Isaiah 1:29
For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which ye have desired, and ye shall be confounded for the gardens that ye have chosen.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יֵבֹ֔שׁוּ
For they shall be ashamed
H954
יֵבֹ֔שׁוּ
For they shall be ashamed
Strong's:
H954
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
מֵאֵילִ֖ים
of the oaks
H352
מֵאֵילִ֖ים
of the oaks
Strong's:
H352
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 9
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
וְתַ֨חְפְּר֔וּ
and ye shall be confounded
H2659
וְתַ֨חְפְּר֔וּ
and ye shall be confounded
Strong's:
H2659
Word #:
6 of 9
to blush; figuratively, to be ashamed, disappointed; causatively, to shame, reproach
Cross References
Isaiah 57:5Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks?Isaiah 66:17They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD.Isaiah 65:3A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick;Ezekiel 16:63That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.Hosea 4:13They sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains, and burn incense upon the hills, under oaks and poplars and elms, because the shadow thereof is good: therefore your daughters shall commit whoredom, and your spouses shall commit adultery.
Historical Context
Despite Mosaic prohibition, Israelites syncretized Yahweh worship with Canaanite practices, including sacred groves and fertility rites. Archaeology confirms widespread high place worship in Iron Age Judah.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern 'oaks' and 'gardens'—created things we desire above God—tempt us toward idolatry?
- How does the shame of disappointed idolatry contrast with the satisfaction found in God alone?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The indictment against desiring 'oaks' and 'gardens' references Canaanite fertility cult worship conducted under sacred trees and in gardens (cf. Isaiah 65:3; Hosea 4:13). Idolatry always involves misplaced desire—seeking from created things what only the Creator provides. Shame will replace illicit pleasure, as idols fail their devotees. This anticipates Paul's theology that disordered worship stems from exchanging God's glory for images (Romans 1:23), resulting in futility and judgment.