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Isaiah 65:21

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And they shall build houses, and inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.

And they shall build {H1129} houses {H1004}, and inhabit {H3427} them; and they shall plant {H5193} vineyards {H3754}, and eat {H398} the fruit {H6529} of them.

They will build houses and live in them, they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.

They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.

And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.

Commentary

This verse from Isaiah 65:21 describes a key aspect of the glorious future state promised by God – a time of security, stability, and fruitfulness. It contrasts sharply with the previous experiences of the people of Israel, who often suffered displacement, destruction of their homes, and enemies consuming the fruit of their labor.

Context

Isaiah chapter 65 paints a picture of God's judgment on the rebellious but also His promise of a new creation and restoration for those who seek Him. Verses 17-25 specifically detail the characteristics of this renewed existence. Verse 21, along with the surrounding verses, describes a life free from the futility and insecurity that plagued the old order. It's part of a larger prophecy pointing towards a time of ultimate peace and blessing under God's reign, often interpreted as the Messianic age or the eternal state described in the New Testament. This promise followed periods of exile and hardship, making the idea of securely building and enjoying one's work deeply significant.

Key Themes

  • Security and Stability: The ability to build a house and inhabit it speaks of permanence and safety, a stark contrast to times of war, exile, or oppression where homes were destroyed or confiscated.
  • Fruitfulness and Enjoyment of Labor: Planting vineyards and eating their fruit signifies that their work will not be in vain. They will enjoy the blessings of their efforts, unlike in times of judgment where enemies consumed their harvest.
  • Peace and Prosperity: These activities are hallmarks of a peaceful and prosperous society, blessed by God.
  • Divine Blessing: This state is a direct result of God's favor and the establishment of His righteous kingdom where there is no hurt or destruction.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verbs used are simple and direct: banah (build), yashab (inhabit), nata' (plant), akal (eat). There isn't complex terminology, but the power lies in the contrast implied. The simple act of living securely in one's own home and enjoying the produce of one's own land represents a fundamental restoration of order and blessing, reversing the curses of insecurity and futility found elsewhere in scripture (e.g., Deuteronomy 28:30).

Related Scriptures

This prophecy of secure dwelling and fruitful labor resonates with other passages describing future restoration. It aligns with the vision of people dwelling safely, each under their vine and fig tree (Micah 4:4). It's part of the broader picture of a new heaven and a new earth where former troubles are forgotten, and life is characterized by peace, joy, and the absence of suffering or wasted effort.

Practical Application

While this verse ultimately points to a future reality, it offers hope and insight for believers today. It assures us of God's ultimate plan for peace, security, and fruitfulness. It reminds us that God desires for His people to experience stability and enjoy the blessings of their labor. It encourages perseverance through present difficulties, knowing that a time is coming when the struggles and futility of this present world will be replaced by the perfect order of God's kingdom. We can find rest in the promise of God's complete restoration.

Understanding Isaiah 65:21 provides comfort and strengthens faith in God's promises for a glorious future. It speaks to the deep human longing for security, purpose, and the ability to enjoy the fruits of one's efforts.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Amos 9:14 (20 votes)

    And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.

  • Isaiah 62:8 (13 votes)

    The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn [to be] meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured:

  • Isaiah 62:9 (13 votes)

    But they that have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the LORD; and they that have brought it together shall drink it in the courts of my holiness.

  • Isaiah 32:18 (13 votes)

    And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;

  • Jeremiah 31:4 (11 votes)

    Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.

  • Jeremiah 31:5 (11 votes)

    Thou shalt yet plant vines upon the mountains of Samaria: the planters shall plant, and shall eat [them] as common things.

  • Isaiah 37:30 (8 votes)

    And this [shall be] a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat [this] year such as groweth of itself; and the second year that which springeth of the same: and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruit thereof.