Isaiah 65 21

Isaiah 65:21 kjv

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

Isaiah 65:21 nkjv

They shall build houses and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.

Isaiah 65:21 niv

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

Isaiah 65:21 esv

They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.

Isaiah 65:21 nlt

In those days people will live in the houses they build
and eat the fruit of their own vineyards.

Isaiah 65 verses

Isaiah 65 21 Meaning

This verse describes a future dwelling of God’s people where they will build homes and inhabit them, and cultivate gardens, enjoying the fruits of their labor for generations. It speaks of enduring prosperity and security in the New Jerusalem.

Isaiah 65 21 Context

Isaiah chapter 65 speaks of judgment on unfaithful Judah and a promise of future restoration for a remnant. The preceding verses (Isaiah 65:17-20) detail the creation of new heavens and a new earth, characterized by joy and the absence of crying and pain, with Jerusalem as a city of rejoicing. This specific verse, Isaiah 65:21, elaborates on the blessings of this renewed era, emphasizing settled, secure, and fruitful living for God’s people in this promised future. Historically, this vision would have offered profound hope to Israelites enduring exile and hardship, pointing beyond present suffering to eternal joy.

Isaiah 65 21 Word Analysis

• And (וְ - və)

  • Conjunction connecting phrases, indicating sequence or addition.

• they (הֵ֣מָּה - hēmmāh)

  • Third person masculine plural pronoun, referring to the people of God.

• shall build (יִבְנ֖וּ - yivnū)

  • Future tense, 3rd person masculine plural of בָּנָה (bānāh), meaning "to build," "to erect," "to establish." Implies creating secure and lasting dwelling places.

• houses (בָּתִּ֥ים - bāttīm)

  • Plural of בַּיִת (bayit), meaning "house," "home," "dwelling place." Denotes permanent, secure abodes.

• and (וְ - və)

  • Conjunction.

• dwell (וְיָשְׁבוּ - vəyāšəvū)

  • Future tense, 3rd person masculine plural of שָׁבַע (šāvaʿ), meaning "to sit," "to dwell," "to inhabit," "to remain." Indicates a settled, stable habitation, not temporary or nomadic.

• in (בָּ֑ם - bām)

  • Prepositional prefix, "in them."

• and (וְ - və)

  • Conjunction.

• they (הֵ֣מָּה - hēmmāh)

  • Pronoun.

• shall plant (יִטְּע֖וּ - yiṭṭəʿū)

  • Future tense, 3rd person masculine plural of טָעַע (ṭāʿaʿ), meaning "to plant." Suggests investment in the land and expectation of future yield.

• gardens (גַּנּ֔וֹת - gannōt)

  • Plural of גַּנָּה (gannāh), meaning "garden," "enclosed garden." Implies cultivation, beauty, and sustenance.

• and (וְ - və)

  • Conjunction.

• eat (וְאָכְל֖וּ - vəʾāḵlū)

  • Future tense, 3rd person masculine plural of אָכַל (ʾāḵal), meaning "to eat," "to consume." Directly relates to enjoying the produce.

• the fruit (פְּרִ֥י - pərî)

  • Noun, "fruit," "produce." Encompasses the yield of the gardens and vineyards.

• of (יָ֑ם - yām)

  • The suffix can imply "of them" or, more contextually here, signify "their fruit" in a collective sense or simply indicate the origin of the fruit (from the land/gardens). Some texts read פְּרִ֧י (pərî), linking to the gardens more directly.

• them (יָ֑ם - yām)

  • Pronoun suffix.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "shall build houses, and dwell in them" (יִבְנ֤וּ בָתִּי ם וְיָשְׁבוּ בָּ֑ם - yivnū bāttīm vəyāšəvū bām): This phrase signifies security and permanence. It contrasts with periods of displacement, exile, or temporary encampments described elsewhere in Israel’s history.
  • "shall plant gardens and eat their fruit" (יִטְּע֖וּ גַנּ֔וֹת וְאָכְל֖וּ פְּרִ֥י יָ֑ם - yiṭṭəʿū gannōt vəʾāḵlū pərî yām): This depicts a life of prosperity and the enjoyment of hard work's rewards, free from spoilage or seizure. The mention of gardens emphasizes settled agricultural life and the blessings of the land.

Isaiah 65 21 Bonus Section

The imagery here of building and planting, and enjoying the fruit thereof, stands in stark contrast to the descriptions of judgment found earlier in Isaiah, where houses were built but not inhabited (Isa 17:2) and vineyards were planted but not enjoyed. This verse also reflects the promise of agricultural abundance mentioned in Deuteronomy 28 (though the blessings here are far more comprehensive and eternal), and specifically echoes the instructions given to the exiles in Jeremiah 29 to settle down and build their lives in Babylon, with a promise of return. However, this ultimate fulfillment transcends the Babylonian exile, pointing to the eternal dwelling in God's presence. The phrase "eat their fruit" is a powerful symbol of enjoying the benefits of one's own labor and God's provision, free from the anxieties of destruction or premature death.

Isaiah 65 21 Commentary

This verse paints a picture of idyllic and abundant life in God's redeemed kingdom. It is not merely about physical shelter but also about settling in securely, investing in the future through planting, and enjoying the full results of one's labor. This signifies peace, prosperity, and God’s blessing on His people's endeavors in the new creation. It’s a reversal of the curse pronounced in earlier parts of Scripture, particularly Deut. 28, where enemies would inhabit and benefit from the land instead of the Israelites. Here, they fully enjoy what they build and grow.

• Practical usage example: The concept encourages trust in God for provision and stability, looking beyond present difficulties to a future where God's promises are fully realized, promoting perseverance and hope in God’s faithfulness.