Isaiah 66:2
For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יָדִ֣י
For all those things hath mine hand
H3027
יָדִ֣י
For all those things hath mine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
4 of 20
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
עָשָׂ֔תָה
made
H6213
עָשָׂ֔תָה
made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וַיִּהְי֥וּ
H1961
וַיִּהְי֥וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
6 of 20
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אַבִּ֔יט
but to this man will I look
H5027
אַבִּ֔יט
but to this man will I look
Strong's:
H5027
Word #:
13 of 20
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
עָנִי֙
even to him that is poor
H6041
עָנִי֙
even to him that is poor
Strong's:
H6041
Word #:
15 of 20
depressed, in mind or circumstances
וּנְכֵה
and of a contrite
H5223
וּנְכֵה
and of a contrite
Strong's:
H5223
Word #:
16 of 20
smitten, i.e., (literally) maimed, or (figuratively) dejected
ר֔וּחַ
spirit
H7307
ר֔וּחַ
spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
17 of 20
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
Cross References
Isaiah 57:15For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.Psalms 34:18The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.Psalms 51:17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.Philippians 2:12Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.Proverbs 28:14Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.Psalms 138:6Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.Psalms 119:120My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.Isaiah 61:1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;Isaiah 66:5Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.Habakkuk 3:16When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops.
Historical Context
Contrasted with those who built elaborate temple while tolerating sin (v. 3-4), God seeks internal transformation over external religion. The Pharisees' opposite approach (external piety, internal pride) demonstrated why Jesus pronounced woes rather than beatitudes on religious elite.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to be 'poor in spirit' and have a 'contrite' heart before God?
- How is 'trembling at God's word' different from merely reading or studying Scripture?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The declaration 'to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word' identifies God's chosen dwelling place - not temples but humble hearts. The three characteristics (poor, contrite, trembles at word) describe brokenness over sin and reverence for Scripture. This echoes the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3) - 'Blessed are the poor in spirit' - establishing spiritual poverty as prerequisite for divine presence.