Isaiah 65:15 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 65:15 mean?

Isaiah 65:15 says that those who have opposed God will leave behind their name as a curse, while God will put an end to them and give His chosen servants a new name. The verse points to a sharp distinction between people who rebel against God and those who serve Him, with a promise of judgment for the former and a new identity for the latter.

In this part of Isaiah, God is speaking through the prophet to people in Israel who have turned away from Him. The verse uses strong language to show that the legacy of the unfaithful will become a warning or a byword, while God’s faithful servants will be called by a new, honored name. This is part of a larger message about God’s coming judgment and the hope of renewal for those who remain loyal to Him.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 65:15

• "Leave" (נָטַשׁ, nâṭash): This word means to abandon or forsake. Here, it emphasizes that the unfaithful will not only be gone but will leave behind a reputation or memory that is negative.
• "Curse" (אָלָה, 'alah): This word refers to a curse or an oath of misfortune. In this context, it means that the name of the unfaithful will be used as an example of what happens to those who reject God.
• "Chosen" (בָּחַר, bachar): This word means selected or chosen, highlighting that God’s servants are specially picked out for a different fate.
• "Call" (קָרָא, qara): This verb means to name or summon. God giving His servants "another name" suggests a new status, identity, or destiny, different from the fate of those who turned away.

Why Isaiah 65:15 matters

• Isaiah 65:15 clears up that God’s judgment is not just about punishment but also about making a clear distinction between those who oppose Him and those who serve Him.
• The verse highlights the seriousness of turning away from God, showing that even a person’s name or memory can become a warning to others.
• This verse connects to the wider passage by showing the contrast between judgment and hope, setting up the promise of renewal and blessing for God’s faithful people in the verses that follow.