Isaiah 66:17 Meaning and Explanation
“They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Those practicing false religious rituals while breaking God's laws will be destroyed together.
The Context of Isaiah 66:17
God will destroy those with false piety and broken faithfulness.
What Does Isaiah 66:17 Mean?
Isaiah specifies who faces this judgment: those who sanctify and purify themselves in gardens behind one tree—a reference to pagan religious practices. They perform purification rituals in idolatrous settings while simultaneously eating swine, abominations, and even mouse—foods explicitly forbidden in God's law. This describes people who attempt to split their allegiance, practicing pseudo-religious observance while living in defiance of God's command.
They will be consumed together. Their attempt to appear holy while eating the forbidden reveals empty, contradictory religiosity. Such hypocrisy—external purification paired with internal law-breaking—cannot stand before God. The judgment is total and merited. These verses (17-24) show that the final restoration involves the removal of those who have fundamentally rejected God's way, clearing the way for the establishment of God's pure kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 66:17
What does Isaiah 66:17 mean?
Those practicing false religious rituals while breaking God's laws will be destroyed together.
What is the context of Isaiah 66:17?
God will destroy those with false piety and broken faithfulness.