Isaiah 65:6
Isaiah 65:6 in Multiple Translations
Behold, it is written before Me: I will not keep silent, but I will repay; I will pay it back into their laps,
Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom,
Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, yea, I will recompense into their bosom,
See, it is recorded before me, says the Lord: I will not keep back my hand, till I have sent punishment,
Look—it's all written down right in front of me! I'm not going to keep quiet. I'm going to pay them back by throwing their punishment into their laps.
Beholde, it is written before me: I wil not keepe silence, but will render it and recompense it into their bosome.
Lo, it is written before Me: 'I am not silent, but have recompensed; And I have recompensed into their bosom,
“Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will repay, yes, I will repay into their bosom
Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom,
Behold it is written before me: I will not be silent, but I will render and repay into their bosom.
I have written a record of all the evil things that they have done. And I will not do nothing about all those things; I will certainly punish them
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 65:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 65:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הִנֵּ֥ה
כְתוּבָ֖ה
לְ/פָנָ֑/י
לֹ֤א
אֶחֱשֶׂה֙
כִּ֣י
אִם
שִׁלַּ֔מְתִּי
וְ/שִׁלַּמְתִּ֖י
עַל
חֵיקָֽ/ם
הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
כְתוּבָ֖ה
kâthab
H3789
to write
V-Qal-Inf-c
לְ/פָנָ֑/י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אֶחֱשֶׂה֙
châshâh
H2814
be silent
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
שִׁלַּ֔מְתִּי
shâlam
H7999
to complete
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
וְ/שִׁלַּמְתִּ֖י
shâlam
H7999
to complete
Conj | V-Piel-1cs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
חֵיקָֽ/ם
chêyq
H2436
bosom
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 65:6
הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
כְתוּבָ֖ה
kâthab
H3789
"to write"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To write or record something, including inscribing or engraving. It is used in various contexts, such as writing down a decree or subscribing to an agreement. This word is about putting thoughts or ideas into written form.
Definition: 1) to write, record, enrol 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to write, inscribe, engrave, write in, write on 1a2) to write down, describe in writing 1a3) to register, enrol, record 1a4) to decree 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be written 1b2) to be written down, be recorded, be enrolled 1c) (Piel) to continue writing Aramaic equivalent: ke.tav (כְּתַב "to write" H3790)
Usage: Occurs in 212 OT verses. KJV: describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten). See also: Exodus 17:14; 1 Chronicles 9:1; Psalms 40:8.
לְ/פָנָ֑/י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֶחֱשֶׂה֙
châshâh
H2814
"be silent"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to be silent or quiet, and is used in the Bible to describe stillness or inactivity, as seen in the book of Psalms. It can also mean to hold peace or keep silence. In some cases, it is used to show respect or reverence.
Definition: 1) to be silent, quiet, still, inactive 1a) (Qal) to be silent, be still 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to be silent, exhibit silence 1b2) to show inactivity, be inactive 1b3) to make silent, make quiet, cause to be still
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: hold peace, keep silence, be silent, (be) still. See also: Judges 18:9; Psalms 107:29; Psalms 28:1.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
שִׁלַּ֔מְתִּי
shâlam
H7999
"to complete"
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
This verb means to be at peace or to make peace with someone. It is used in the Bible to describe a state of safety or friendship. In the KJV, it is translated as 'make amends' or 'be at peace'.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be sound 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be finished, be ended 1a2) to be sound, be uninjured 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, finish 1b2) to make safe 1b3) to make whole or good, restore, make compensation 1b4) to make good, pay 1b5) to requite, recompense, reward 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be performed 1c2) to be repaid, be requited 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to complete, perform 1d2) to make an end of Aramaic equivalent: she.lam (שְׁלֵם "be complete" H8000)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 44:4; Psalms 7:5; Psalms 22:26.
וְ/שִׁלַּמְתִּ֖י
shâlam
H7999
"to complete"
Conj | V-Piel-1cs
This verb means to be at peace or to make peace with someone. It is used in the Bible to describe a state of safety or friendship. In the KJV, it is translated as 'make amends' or 'be at peace'.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be sound 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be finished, be ended 1a2) to be sound, be uninjured 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, finish 1b2) to make safe 1b3) to make whole or good, restore, make compensation 1b4) to make good, pay 1b5) to requite, recompense, reward 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be performed 1c2) to be repaid, be requited 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to complete, perform 1d2) to make an end of Aramaic equivalent: she.lam (שְׁלֵם "be complete" H8000)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 44:4; Psalms 7:5; Psalms 22:26.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
חֵיקָֽ/ם
chêyq
H2436
"bosom"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for bosom refers to the chest area, often used figuratively to describe a close or intimate relationship, as seen in the KJV translations of bosom, lap, or midst.
Definition: : embrace/chest bosom, hollow, bottom, midst
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: bosom, bottom, lap, midst, within. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 79:12; Psalms 35:13.
Study Notes — Isaiah 65:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 65:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 65:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 65:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 65:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 65:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 65:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 65:6
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 65:6
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 65:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 65:6
- Sermons on Isaiah 65:6
Context — Judgments and Promises
4sitting among the graves, spending nights in secret places, eating the meat of pigs and polluted broth from their bowls.
5They say, ‘Keep to yourself; do not come near me, for I am holier than you!’ Such people are smoke in My nostrils, a fire that burns all day long.
6Behold, it is written before Me: I will not keep silent, but I will repay; I will pay it back into their laps,
7both for your iniquities and for those of your fathers,” says the LORD. “Because they burned incense on the mountains and scorned Me on the hills, I will measure into their laps full payment for their former deeds.” 8This is what the LORD says: “As the new wine is found in a cluster of grapes, and men say, ‘Do not destroy it, for it contains a blessing,’ so I will act on behalf of My servants; I will not destroy them all.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 50:3 | Our God approaches and will not be silent! Consuming fire precedes Him, and a tempest rages around Him. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 16:18 | And I will first repay them double their iniquity and their sin, because they have defiled My land with the carcasses of their detestable idols, and they have filled My inheritance with their abominations.” |
| 3 | Psalms 79:12 | Pay back into the laps of our neighbors sevenfold the reproach they hurled at You, O Lord. |
| 4 | Psalms 50:21 | You have done these things, and I kept silent; you thought I was just like you. But now I rebuke you and accuse you to your face. |
| 5 | Isaiah 42:14 | “I have kept silent from ages past; I have remained quiet and restrained. But now I will groan like a woman in labor; I will at once gasp and pant. |
| 6 | Isaiah 64:12 | After all this, O LORD, will You restrain Yourself? Will You keep silent and afflict us beyond measure? |
| 7 | Ezekiel 22:31 | So I have poured out My indignation upon them and consumed them with the fire of My fury. I have brought their ways down upon their own heads, declares the Lord GOD.” |
| 8 | Malachi 3:16 | At that time those who feared the LORD spoke with one another, and the LORD listened and heard them. So a scroll of remembrance was written before Him regarding those who feared the LORD and honored His name. |
| 9 | Joel 3:4 | Now what do you have against Me, O Tyre, Sidon, and all the regions of Philistia? Are you rendering against Me a recompense? If you retaliate against Me, I will swiftly and speedily return your recompense upon your heads. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 32:34 | “Have I not stored up these things, sealed up within My vaults? |
Isaiah 65:6 Summary
This verse, Isaiah 65:6, means that God sees everything we do and will one day bring judgment upon those who have rejected Him. He will make sure that people receive the consequences of their actions, which is a serious and sobering thought. As the Bible says in Romans 14:12, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God, and we must be careful to live our lives in a way that honors Him, as seen in Colossians 3:17. By trusting in God's love and mercy, as seen in John 3:16, we can have confidence that we will receive forgiveness and salvation, rather than judgment and repayment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God will 'repay' and 'pay it back into their laps'?
This phrase indicates that God will bring judgment upon those who have rejected Him, and they will receive the consequences of their actions, as seen in Isaiah 65:6 and also in Romans 6:23, which states that the wages of sin is death.
Is God being unfair or vengeful in this verse?
No, God is a just and righteous God, as stated in Psalm 119:137, and He must punish sin in order to maintain His holy character, but He also offers forgiveness and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in John 3:16.
How does this verse relate to the concept of karma?
While the concept of karma suggests that what goes around comes around, this verse emphasizes that God is the One who ultimately brings judgment and repayments, not a neutral cosmic force, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8, which warns that we will reap what we sow.
Can we apply this verse to our personal lives today?
Yes, this verse reminds us that our actions have consequences, and we will be held accountable by God for what we do, as stated in Hebrews 4:13, which says that all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be unknowingly rejecting God or living in sin, and how can I repent and turn to Him?
- How does the concept of God's judgment and repayment affect my daily life and motivations?
- In what ways can I trust in God's justice and righteousness, even when I don't understand His ways?
- How can I balance the idea of God's judgment with His love and mercy, as seen in verses like Isaiah 65:8 and John 3:16?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 65:6
Behold, it is written before me,.... This account of their sins; it was in his sight and constant remembrance, and punishment for them was determined by him, written in the book of his decrees: I
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 65:6
Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom, Behold, (it is) written before me - it is decreed by me-namely, what follows (Job
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 65:6
They may think that I take no notice of these things, or if I take any notice, I will forget them, or at least not enter into judgment with them for them; but I as certainly know and will remember them, as princes or great men that record things in writing which they would not forget. And they shall know that I know and take notice of and will remember them; for I will not keep silence; I will not long neglect the punishment of them, though for a while I have delayed it, like a man who bites in his wrath, for some wise reasons which are known unto himself best, . Will recompense into their bosom; my punishment of them shall be severe and certain, but yet it shall be just, but a giving them what is their own, as they are obnoxious to my justice, ; like the payment of an ox for an ox, (where the same word is used); they have been froward against me and I will show myself froward against them, .
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 65:6
Isaiah 65:6 Behold, [it is] written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom,Ver. 6. Behold, it is written before me.] Heb., Before my face, as your sins were committed to my face, which, therefore, I shall surely remember and punish. But will recompense, even recompense.] Certo, cite, penitus, - surely, severely, suddenly; you may write upon it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 65:6
(6) It is written before me . . .—The thought is that of the great register, the book of God’s remembrance, in which men’s deeds, good and evil, are ever being recorded. (Comp. Jeremiah 17:1; Psalms 56:8; Daniel 12:1; Malachi 3:16.) But will recompense . . .—Literally, without recompensing, or, except I recompense. Men took the long-suffering of God as if it indicated forgetfulness (Romans 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9). They are told that He will at last requite the impenitent “into their very bosom,” their inmost self, for all the evil they have done.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 65:6
Verse 6. Behold, it is written before me] Their sin is registered in heaven, calling aloud for the punishment due to it. I will - recompense into their bosom] The bosom is the place where the Asiatics have their pockets, and not in their skirts like the inhabitants of the west. Their loose flowing garments have scarcely any thing analogous to skirts. Into their bosom] For על al, ten MSS. and five editions have אל el. So again at the end of this verse, seventeen MSS. and four editions have אל al. - L.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 65:6
6, 7. Sentence is now pronounced on the reprobates, who by their persistent idolatries have served themselves heirs to the guilt of their fathers. it is written before me] The sins mentioned above stand recorded in the heavenly books, calling constantly for punishment (cf. Jeremiah 17:1). Another interpretation, according to which the subject of the sentence is the Divine decree of judgement, is less acceptable, because the following words can hardly be taken as the contents of such a decree. I will not keep silence until I have recompensed] For the construction cf. Genesis 32:26; Leviticus 22:6, &c. even recompense &c.] and I will recompense into their bosom,—a new sentence, as is shown by the Hebr. pointing of the verb as consec. perf. Cf. Jeremiah 32:18; Psalms 79:12.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 65:6
Behold, it is written before me - That is, the crimes of which they had been guilty, or the sentence which would be consequent thereon.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 65:6
6, 7. Behold — Something very important. It is written — Or, recorded. Probably for retribution soon to occur. For character as above portrayed shall be visited with deserved decree, or doom. It is poured into their bosom.
Sermons on Isaiah 65:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Follow Me - Part 2 by Loran Helm | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the beautiful music, prayers, and words of truth that have been shared. The main focus of the sermon is on the import |
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2001 Advent Week 2 - Prodigal's Sister by John Piper | In this sermon transcript, a woman is depicted watching a beautiful sunset and reflecting on the heritage of her ancestors. She wonders where she should stay for the night and pray |
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Revival a Choice by Merle Weaver | Merle Weaver emphasizes that revival is a choice that requires individuals to seek God wholeheartedly. He highlights the importance of drawing close to God, stating that if we seek |
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When God Stepped Down From Heaven - Duncan Campbell by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon transcript, the speaker recounts a powerful experience where young people were crying out to God for mercy. As they sang Psalm 50, one young man fell to the floor an |
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The Silence of God by Sir Robert Anderson | Sir Robert Anderson preaches about the consequences of challenging God's silence, emphasizing that it signifies the end of grace and mercy and the beginning of divine wrath. He cla |
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The Sinners Mistakes Exposed and Reproved. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the ancient doctrine of a judgment to come, emphasizing that God, though silent in the present life, carefully records the sins of impenitent sinners f |
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The Coming Prince - Chapter 1 - Introductory by Sir Robert Anderson | Sir Robert Anderson preaches about the importance of understanding the signs of the times and the urgency of the present age, questioning whether we are approaching the end of the |