Isaiah 65 12

Isaiah 65:12 kjv

Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not.

Isaiah 65:12 nkjv

Therefore I will number you for the sword, And you shall all bow down to the slaughter; Because, when I called, you did not answer; When I spoke, you did not hear, But did evil before My eyes, And chose that in which I do not delight."

Isaiah 65:12 niv

I will destine you for the sword, and all of you will fall in the slaughter; for I called but you did not answer, I spoke but you did not listen. You did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me."

Isaiah 65:12 esv

I will destine you to the sword, and all of you shall bow down to the slaughter, because, when I called, you did not answer; when I spoke, you did not listen, but you did what was evil in my eyes and chose what I did not delight in."

Isaiah 65:12 nlt

now I will 'destine' you for the sword.
All of you will bow down before the executioner.
For when I called, you did not answer.
When I spoke, you did not listen.
You deliberately sinned ? before my very eyes ?
and chose to do what you know I despise."

Isaiah 65 verses

Isaiah 65 12 Meaning

This verse signifies God’s judgment upon those who are disloyal and refuse to heed His calls to repentance. They have chosen ways that are displeasing to God and will therefore face His consequences, while God’s faithful followers will receive His favor.

Isaiah 65 12 Context

Isaiah chapter 65 describes God’s judgment upon His people for their persistent disobedience and idolatry, juxtaposed with the promise of a new creation and restoration for the faithful. This verse specifically addresses the negative consequences for those who have ignored God’s persistent invitations and commands. Historically, this speaks to the era of the Babylonian exile and the rejection of God’s prophetic messages leading up to it. It highlights the profound disconnect between God’s desires for His people and their chosen path of sin.

Isaiah 65 12 Word Analysis

• Therefore (leḵen - לָכֵן): Indicates a consequence or result stemming from previous actions.
• I will count (niš’ū — נִשְׁאוּ - root SHAʼAH — שָׁאַה): This is a causative Piel form meaning "to be counted" or "to be numbered for." However, some scholars suggest a possible reading from SHA’AH (שָׁעָה) in the Hiphil (causative) form, meaning "to set aside" or "to bring to nothing." The context favors the sense of being consigned to a specific fate.
• you out (ʼeṯ – אֶת): Direct object marker.
• to the sword (lāḵ – לַח): Refers to the sword as an instrument of destruction and execution.
• and all of you (gamməḵem — גַּמְּכֶם): Emphasizes totality, signifying that the judgment will affect everyone in the disobedient group.
• shall bow down (tištaḥăwū — תִּשְׁתַּחֲווּ - root ŠÂḦAḤ – שָׁחַח): To bow down, submit, or fall prostrate. In this context, it signifies subjugation and defeat.
• to the slaughter (lemāweṯ – לָמָוֶת): For death; destined for death.
• because (kî – כִּי): Introduces the reason for the preceding judgment.
• I called (qārā’ṯî — קָרָאתִי): God actively invited and summoned.
• but you did not answer (wə’attem lō’ – וְאַתֶּם לֹא): Highlights their refusal to respond.
• I spoke (wə’aḏabbēra — וְאַדַּבֵּר): God communicated His will and word.
• but you did not hear (wə’attem lō’ – וְאַתֶּם לֹא): Their unwillingness to listen to or obey God’s message.
• but did evil (ki-ʻāśū — כִּֽי־עָשׂוּ): They actively engaged in wrongdoing.
• before My eyes (lêḻay — לְעֵינַי): The wrongdoing was done with full awareness of God’s presence.
• and chose (wə-tibḥarū — וַתִּבְחֲרוּ): An active decision to pursue their own desires over God’s.
• that at which I do not delight (ʼaṯ-šer ’ěʾsənnāh — אֶת־אֲשֶׁר אֶסְנְנָה): They chose what was offensive and displeasing to God.

Words-Group Analysis

• "count you out to the sword" and "bow down to the slaughter": These parallel phrases powerfully convey the certainty and totality of God's judgment leading to death. It signifies being destined for inescapable defeat and destruction.
• "I called, but you did not answer; I spoke, but you did not hear": This pairing emphasizes God’s active outreach through prophets and His word, contrasted with the people's persistent willful rejection and silence. It points to a deliberate closing of their ears and hearts.
• "did evil before My eyes, and chose that at which I do not delight": This phrase highlights not just the commission of sin but also the conscious preference for actions that are an affront to God's character and holiness. Their sin was not out of ignorance but out of a decided choice against His will.

Isaiah 65 12 Bonus Section

The imagery of "calling" and "speaking" represents God’s consistent attempts to engage with humanity and guide them towards a relationship. The refusal to "answer" and "hear" signifies a mutual rejection that leads to separation. The choice of "that at which I do not delight" points to the ethical and moral corruption that accompanies spiritual rebellion, a turning away from divine principles to pursue what is ultimately destructive. The entire chapter underscores God's desire for relationship versus His commitment to justice against sin.

Isaiah 65 12 Commentary

This verse is a stark pronouncement of divine judgment. God's repeated attempts to call His people to Himself, through His word and His prophets, were met with persistent deafness and deliberate opposition. Their actions were not accidental but a chosen path of sin, deeply displeasing to God. The consequence is inevitable: consignment to destruction by the sword, a forceful image of military defeat and death. This serves as a timeless warning about the grave repercussions of ignoring God's calls to repentance and choosing rebellion over obedience.