degradation and ignominy of those who suffer this fate.

Related Scriptures

This verse has profound echoes throughout Scripture, particularly in the New Testament:

  • Jesus directly quotes this imagery when describing the unquenchable fire of Gehenna (Mark 9:48, also Matthew 18:8).
  • The concept of unending torment is also found in the book of Revelation, where the smoke of their torment ascends forever (Revelation 14:11).
  • It contrasts with the promise of new heavens and a new earth where former troubles are forgotten, highlighting the ultimate separation of destinies.

Practical Application

Isaiah 66:24 serves as a stark reminder of the holiness of God and the gravity of sin. It calls believers to:

  • Take Sin Seriously: Understand that rebellion against God has eternal consequences.
  • Embrace God's Grace: The judgment described here emphasizes the immense value of the salvation offered through God's grace, urging repentance and faith (John 3:16).
  • Live Righteously: It motivates believers to live in obedience and reverence for God, knowing that a final accounting awaits all.
  • Share the Warning: It compels those who know God's truth to share the message of salvation with a world headed towards judgment.
Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

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.
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