Isaiah 66 2

Isaiah 66:2 kjv

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.

Isaiah 66:2 nkjv

For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist," Says the LORD. "But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word.

Isaiah 66:2 niv

Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?" declares the LORD. "These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.

Isaiah 66:2 esv

All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.

Isaiah 66:2 nlt

My hands have made both heaven and earth;
they and everything in them are mine.
I, the LORD, have spoken!
"I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts,
who tremble at my word.

Isaiah 66 verses

Isaiah 66 2 meaning

Isaiah 66:2 reveals God's ultimate nature as the supreme Creator of all things, asserting His independence from human constructs. He then declares that while He possesses such cosmic power, His favor and attentive gaze are not upon grand human achievements or outward religious displays, but exclusively upon those who are humble in spirit, repentant over their shortcomings and sin, and demonstrate deep reverence and obedient awe for His divine commands and revelation.

Isaiah 66 2 Context

Isaiah 66:2 serves as a pivotal statement in the final chapter of Isaiah, which functions as a theological climax to the entire prophetic book. This verse directly follows God's declaration in verse 1, challenging the notion that any physical temple could adequately contain Him, the Creator of the universe. It addresses a potential spiritual danger for the post-exilic community and for all believers: a focus on external religious structures or rituals over genuine internal piety. Historically, as the people returned from exile and rebuilt the temple, there was a risk of repeating past errors where external observance eclipsed true heartfelt worship and obedience. Chapter 66 then contrasts those whom God will look upon with favor (v. 2) against those who engage in abhorrent practices and mere ritualism without a pure heart (v. 3-4), leading to a vision of ultimate judgment and glorious redemption for the faithful.

Isaiah 66 2 Word analysis

• For all those things hath Mine hand made (כּל־אֵלֶּה יָדִי עָשָׂתָה - kol-ʾēlleh yadî ʿāśātāh): This phrase asserts God's ultimate sovereignty as the singular Creator. "Mine hand" (yadî) is a potent anthropomorphism, signifying divine power, action, and complete agency. It underlines that everything in existence, whether seen or unseen, material or spiritual, originates from His will and power.
• and all those things have been (וַיִּהְיוּ - wayyihyū): This emphasizes not only that God made all things, but also that they came into being and continue to exist by His sustained power. It underscores the ongoing dependency of all creation upon the Creator.
• saith the LORD (נְאֻם־יְהוָה - neʾum-YHWH): This is a standard prophetic formula, lending absolute divine authority to the preceding and following declarations. It emphasizes that this is a direct, undeniable word from Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God.
• but to this man will I look (וְאֶל־זֶה אַבִּיט - wəʾel-zeh ʾabbîṭ): The "but" introduces a powerful contrast. While God is the infinite Creator, He specifically directs His gaze—implying special favor, attention, and benevolent regard—towards a particular kind of person. This "looking" signifies divine approval and willingness to enter into relationship.
• even to him that is poor (אֶל־עָנִי - ʾel-ʿānî): The Hebrew ʿānî denotes one who is afflicted, lowly, humble, or poor. In this context, it transcends mere material poverty to describe a spiritual condition: one who acknowledges their dependence on God, feels their own insufficiency, and humbly awaits God's grace and provision. This individual doesn't rely on self-righteousness or human strength.
• and of a contrite spirit (וּנְכֵה־רוּחַ - û-nəḵēh-rûaḥ): Nəḵēh means crushed, bruised, or broken, and rûaḥ refers to spirit or breath. A "contrite spirit" signifies a deep inward brokenness over one's sin and unworthiness before a holy God. It reflects genuine repentance, profound humility, and a readiness to cast oneself upon God's mercy rather than trusting in one's own merit.
• and trembles at My word (וְחָרֵד עַל־דְּבָרִי - wəḥārēḏ ʿal-dǝḇārî): Ḥārēḏ means to tremble, to shudder, or to be in awe. This is not a servile fear of punishment, but a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's revealed will and authority. It describes one who takes God's commands and promises with utmost seriousness, leading to careful obedience and a desire to align their life with divine truth.

• "God as Creator vs. Whom He regards": This initial word group presents a stark theological paradox. The Creator of the universe, who needs nothing, turns His attention not to the powerful or the outwardly pious, but to the spiritually humble and dependent. It balances God's transcendent power with His immanent and personal concern for humanity's heart condition.
• "Poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembles at My word": This triple description collectively defines the ideal heart disposition God seeks. These three qualities are interconnected: true humility (poor in spirit) leads to genuine repentance and brokenness over sin (contrite spirit), which in turn produces reverent submission and obedience to God's every command (trembling at His word). This group of phrases paints a holistic picture of internal piety, contrasting sharply with superficial religious observances.

Isaiah 66 2 Bonus section

This verse is often viewed as a foundational prophetic utterance that foreshadows and harmonizes with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, particularly the Beatitudes (Matt 5:3-10), which similarly elevate the humble, the meek, and those who hunger for righteousness. The "poor" (ʿānî) spoken of here connects to the broader biblical concept of the anawim, God's humble and oppressed people who look to Him alone for deliverance and vindication. Therefore, Isaiah 66:2 not only defines acceptable worship for the prophet's immediate audience but establishes an eternal principle about the character God delights in, highlighting a spirituality rooted in inner truth rather than outward display.

Isaiah 66 2 Commentary

Isaiah 66:2 is a profound statement on the true nature of worship and piety, serving as God's answer to the rhetorical question of His dwelling in the preceding verse. As the universe's infinite Creator, God needs no temple built by human hands; He is uncontainable. His majestic power means that any human endeavor to "house" Him or impress Him through grand physical structures is inherently insufficient. Instead, God reveals His preference for the internal disposition of the human heart. He actively seeks out, and promises to honor with His favor, those who possess humility, acknowledge their spiritual brokenness and sinfulness, and demonstrate a reverent, obedient awe for His spoken word. This verse critiques all forms of religious pride and externalism, prioritizing an authentic, humble, and obedient relationship with the divine. It underpins the principle that God's presence and blessing are found not in human-made sanctuaries, but within hearts transformed by humility and reverence.