Isaiah 66:14
And when ye see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants, and his indignation toward his enemies.
Original Language Analysis
וּרְאִיתֶם֙
And when ye see
H7200
וּרְאִיתֶם֙
And when ye see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 14
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
לִבְּכֶ֔ם
this your heart
H3820
לִבְּכֶ֔ם
this your heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
3 of 14
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
וְעַצְמוֹתֵיכֶ֖ם
and your bones
H6106
וְעַצְמוֹתֵיכֶ֖ם
and your bones
Strong's:
H6106
Word #:
4 of 14
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
תִפְרַ֑חְנָה
shall flourish
H6524
תִפְרַ֑חְנָה
shall flourish
Strong's:
H6524
Word #:
6 of 14
to break forth as a bud, i.e., bloom; generally, to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the wings); figuratively, to flourish
וְנוֹדְעָ֤ה
shall be known
H3045
וְנוֹדְעָ֤ה
shall be known
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
7 of 14
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
יַד
and the hand
H3027
יַד
and the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
8 of 14
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
וְזָעַ֖ם
and his indignation
H2194
וְזָעַ֖ם
and his indignation
Strong's:
H2194
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, to foam at the mouth, i.e., to be enraged
Cross References
Zechariah 10:7And they of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man, and their heart shall rejoice as through wine: yea, their children shall see it, and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the LORD.Ezra 7:9For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him.Ezra 8:31Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.Ezra 8:22For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.Proverbs 3:8It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.Proverbs 17:22A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.Hebrews 10:27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.Isaiah 58:11And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.Isaiah 10:5O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.Isaiah 26:19Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.
Historical Context
The prophecy promised that seeing God's restoration would produce joy and vitality among the faithful while confirming judgment on the rebellious. Partial fulfillment came when the faithful returned from exile while the wicked faced judgment. Greater fulfillment came through Christ—His advent brought joy to those who believed (Luke 2:10-14, John 15:11) while pronouncing judgment on those who rejected Him (John 3:18, 36). This pattern continues throughout the church age—the gospel producing life and death, salvation and condemnation. Final fulfillment comes at Christ's return when the division becomes eternal (Matthew 25:31-46, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).
Questions for Reflection
- How does genuine spiritual health manifest in both 'heart' and 'bones'—inner and outer life?
- What does it mean that God's 'hand' is known differently by servants versus enemies?
- How should the reality of God's indignation toward His enemies shape our evangelistic urgency?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The promise continues: "And when ye see it, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb." The response to God's comfort is profound—heart rejoicing and bones flourishing. "Bones" (atsam) represent the whole person, especially physical vitality. The simile "like herb" (ka'deshe) suggests green, vigorous growth—comprehensive restoration. Then comes distinction: "and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants, and his indignation toward his enemies." God's "hand" represents His powerful activity—blessing for servants, judgment for enemies. The Hebrew noada (be known) means revealed, made evident—both blessing and judgment become unmistakable. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates the double outcome of divine activity. God's work brings joy and flourishing to the elect while bringing judgment to the reprobate. The same sun melts wax and hardens clay; the same gospel saves some and condemns others (2 Corinthians 2:15-16). God's servants recognize His favor; His enemies experience His wrath (Romans 2:5-9).