Isaiah 65:23
Isaiah 65:23 in Multiple Translations
They will not labor in vain or bear children doomed to disaster; for they will be a people blessed by the LORD— they and their descendants with them.
They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.
They shall not labor in vain, nor bring forth for calamity; for they are the seed of the blessed of Jehovah, and their offspring with them.
Their work will not be for nothing, and they will not give birth to children for destruction; for they are a seed to whom the Lord has given his blessing, and their offspring will be with them.
They won't work for nothing, and they won't have children destined for disaster. For they are people living under the blessing of the Lord, and their children will be too.
They shall not labour in vaine, nor bring forth in feare: for they are the seede of the blessed of the Lord, and their buds with them.
They labour not for a vain thing, Nor do they bring forth for trouble, For the seed of the blessed of Jehovah [are] they, And their offspring with them.
They will not labor in vain nor give birth for calamity; for they are the offspring of the LORD’s blessed and their descendants with them.
They shall not labor in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.
My elect shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth in trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and their posterity with them.
They will not work hard in vain, and their children will not die from some ◄calamity/terrible thing happening to them►. I will certainly bless their children and their grandchildren.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 65:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 65:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹ֤א
יִֽיגְעוּ֙
לָ/רִ֔יק
וְ/לֹ֥א
יֵלְד֖וּ
לַ/בֶּהָלָ֑ה
כִּ֣י
זֶ֜רַע
בְּרוּכֵ֤י
יְהוָה֙
הֵ֔מָּה
וְ/צֶאֱצָאֵי/הֶ֖ם
אִתָּֽ/ם
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִֽיגְעוּ֙
yâgaʻ
H3021
be weary/toil
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
לָ/רִ֔יק
rîyq
H7385
vain
Prep | N-ms
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יֵלְד֖וּ
yâlad
H3205
to beget
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
לַ/בֶּהָלָ֑ה
behâlâh
H928
dismay
Prep | N-fs
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
זֶ֜רַע
zeraʻ
H2233
seed
N-ms
בְּרוּכֵ֤י
bârak
H1288
to bless
V-Qal-Inf-c
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
הֵ֔מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
וְ/צֶאֱצָאֵי/הֶ֖ם
tseʼĕtsâʼ
H6631
offspring
Conj | N-mp | Suff
אִתָּֽ/ם
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 65:23
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִֽיגְעוּ֙
yâgaʻ
H3021
"be weary/toil"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to be weary or toil, like in Exodus where the Israelites were exhausted from their labor, and is often translated as faint or labor in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to toil, labour, grow weary, be weary 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to toil, labour 1a2) to grow weary, be weary 1b) (Piel) to weary, make weary, cause to go toilsomely 1c) (Hiphil) to make to toil, make weary, cause to be weary
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: faint, (make to) labour, (be) weary. See also: Joshua 7:3; Isaiah 43:23; Psalms 6:7.
לָ/רִ֔יק
rîyq
H7385
"vain"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means something that is empty, worthless, or done in vain. It is used to describe actions or things that have no value or purpose. The Bible uses it to warn against empty or idle pursuits.
Definition: emptiness, vanity, empty, idle, vain
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: empty, to no purpose, (in) vain (thing), vanity. See also: Leviticus 26:16; Isaiah 30:7; Psalms 2:1.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יֵלְד֖וּ
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
לַ/בֶּהָלָ֑ה
behâlâh
H928
"dismay"
Prep | N-fs
This noun means panic or destruction, often caused by sudden terror or alarm. It's used in the Bible to describe chaotic and frightening situations, like invasions or natural disasters. It can also mean trouble or ruin.
Definition: dismay, sudden terror or ruin, alarm
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: terror, trouble. See also: Leviticus 26:16; Isaiah 65:23; Psalms 78:33.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
זֶ֜רַע
zeraʻ
H2233
"seed"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.
Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.
בְּרוּכֵ֤י
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
הֵ֔מָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
וְ/צֶאֱצָאֵי/הֶ֖ם
tseʼĕtsâʼ
H6631
"offspring"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
Offspring or produce, this term describes children or descendants, as well as the fruit of the earth. It is used to describe the outcome of human or natural processes. The Bible uses it to talk about family and heritage.
Definition: 1) offspring, produce, issue 1a) offspring (of men) 1b) produce (of earth) 1c) descendants (metaphorical)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: that which cometh forth (out), offspring. See also: Job 5:25; Isaiah 34:1; Isaiah 22:24.
אִתָּֽ/ם
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
Study Notes — Isaiah 65:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 65:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 65:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 65:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 65:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 65:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 65:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 65:23
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 65:23
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 65:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 65:23
- Sermons on Isaiah 65:23
Context — A New Heaven and a New Earth
21They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
22No longer will they build houses for others to inhabit, nor plant for others to eat. For as is the lifetime of a tree, so will be the days of My people, and My chosen ones will fully enjoy the work of their hands.
23They will not labor in vain or bear children doomed to disaster; for they will be a people blessed by the LORD— they and their descendants with them.
24Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear. 25The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, but the food of the serpent will be dust. They will neither harm nor destroy on all My holy mountain,” says the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 61:9 | Their descendants will be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the LORD has blessed. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 32:38–39 | They will be My people, and I will be their God. I will give them one heart and one way, so that they will always fear Me for their own good and for the good of their children after them. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 28:3–12 | You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. The fruit of your womb will be blessed, as well as the produce of your land and the offspring of your livestock— the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. Your basket and kneading bowl will be blessed. You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out. The LORD will cause the enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you. They will march out against you in one direction but flee from you in seven. The LORD will decree a blessing on your barns and on everything to which you put your hand; the LORD your God will bless you in the land He is giving you. The LORD will establish you as His holy people, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the LORD your God and walk in His ways. Then all the peoples of the earth will see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they will stand in awe of you. The LORD will make you prosper abundantly—in the fruit of your womb, the offspring of your livestock, and the produce of your land—in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers to give you. The LORD will open the heavens, His abundant storehouse, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations, but borrow from none. |
| 4 | Psalms 115:14–15 | May the LORD give you increase, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. |
| 5 | Acts 2:39 | This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off—to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself.” |
| 6 | Isaiah 55:2 | Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods. |
| 7 | Isaiah 49:4 | But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent My strength in futility and vanity; yet My vindication is with the LORD, and My reward is with My God.” |
| 8 | Romans 9:7–8 | Nor because they are Abraham’s descendants are they all his children. On the contrary, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” So it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring. |
| 9 | Zechariah 10:8–9 | I will whistle for them to gather, for I have redeemed them; and they will be as numerous as they once were. Though I sow them among the nations, they will remember Me in distant lands; they and their children will live and return. |
| 10 | Genesis 17:7 | I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. |
Isaiah 65:23 Summary
This verse in Isaiah 65:23 is a beautiful promise from God that His people will not work hard without seeing any good come from it. Instead, they will be blessed and see their efforts succeed, just like a tree that grows strong and healthy (Psalm 1:3). This means that when we trust in God and follow Him, we can expect to see good things happen in our lives, and we can pass on a legacy of blessing to our children and grandchildren (Genesis 17:7). As we live in faith, we can experience the peace and harmony that God promises, and we can trust that He will answer our prayers and provide for us (Jeremiah 29:11).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'labor in vain' in Isaiah 65:23?
To labor in vain means to work hard but not see any positive results or fulfillment, as seen in Ecclesiastes 2:11, but in this verse, God promises that His people will not experience this kind of frustration.
How does God's blessing affect the descendants of His people?
According to Isaiah 65:23, God's blessing extends not just to His people but also to their descendants, ensuring a lasting legacy of divine favor, similar to the promise made to Abraham in Genesis 17:7.
Is this verse only talking about physical labor or does it have a spiritual application?
While physical labor is certainly included, the spiritual aspect of not laboring in vain is also implied, as believers are called to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as expressed in Jeremiah 29:11 and Matthew 6:33.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Isaiah 65?
Isaiah 65:23 is part of a larger description of the future blessings and restoration of God's people, emphasizing the idea that they will live in a time of peace, prosperity, and harmony, as seen in verses 21-25, and echoing the promises of Isaiah 11:6-9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I'm laboring in vain, and how can I trust God to bring fulfillment and purpose to those areas?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God's blessing and provision, even when I don't see immediate results?
- How can I pass on the legacy of God's blessing to my own descendants, and what values should I prioritize in order to do so?
- What does it mean for me to 'fully enjoy the work of my hands' as mentioned in Isaiah 65:22, and how can I cultivate a sense of joy and contentment in my daily work?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 65:23
They shall not labour in vain,.... As they do, who build houses, and enemies come and turn them out of them, and dwell in them themselves; or who plant vineyards, and sow their fields, and strangers
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 65:23
They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 65:23
And not only a blessing to them, but also to their offspring. But what is here promised which wicked men do not ofttimes enjoy, and God’ s people ofttimes want? Answ. 1. Wicked men may have them for their good parents’ sake, and good men may sometimes want them for evil parents’ sake. 2. Bad men may have some of these things, but they cannot expect them; good men may at present want them, but they may expect them from the hand of God if they be good for them. 3. Bad men may have them in wrath; the blessing of God gives them to good men, and adds no sorrow therewith.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 65:23
Isaiah 65:23 They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they [are] the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.Ver. 23. They shall not labour in vain.] As wicked men shall. Leviticus 26:14-20 Deuteronomy 28:15-68 Haggai 1:6; Nor bring forth for trouble.] Bring forth children to the murderer, to the great grief and trouble of their poor parents.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 65:23
(23) Their offspring with them . . .—The picture presented is that of a patriarchal family, including many generations, fathers no longer outliving their children and mourning for their death, as Jacob did (Genesis 37:35; Genesis 42:38), and as men had often done in the times of war, famine, and pestilence, through which Isaiah had lived.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 65:23
Verse 23. They shall not labour in vain - "My chosen shall not labour in vain"] I remove בחירי bechirai, my elect, from the end of the twenty-second to the beginning of the twenty-third verse, on the authority of the Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, and a MS.; contrary to the division in the Masoretic text. - L. The Septuagint is beautiful: My chosen shall not labour in vain, neither shall they beget children for the curse; for the seed is blessed of the Lord, and their posterity with them." Nor bring forth for trouble - "Neither shall they generate a short-lived race"] לבהלה labbehalah, in festinationem, "what shall soon hasten away." Ειςκαταραν for a curse, Sept. They seem to have read לאלה lealah. - Grotius. But Psalms 78:33 both justifies and explains the word here: - ימיהם בהבל ויכל yemeyhem bahebel vayechal בבהלה ושנותם babbehalah ushenotham "And he consumed their days in vanity; And their years in haste." μετασπουδης, say the Septuagint. Jerome on this place of Isaiah explains it to the same purpose: "ειςανυπαρξιαν, hoc est, ut esse desistant."
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 65:23
23. They shall not weary themselves for vanity] ch. Isaiah 49:4; Habakkuk 2:13; because God’s blessing rests on them. nor bring forth (sc. children) for sudden destruction] Jeremiah 15:8; Psalms 78:33. and their offspring with them] Better perhaps as a complete sentence: and their offspring shall be with them (R.V. marg.); many generations living together. Cf. Job 21:8.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 65:23
They shall not labor in vain - That is, either because their land shall be unfruitful, or because others shall plunder them.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 65:23
23. They shall not labour in vain — Another figure denoting permanent enjoyment. No certain wearying for an uncertain good. They shall be blessed of the Lord with prosperity temporal and spiritual, and their offspring with them.
Sermons on Isaiah 65:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Defiled Garments of Sardis by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying steadfast in one's faith and not allowing the truths of God to slip away. He warns against neglecting the great sa |
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One or Two Peoples of God? Reflections on the Mystery of Israel and the Church by Reggie Kelly | Reggie Kelly delves into the theological intricacies of dispensationalism, highlighting the false view of the mystery that underpins their unique interpretation of the church and t |
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Regeneration and True Christian Unity by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of being lost on a mountain controlled by terrorists. They prayed for direction and heard a bell and a little boy's voice leadin |
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A Call to Walk Together With Others by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of walking together with others in the Christian faith, highlighting that true holiness, joy, and righteousness are found in Jesus Christ al |
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How So? by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound nature of God's covenant of grace, which He established out of His mercy to save mankind from eternal loss. This covenant assures that God wil |
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Bible Survey - Jeremiah by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond delivers a powerful sermon based on the message of Jeremiah, emphasizing the consequences of backsliding and the importance of repentance for restoration. The sermon |
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Blessed in the Field by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the blessings found in the field, drawing parallels between the experiences of Isaac and Boaz, who both encountered God's presence and favor in their labor |