Isaiah Chapter 65 · Verse 21
And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.
Original Language Analysis
בָתִּ֖ים
houses
H1004
בָתִּ֖ים
houses
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
2 of 7
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וְיָשָׁ֑בוּ
and inhabit
H3427
וְיָשָׁ֑בוּ
and inhabit
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
וְנָטְע֣וּ
them and they shall plant
H5193
וְנָטְע֣וּ
them and they shall plant
Strong's:
H5193
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Amos 9:14And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.Isaiah 32:18And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;Isaiah 37:30And this shall be a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat this year such as groweth of itself; and the second year that which springeth of the same: and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruit thereof.
Historical Context
Throughout Israel's history, covenant unfaithfulness brought the curses—enemies destroying what they built, confiscating what they planted (Deuteronomy 28:30, 33, 51, Amos 5:11, Zephaniah 1:13). The exile epitomized this—Babylon destroyed homes and vineyards. The return began reversing this (Nehemiah 5:3-5, 11, Amos 9:14), but complete fulfillment awaits the consummated kingdom. Jesus promised inheritance and abundant life (Matthew 5:5, John 10:10). Believers presently enjoy spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3) and will eternally enjoy the new creation (Revelation 22:1-5).
Questions for Reflection
- How does security in Christ parallel the promise of building and inhabiting without fear?
- What 'fruits' of our spiritual labor will we enjoy in the consummated kingdom?
- How should certainty of future reward shape present faithfulness in 'building' and 'planting'?
Analysis & Commentary
God promises security and enjoyment: "And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them." This reverses the covenant curses of Deuteronomy 28:30: "Thou shalt build an house, and thou shalt not dwell therein: thou shalt plant a vineyard, and shalt not gather the grapes thereof." The covenant blessings promised the opposite (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). Building and inhabiting, planting and eating represent comprehensive security and satisfaction—enjoying the fruits of one's labor without fear of dispossession. From a Reformed perspective, this pictures the security believers have in Christ—our inheritance is certain (1 Peter 1:3-5, Ephesians 1:13-14), we will enjoy what God has prepared (1 Corinthians 2:9), and no enemy can rob us of our eternal reward (Romans 8:31-39). The principle applies both to present sanctification (enjoying fruits of Spirit-empowered obedience) and future glorification (enjoying eternal rewards in new creation).