Isaiah 65:3
A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick;
Original Language Analysis
הָעָ֗ם
A people
H5971
הָעָ֗ם
A people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
1 of 11
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַמַּכְעִסִ֥ים
that provoketh me to anger
H3707
הַמַּכְעִסִ֥ים
that provoketh me to anger
Strong's:
H3707
Word #:
2 of 11
to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant
אֹתִ֛י
H853
אֹתִ֛י
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פָּנַ֖י
to my face
H6440
פָּנַ֖י
to my face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
5 of 11
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
תָּמִ֑יד
continually
H8548
תָּמִ֑יד
continually
Strong's:
H8548
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
זֹֽבְחִים֙
that sacrificeth
H2076
זֹֽבְחִים֙
that sacrificeth
Strong's:
H2076
Word #:
7 of 11
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
וּֽמְקַטְּרִ֖ים
and burneth incense
H6999
וּֽמְקַטְּרִ֖ים
and burneth incense
Strong's:
H6999
Word #:
9 of 11
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
Cross References
Isaiah 1:29For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which ye have desired, and ye shall be confounded for the gardens that ye have chosen.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.Job 1:11But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.Deuteronomy 32:21They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.Isaiah 3:8For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings are against the LORD, to provoke the eyes of his glory.Job 2:5But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.Leviticus 17:5To the end that the children of Israel may bring their sacrifices, which they offer in the open field, even that they may bring them unto the LORD, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest, and offer them for peace offerings unto the LORD.
Historical Context
These specific idolatrous practices - garden worship, brick altars (rather than stone as prescribed) - characterized Israel's syncretistic apostasy throughout the monarchic period.
Questions for Reflection
- What syncretistic practices blend paganism with worship of the true God today?
- How does 'to my face' rebellion differ from secret sin?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face, that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick.' The provocations are specified: garden sacrifices and brick-altar incense - pagan worship practices. 'To my face' (al-panai) indicates blatant, open rebellion. The Hebrew 'ka'as' (provoke to anger) is continuous.