Isaiah 1:29 Meaning and Explanation
“For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which ye have desired, and ye shall be confounded for the gardens that ye have chosen.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Those who have turned to idolatry, worshipping at sacred groves and gardens, will face shame and confusion.
The Context of Isaiah 1:29
Condemnation of idolatry at sacred groves and gardens; prediction of shame.
What Does Isaiah 1:29 Mean?
The 'oaks' and 'gardens' likely refer to sites of idolatrous worship. In Canaanite religious practice, sacred groves (oaks) and ritual gardens were places of worship for gods other than the LORD. By choosing these places instead of the temple and the God of Israel, the people have committed apostasy. The prophet predicts that these choices, once desired, will become sources of 'shame' and 'confusion'—emotional responses that indicate deep spiritual disorientation.
This verse connects to the earlier theme of empty ritual. Just as God rejected the temple sacrifices of the unrepentant, he also rejects worship at these illegitimate sites. The word 'chosen' suggests deliberate preference for idolatry over the covenant with God. The shame and confusion that will follow are natural consequences: those who embrace false worship will eventually recognize their error, and that recognition will bring deep embarrassment.
Isaiah 1:29 in the Original Language
allon (אַלּוֹן), 'oaks' — large trees; often sites of worship or judgment; here associated with pagan worship practices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 1:29
What does Isaiah 1:29 mean?
Those who have turned to idolatry, worshipping at sacred groves and gardens, will face shame and confusion.
What is the context of Isaiah 1:29?
Condemnation of idolatry at sacred groves and gardens; prediction of shame.