Isaiah 66:2 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 66:2 mean?

Isaiah 66:2 says that although God made everything and rules over all creation, He pays special attention to people who are humble, have a broken or repentant spirit, and deeply respect His words. God values a person's attitude and heart more than outward achievements or offerings.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah to the people of Israel, reminding them that He is the Creator of all things. The situation is one where many people were focused on religious rituals and temple worship, but God points out that what truly matters to Him is humility, a contrite (remorseful) spirit, and reverence for His word. This verse shifts the focus from external religious acts to the inner qualities God desires.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 66:2

• "poor" (עָנִי, ʿani): This word means someone who is humble, afflicted, or lowly. It highlights that God is drawn to those who do not see themselves as important or self-sufficient.
• "contrite" (נִכְּהֶה, nikhéh): This word refers to someone who is crushed or broken in spirit, often understood as being deeply sorry or repentant. It shows that God values honest self-awareness and sorrow over wrongdoing.
• "trembleth" (חָרֵד, chared): This word means to tremble or quake, often out of reverence or fear. Here, it describes someone who takes God's word seriously and responds with awe and respect.

Why Isaiah 66:2 matters

• Isaiah 66:2 clears up the misunderstanding that God is mainly interested in outward religious rituals or grand offerings; instead, He looks for humility and a sincere heart.
• The verse emphasizes that God's attention is drawn to those who are spiritually humble and sensitive to His word, not to those who rely on their own status or achievements.
• In the wider context of Isaiah 66, this verse sets the tone for understanding true worship as something internal and genuine, rather than just external compliance.