Isaiah Chapter 65 · Verse 14

Authorized King James Version

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Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.

Original Language Analysis

הִנֵּ֧ה H2009
הִנֵּ֧ה
Strong's: H2009
Word #: 1 of 12
lo!
עֲבָדַ֛י Behold my servants H5650
עֲבָדַ֛י Behold my servants
Strong's: H5650
Word #: 2 of 12
a servant
יָרֹ֖נּוּ shall sing H7442
יָרֹ֖נּוּ shall sing
Strong's: H7442
Word #: 3 of 12
properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)
מִטּ֣וּב for joy H2898
מִטּ֣וּב for joy
Strong's: H2898
Word #: 4 of 12
good (as a noun), in the widest sense, especially goodness (superlative concretely, the best), beauty, gladness, welfare
לֵ֔ב of heart H3820
לֵ֔ב of heart
Strong's: H3820
Word #: 5 of 12
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
וְאַתֶּ֤ם H859
וְאַתֶּ֤ם
Strong's: H859
Word #: 6 of 12
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
תִּצְעֲקוּ֙ but ye shall cry H6817
תִּצְעֲקוּ֙ but ye shall cry
Strong's: H6817
Word #: 7 of 12
to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)
מִכְּאֵ֣ב for sorrow H3511
מִכְּאֵ֣ב for sorrow
Strong's: H3511
Word #: 8 of 12
suffering (physical or mental), adversity
לֵ֔ב of heart H3820
לֵ֔ב of heart
Strong's: H3820
Word #: 9 of 12
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
וּמִשֵּׁ֥בֶר for vexation H7667
וּמִשֵּׁ֥בֶר for vexation
Strong's: H7667
Word #: 10 of 12
a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)
ר֖וּחַ of spirit H7307
ר֖וּחַ of spirit
Strong's: H7307
Word #: 11 of 12
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
תְּיֵלִֽילוּ׃ and shall howl H3213
תְּיֵלִֽילוּ׃ and shall howl
Strong's: H3213
Word #: 12 of 12
to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)

Analysis & Commentary

The contrast between the righteous and wicked intensifies: "Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit." The Hebrew rinnah (sing/shout for joy) describes exuberant celebration from tuv lev (goodness of heart)—profound inner gladness. This contrasts sharply with the wicked's experience: crying for ke'ev lev (pain of heart) and howling for shever ruach (breaking/crushing of spirit). The verbs escalate—crying, then howling—depicting increasing anguish. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates the eternal destinies of the elect and reprobate. The righteous experience overwhelming joy in God's presence (Psalm 16:11, John 15:11, 16:22), while the wicked endure unbearable torment separated from all good (Matthew 8:12, 13:42, Luke 16:23-24). The difference isn't merely circumstantial but essential—flowing from relationship or lack thereof with God. The servants' joy comes from heart transformation; the wicked's anguish comes from spiritual bankruptcy and divine judgment.

Historical Context

This prophecy addressed the divided post-exilic community—some faithful, many compromising. It warned that eternal destinies would diverge based on covenant faithfulness. Jesus frequently taught this same division—sheep and goats (Matthew 25:31-46), wheat and tares (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43), wise and foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). The principle continues: those in Christ experience inexpressible joy (1 Peter 1:8), while those rejecting Him store up wrath (Romans 2:5). Ultimate fulfillment comes at final judgment when destinies are eternally fixed (Revelation 20:11-15, 21:1-8).

Questions for Reflection