Isaiah 66:5

KJV

¶ Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hear {H8085} the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, ye that tremble {H2730} at his word {H1697}; Your brethren {H251} that hated {H8130} you, that cast you out {H5077} for my name's {H8034} sake, said {H559}, Let the LORD {H3068} be glorified {H3513}: but he shall appear {H7200} to your joy {H8057}, and they shall be ashamed {H954}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hear the word of ADONAI, you who tremble at his word: "Your brothers, who hate you and reject you because of my name, have said: 'Let ADONAI be glorified, so we can see your joy.' But they will be put to shame."

Berean Standard Bible

You who tremble at His word, hear the word of the LORD: “Your brothers who hate you and exclude you because of My name have said, ‘Let the LORD be glorified that we may see your joy!’ But they will be put to shame.”

American Standard Version

Hear the word of Jehovah, ye that tremble at his word: Your brethren that hate you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, have said, Let Jehovah be glorified, that we may see your joy; but it is they that shall be put to shame.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 66:5 conveys a powerful prophetic message of divine vindication and judgment, addressed to the faithful remnant of God's people. It sharply contrasts those who genuinely revere God's word with their "brethren" who, under the guise of religious piety, have unjustly hated and ostracized them for their devotion to the Lord's name. The verse promises a dramatic and decisive intervention by God Himself, who will appear to bring profound joy and ultimate vindication to the persecuted, while simultaneously exposing the hypocrisy of their adversaries and bringing them to public shame. This serves as a profound assurance of God's unwavering commitment to His true followers and His ultimate justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climactic conclusion of the book of Isaiah, specifically within chapters 65-66, which serve as an eschatological summary of God's plans for judgment and restoration. These chapters vividly portray the contrast between the destiny of the righteous and the rebellious, culminating in the vision of "new heavens and a new earth" ([/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - New Heavens and New Earth"]) and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. Within this grand prophetic sweep, Isaiah 66:5 functions as a direct, intimate address from the Lord to a specific group: those who "tremble at his word." It highlights the internal divisions within the covenant community, assuring the faithful that God recognizes their suffering at the hands of their own people and will decisively intervene on their behalf, distinguishing them from those whose worship is superficial or even malicious. The immediate verses preceding it (Isaiah 66:1-4) underscore God's disdain for external ritual without internal reverence, setting the stage for the identification of true worshipers in verse 5.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The latter chapters of Isaiah, including this passage, are often understood to reflect the challenges faced by the Jewish community in the post-exilic period, or they anticipate such dynamics. Upon returning from Babylonian exile, or even among those who remained in the land, there were significant internal tensions and theological disagreements. Not all who claimed allegiance to Yahweh were equally committed to true covenant faithfulness. This context suggests the presence of a dominant religious faction or group that, perhaps out of a misguided zeal or a desire to maintain power, persecuted a more humble and genuinely devout minority. The act of "casting out" could refer to various forms of social, religious, or economic ostracism, such as exclusion from communal gatherings, synagogue life, or even physical expulsion from certain areas. The persecutors' claim to act "for my name's sake" underscores a profound irony and hypocrisy, as their actions directly contradicted the spirit of the Law and God's character.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 66:5 powerfully contributes to several foundational biblical themes. Firstly, it defines the **nature of true piety and faith**, emphasizing a deep, reverential awe and obedience to God's authoritative word, which stands in stark contrast to hypocritical or superficial religiosity. This distinction is crucial throughout Isaiah, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 1:10-17](/isaiah/1-10-17 "Isaiah 1:10-17 - True Worship and Social Justice"). Secondly, the verse illuminates the painful reality of **internal persecution**, where God's genuine followers suffer at the hands of their own religious community. This theme resonates deeply with later biblical narratives, including the experiences of the prophets and ultimately Jesus Himself, who warned His disciples that they would be [cast out of synagogues](/john/16-2 "John 16:2 - Jesus Warns of Persecution") for His name. Thirdly, and most importantly, it proclaims the certainty of ** divine justice and vindication**. The promise that God will "appear to your joy" and bring shame upon the adversaries assures the faithful that their suffering is seen, and God will personally intervene to right all wrongs, transforming their sorrow into triumph, a promise echoed in [Psalm 37:1-11](/psalms/37-1-11 "Psalm 37:1-11 - Trust in the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term (H1697) is far more expansive than a mere spoken utterance. It encompasses a "matter," "thing," "affair," "decree," "deed," "promise," or "report." When used as "the word of the LORD," it refers to God's authoritative revelation, His divine decree, His active will, and His covenant promises. To "tremble at his word" is therefore to acknowledge the weighty, authoritative, and active nature of God's communication, responding with awe and obedient submission.
* **Tremble (Hebrew, _chârêd'_):** The Hebrew word (H2730) signifies more than just physical shaking; it denotes a profound fear, awe, and reverential respect. It describes a person who is deeply moved by God's word, taking it with utmost seriousness, leading to cautious obedience and a humble, submissive posture before divine authority. This is a distinguishing mark of genuine piety, contrasting with those who merely pay lip service to God.
* **Cast out (Hebrew, _nâdâh'_):** This verb (H5077) means "to toss," "to exclude," "to banish," or "to put far away." It vividly portrays the act of expulsion or ostracism, emphasizing the deliberate and forceful removal of the faithful from the community by their own "brethren." This was not a gentle parting but an act of hostile rejection, often accompanied by social and religious isolation, intended to marginalize and discredit them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word;":** This opening imperative immediately establishes the divine speaker and identifies the specific, discerning audience: those who possess a deep, reverential awe and obedient submission to God's authoritative revelation. This distinguishes them from others who may hear but do not truly heed, setting the stage for the contrast that follows.
* **"Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified:":** This clause starkly reveals the source and nature of the persecution. The adversaries are "brethren," indicating an internal conflict within the covenant community, making the betrayal even more poignant. Their actions are driven by hatred and result in expulsion, yet they hypocritically justify their deeds by claiming to act "for my name's sake," ostensibly for God's honor, demonstrating a profound spiritual blindness and self-deception.
* **"but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.":** This final clause provides the divine response and ultimate resolution. The conjunction "but" signals a dramatic reversal of fortunes. God Himself will "appear," signifying a direct, visible, and decisive intervention in human affairs. This appearance will bring profound "joy" to the persecuted, marking their vindication, liberation, and ultimate triumph. Conversely, their persecutors will be "ashamed," facing public disgrace and humiliation as their false piety is exposed by God's righteous judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 66:5 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Juxtaposition** is central, starkly contrasting the faithful remnant, characterized by their "trembling at His word," with their hypocritical "brethren" who hate and cast them out. This creates a dramatic tension that highlights the moral and spiritual divide within the community. **Irony** is powerfully present in the persecutors' claim, "Let the LORD be glorified," even as their actions of hatred and expulsion directly contradict God's character and dishonor His name. This exposes their self-deception and false piety. The verse also utilizes **direct address**, with the Lord speaking intimately to "ye that tremble at his word," fostering a sense of personal assurance and divine solidarity with the afflicted. Finally, as a prophetic utterance, it functions as a **promise**, foretelling a future divine intervention that will decisively right wrongs and reveal God's true servants, providing hope and comfort to the suffering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 66:5 is a profound statement on divine justice, the nature of true faith, and the painful reality of internal spiritual conflict within God's people. It affirms that God is not indifferent to the suffering of His faithful ones, especially when that suffering is inflicted by those who claim to serve Him. The verse teaches that genuine reverence for God's word (trembling at it) is the hallmark of true devotion, distinguishing it from mere outward religious performance or even zealous but misguided actions. It offers immense comfort by promising that God Himself will intervene to vindicate His persecuted children, transforming their sorrow into joy and exposing the hypocrisy of their oppressors. This theme of divine reversal—where the humble are exalted and the proud brought low—is a consistent thread throughout biblical narrative and prophecy, reinforcing God's ultimate sovereignty and His commitment to righteousness and justice for His elect.

* [Matthew 5:10-12](/matthew/5-10-12 "Matthew 5:10-12 - Blessed Are Those Persecuted for Righteousness' Sake")
* [John 15:18-20](/john/15-18-20 "John 15:18-20 - The World Hates You Because It Hated Me First")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 66:5 offers profound solace and a clear challenge to believers in every age. It reminds us that authentic faith is not merely intellectual assent or outward religious observance, but a deep, reverential awe for God's word that shapes our very being and actions. This "trembling" leads to obedience, even when it means standing against the tide, perhaps even against those within our own spiritual communities who misrepresent God's will or persecute genuine devotion. The verse validates the painful experience of being misunderstood, rejected, or even hated for truly following Christ, assuring us that such internal opposition is not new but part of a long biblical tradition. Most importantly, it anchors our hope in God's unwavering justice. We are called to persevere, knowing that despite present injustices, God will ultimately appear, bringing joy and vindication to His faithful, and shame to those who oppose His truth. Our task is to remain steadfast in our reverence for His word, trusting in His perfect timing and His just judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does "trembling at God's word" manifest in your daily life and decisions, particularly when faced with difficult choices or societal pressures?**
* **Have you ever experienced opposition or misunderstanding from within a religious community because of your genuine commitment to God's word? How did you navigate that experience, and what did you learn about God's faithfulness?**
* **What comfort does the promise of God's appearance and vindication offer you when facing trials, injustices, or the feeling of being marginalized for your faith?**
* **In what ways might we, perhaps unknowingly, act in a manner that claims to "glorify the LORD" but actually causes harm or dishonor to His name or His people?**

### FAQ
**Who are "your brethren" in this context?**

Answer: In the immediate context of Isaiah, "your brethren" most likely refers to fellow Israelites or members of the Jewish community. This highlights a painful internal conflict, where those who should have been allies and fellow worshipers became persecutors of the faithful remnant. This dynamic underscores the tragic reality of religious hypocrisy and division within God's covenant people, where outward religious observance can mask deep-seated animosity toward true piety.

**What does it mean to "tremble at his word"?**

Answer: To "tremble at his word" (Hebrew: *chârêd*) signifies far more than mere fear. It denotes a profound reverence, awe, and humble submission to God's authoritative word. It implies taking God's commands and revelations with the utmost seriousness, allowing them to shape one's thoughts, attitudes, and actions, leading to cautious obedience and a deep respect for divine truth. It is a distinguishing mark of genuine, heartfelt piety that prioritizes God's will above all else, as seen in [Psalm 119:161](/psalms/119-161 "Psalm 119:161 - Princes Persecute Me Without Cause").

**How does God "appear to your joy"?**

Answer: This phrase refers to a future, decisive manifestation of God's presence and power. It is a promise of divine intervention where God will visibly and undeniably act on behalf of His faithful people. This appearance will bring profound "joy" to the persecuted because it signifies their vindication, the reversal of their suffering, and the triumph of God's righteousness. It is a moment of ultimate justice and restoration for those who have suffered for His name's sake, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the eschatological return of Christ, as described in [Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God's Dwelling Place Is With Man").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 66:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very [Word of God made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), and those who "tremble at His word" are His true disciples, those who hear and obey His teachings, for [His sheep hear His voice](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice"). Jesus Himself experienced the very persecution described in this verse: He was hated and "cast out" by His own "brethren"—the religious leaders and many among the Jewish people—who claimed to act "for God's name's sake" while crucifying the Son of God ([John 19:7](/john/19-7 "John 19:7 - He Made Himself the Son of God")). His followers, too, were warned they would be [persecuted and cast out of synagogues](/john/16-2 "John 16:2 - You Will Be Put Out of the Synagogues") for His name. Yet, just as the verse promises, God "appeared" in the resurrection of Christ, bringing ultimate joy and vindication to His faithful, and shame to those who rejected and crucified Him ([Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - God Has Made Him Both Lord and Christ")). Furthermore, Christ's glorious return will be the final and complete fulfillment of this promise: He "shall appear to your joy" as the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), bringing ultimate vindication and eternal joy to His church, while those who rejected Him and persecuted His people will be eternally ashamed, as [every eye will see Him](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Will See Him"). Thus, Isaiah 66:5 points forward to the suffering and glory of Christ and His church, assuring believers that their ultimate vindication is secured in Him.

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

John 15:18

¶ If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you.

John 15:20

Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

Matthew 5:10

Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:12

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Isaiah 66:2

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.

Psalms 38:20

They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow [the thing that] good [is].

Matthew 10:22

And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.