Isaiah 65:5
Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.
Original Language Analysis
קְרַ֣ב
Stand
H7126
קְרַ֣ב
Stand
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
2 of 15
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
4 of 15
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּגַּשׁ
by thyself come not near
H5066
תִּגַּשׁ
by thyself come not near
Strong's:
H5066
Word #:
5 of 15
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
קְדַשְׁתִּ֑יךָ
to me for I am holier
H6942
קְדַשְׁתִּ֑יךָ
to me for I am holier
Strong's:
H6942
Word #:
8 of 15
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
עָשָׁ֣ן
than thou These are a smoke
H6227
עָשָׁ֣ן
than thou These are a smoke
Strong's:
H6227
Word #:
10 of 15
smoke, literally or figuratively (vapor, dust, anger)
בְּאַפִּ֔י
in my nose
H639
בְּאַפִּ֔י
in my nose
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
Cross References
Luke 7:39Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.Proverbs 16:5Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.Deuteronomy 29:20The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven.Luke 5:30But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?
Historical Context
This spiritual arrogance while practicing idolatry characterized the religious establishment that rejected prophetic calls to repentance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does self-righteousness coexist with actual sin?
- What provokes God more - sin itself or self-righteous sin?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.' The supreme irony: those practicing paganism claim superior holiness! 'Stand back, I'm holier than you.' Such hypocrisy is 'smoke in my nose' (disgusting odor) and 'fire that burneth' (constant irritation). Self-righteousness amid actual sin provokes divine wrath.