But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel.

ISAIAH 29:23KJV
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Isaiah 29:23 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 29:23 mean?

Isaiah 29:23 describes a future time when the descendants of Jacob (Israel) will be recognized as God’s own handiwork, and they will honor and set apart God’s name, showing deep respect for Him. The verse promises a restoration where the people will truly revere God and acknowledge His holiness.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel, who have faced judgment and hardship. God assures them that their children—those who come after them—will be a sign of God’s work among them. These descendants will not only honor God’s name but also recognize Him as the Holy One of Jacob and fear (deeply respect) the God of Israel, showing a renewed relationship between God and His people.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 29:23

  • "children" (יֶלֶד, yeled): This word means "offspring" or "descendants," emphasizing that it is the future generations of Israel who will respond to God in this way.
  • "sanctify" (קָדַשׁ, qadash): To "sanctify" means to set apart as holy or treat with special honor. Here, it highlights that the people will actively honor God’s name and character.
  • "fear" (עָרַץ, arats): This word carries the sense of awe or deep reverence, not just being afraid. It points to a respectful, worshipful attitude toward God.

Why Isaiah 29:23 matters

  • Isaiah 29:23 clarifies that God’s restoration is not just about physical return or prosperity, but about a spiritual change where people truly honor and revere God.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in Isaiah of God’s faithfulness to His promises, even when His people have failed or suffered.
  • This verse helps correct the idea that God’s relationship with Israel is only about the past; it emphasizes hope for future generations and a renewed, heartfelt devotion.

Where else these words appear

“fear” Hebrew H6206 · used in 15 verses

  • Deuteronomy 1:29 Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them.
  • Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
  • Isaiah 2:19 And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

“children” Hebrew H3206 · used in 76 verses

  • Genesis 4:23 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.
  • Exodus 21:4 If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself.
  • 2 Chronicles 10:10 And the young men that were brought up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou answer the people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it somewhat lighter for us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins.

“One” Hebrew H6918 · used in 106 verses

  • Exodus 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
  • 2 Kings 19:22 Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.
  • Isaiah 17:7 At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.