Isaiah 66:5 Meaning and Explanation
“Hear 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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Pain is sharpened when hostility comes from people called brethren, especially when they use pious language to defend their exclusion. Isaiah does not minimize that wound. He directs the afflicted first to the word of the Lord, then to the Lord's own appearing. Their hope rests in God's knowledge, judgment, and promised joy.
The Lord speaks comfort to those who reverently receive his word and suffer rejection for his name. He will appear for their joy and expose the shame of contemptuous opposition.
The Context of Isaiah 66:5
Verse 5 follows the rebuke of people who chose their own ways and refused God's call in verses 3 and 4. It addresses a different group: those who tremble at the Lord's word, like the person described in verse 2. These faithful hearers have been hated and cast out by brethren for the Lord's name. Their opponents speak the words, "Let the LORD be glorified," while treating God's servants with contempt. Verse 6 announces the Lord's voice from the city and temple, rendering recompense to his enemies. The following verses describe Zion's astonishing birth and the joy God gives Jerusalem.
What Does Isaiah 66:5 Mean?
The command begins, "Hear the word of the LORD," and identifies its hearers as those who tremble at his word. Their trembling is reverent attentiveness, the opposite of the refusal to hear described in the preceding verse. Isaiah then names their grief plainly: brethren have hated them and cast them out for the Lord's name's sake. The phrase "for my name's sake" shows that this rejection is bound to loyalty to God, rather than a merely personal quarrel. The hostile brethren speak a religious-sounding challenge, "Let the LORD be glorified." Their words seek to dismiss or mock the afflicted. God answers their claim with his own promise: he shall appear to the joy of those who fear him.
The chapter distinguishes between people who share proximity to worship and people who truly receive the Lord's word. Earlier verses condemn worshipers who choose their own ways; this verse honors those whose reverence brings social cost. The division is painful because it occurs among brethren. Isaiah does not supply every circumstance behind their expulsion, so we should avoid filling in details the text does not give. The decisive truth is that the Lord sees the difference between professed zeal and humble obedience. His appearing will bring joy to his faithful servants and shame to those who opposed them. Verse 6 continues this promise by describing the Lord's recompense to his enemies, while verses 10 through 14 unfold joy and comfort for Jerusalem.
Jesus speaks a closely related blessing when he describes people reviled and persecuted for his sake, promising them joy. He also tells his disciples that some will put them out of religious assemblies while imagining they serve God. These later words make Isaiah's pattern especially clear: exclusion by people does not determine the Lord's judgment. The promise of the Lord's appearing is larger than a change in public opinion. It directs the faithful toward God's vindication and the joy of his presence. In seasons of misunderstanding, this verse gives the community of faith permission to grieve honestly, remain teachable before God's word, and await the Lord without returning hatred for hatred.
Bible Verses Related to Isaiah 66:5
“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.”
- Isaiah 66:2
“Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.”
- Psalm 119:161
“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.”
- Matthew 5:11
“They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.”
- John 16:2
Where Isaiah 66:5 Echoes in Scripture
John 16:2 strongly echoes Isaiah's situation. Jesus warns his disciples that people may cast them out of religious fellowship while believing they are serving God. Isaiah 66:5 already portrays brethren who exclude those faithful to the Lord's name and speak as though God were on their side. Both passages direct suffering believers away from the verdict of hostile people and toward the Lord, who knows those who belong to him.
How to Apply Isaiah 66:5 Today
When faithfulness brings misunderstanding, this verse encourages us to begin with hearing the Lord's word rather than rehearsing every accusation. We can name the pain of rejection without treating bitterness as our guide. It may be wise to seek peace, clarify truthfully, and receive counsel from mature believers. Some conflicts require careful repentance and repair; others reveal opposition to the Lord's claim on our lives. Isaiah keeps us from making ourselves the final judge of either case. We can remain reverent, refuse contemptuous speech, and entrust the future to the God who promises joy to those who tremble at his word.
Reflection & Prayer
Whose judgment has become too large in our imagination, and how might the Lord's word restore a truer measure? Bring a particular wound of rejection before God without concealing it. Suggested prayer: Lord, teach us to tremble at thy word, keep us from hatred, and make thy promised joy steadier than the praise or rejection of others.