Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels;

ISAIAH 65:4KJV
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Isaiah 65:4 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 65:4 mean?

Isaiah 65:4 describes people who spend time among graves and tombs, eat the flesh of pigs, and keep unclean or forbidden foods in their containers. The verse highlights practices that were considered defiling and against the laws given to Israel, showing a group who deliberately ignore God's commands.

In this verse, God is speaking through Isaiah to the people of Israel, pointing out behaviors that set them apart from what God had instructed. The mention of graves, monuments, and eating unclean foods paints a picture of people who are involved in practices linked to idolatry, superstition, and ritual impurity, all of which were forbidden in Israel’s law. This is part of a larger passage where God lists the ways the people have turned away from Him.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 65:4

  • "remain" (יָשַׁב, yashav): This word means to dwell or stay. Here, it emphasizes that these people are not just passing by graves but are intentionally spending time there, suggesting a deeper involvement in forbidden practices.
  • "graves" (קֶבֶר, qeber): Refers to burial places. Being among graves was considered ritually unclean in Israelite law, so this detail underlines their disregard for purity.
  • "broth" (מְרַק, meraq): This word points to a kind of soup or liquid food. In this context, it is not just any broth, but one made from "abominable things," stressing the depth of their ritual impurity.
  • "abominable" (פִּגּוּל, piggul): This term means something detestable or ritually unacceptable, especially in relation to food or offerings. Its use here shows that what they are eating is not just unclean but especially offensive according to the law.

Why Isaiah 65:4 matters

  • Isaiah 65:4 clarifies that the problem is not just breaking dietary rules, but a pattern of behavior that shows contempt for God’s instructions and a preference for practices linked to pagan religions.
  • The verse helps explain why God is displeased with the people: their actions go beyond everyday mistakes and reflect a deliberate choice to ignore what God has said.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing that God’s coming judgment is not arbitrary, but a response to specific, ongoing disobedience among the people.

Where else these words appear

“broth” Hebrew H4839 · used in 3 verses

  • Judges 6:19 And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it.
  • Judges 6:20 And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.

“abominable” Hebrew H6292 · used in 4 verses

  • Leviticus 7:18 And if any of the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings be eaten at all on the third day, it shall not be accepted, neither shall it be imputed unto him that offereth it: it shall be an abomination, and the soul that eateth of it shall bear his iniquity.
  • Leviticus 19:7 And if it be eaten at all on the third day, it is abominable; it shall not be accepted.
  • Ezekiel 4:14 Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth.

“swine's” Hebrew H2386 · used in 7 verses

  • Leviticus 11:7 And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you.
  • Psalms 80:13 The boar out of the wood doth waste it, and the wild beast of the field doth devour it.
  • Isaiah 66:3 He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.

“graves” Hebrew H6913 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 23:4 I am a stranger and a sojourner with you: give me a possession of a buryingplace with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.
  • 1 Kings 13:31 And it came to pass, after he had buried him, that he spake to his sons, saying, When I am dead, then bury me in the sepulchre wherein the man of God is buried; lay my bones beside his bones:
  • Job 10:19 I should have been as though I had not been; I should have been carried from the womb to the grave.