Isaiah Chapter 65 · Verse 4
Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels;
Original Language Analysis
הַיֹּֽשְׁבִים֙
Which remain
H3427
הַיֹּֽשְׁבִים֙
Which remain
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
וּבַנְּצוּרִ֖ים
in the monuments
H5341
וּבַנְּצוּרִ֖ים
in the monuments
Strong's:
H5341
Word #:
3 of 10
to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
יָלִ֑ינוּ
and lodge
H3885
יָלִ֑ינוּ
and lodge
Strong's:
H3885
Word #:
4 of 10
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
בְּשַׂ֣ר
flesh
H1320
בְּשַׂ֣ר
flesh
Strong's:
H1320
Word #:
6 of 10
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
Cross References
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.Leviticus 11:7And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you.Isaiah 66:3He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.
Historical Context
Necromancy was practiced in Canaan and strictly forbidden (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Swine were sacrificed in pagan rituals. These practices represented complete apostasy from covenant faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- What forbidden practices do people today engage in while claiming faith?
- How do dietary laws represent larger principles of holiness?
Analysis & Commentary
'Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels.' Further abominations: necromancy (consulting the dead), swine consumption (explicitly forbidden in Leviticus 11:7), and unclean food. These are not accidents but deliberate violations of known law.