Isaiah 29:23
But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בִ֠רְאֹתוֹ
But when he seeth
H7200
בִ֠רְאֹתוֹ
But when he seeth
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
2 of 16
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה
the work
H4639
מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה
the work
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
4 of 16
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
יָדַ֛י
of mine hands
H3027
יָדַ֛י
of mine hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 16
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
בְּקִרְבּ֖וֹ
in the midst
H7130
בְּקִרְבּ֖וֹ
in the midst
Strong's:
H7130
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
וְהִקְדִּ֙ישׁוּ֙
and sanctify
H6942
וְהִקְדִּ֙ישׁוּ֙
and sanctify
Strong's:
H6942
Word #:
7 of 16
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
שְׁמִ֑י
my name
H8034
שְׁמִ֑י
my name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
8 of 16
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
וְהִקְדִּ֙ישׁוּ֙
and sanctify
H6942
וְהִקְדִּ֙ישׁוּ֙
and sanctify
Strong's:
H6942
Word #:
9 of 16
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
קְד֣וֹשׁ
the Holy One
H6918
קְד֣וֹשׁ
the Holy One
Strong's:
H6918
Word #:
11 of 16
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
the God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
the God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
14 of 16
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Cross References
Isaiah 19:25Whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.Ephesians 2:10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.Isaiah 45:11Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.Isaiah 8:13Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.Isaiah 60:21Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.Isaiah 5:16But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.
Historical Context
Throughout Israel's history, they profaned God's name among the nations through sin (Ezekiel 36:20-23). God promised to sanctify His great name by transforming His people. This began at Pentecost, continued through church history, and awaits consummation when even ethnic Israel will recognize Messiah (Zechariah 12:10). God's name will be hallowed universally (Matthew 6:9).
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to be 'the work of His hands'—a new creation for genuine worship?
- How do transformed hearts produce authentic sanctification of God's name, not mere lip-service?
- In what areas do you need heart transformation to truly 'sanctify' God's name in your life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him (כִּי בִרְאֹתוֹ יְלָדָיו מַעֲשֵׂה יָדַי בְּקִרְבּוֹ, ki vir'oto yeladaw ma'aseh yaday beqirbo)—when he sees his יְלָדִים (yeladim, children), the מַעֲשֵׂה יָדַי (ma'aseh yaday, work of my hands), in his בְּקִרְבּוֹ (beqirbo, midst, inner parts). They shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel (יַקְדִּישׁוּ שְׁמִי וְהִקְדִּישׁוּ אֶת־קְדוֹשׁ יַעֲקֹב וְאֶת־אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל יַעֲרִיצוּ, yaqdishu shemi vehiqdishu et-Qedosh Ya'akov ve'et-Elohey Yisrael ya'aritsu)—they will קָדַשׁ (qadash, sanctify, hallow) His name and יָרֵא (yare, fear, revere).
Jacob's children—described as 'the work of mine hands' like new creation (Ephesians 2:10)—will properly honor God's name. The threefold sanctification (sanctify my name, sanctify the Holy One, fear the God) emphasizes thoroughness. This reverses the hollow lip-service of verse 13. Now, transformed hearts produce genuine worship. Paul develops this in Romans 11:25-27—partial hardening on Israel until the fullness of Gentiles comes in, then 'all Israel shall be saved.' The children who once dishonored God's name will sanctify it.