And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.

ISAIAH 66:24KJV
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Isaiah 66:24 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 66:24 mean?

Isaiah 66:24 describes a scene where people witness the dead bodies of those who rebelled against God, seeing that their punishment is ongoing and dreadful, with worms that do not die and fire that is never put out, causing horror to all who see it. This verse uses strong imagery to show the final outcome for those who have opposed God, serving as a warning and a vivid contrast to the blessings given to the faithful.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel at the end of his book, describing the ultimate fate of those who have "transgressed" against God after a time of judgment and restoration. The verse closes Isaiah’s message by showing a public display of the consequences for rebellion, using language that would have been shocking and memorable to its original audience. The scene is set outside the city, where the sight of unburied corpses and unending decay would be a sign of disgrace and a reminder of God’s justice.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 66:24

  • "transgressed" (פָּשַׁע, pāsha‘) means to rebel or break away from authority. This word emphasizes that the people being punished are not just ordinary sinners but those who have willfully rejected God’s ways.
  • "worm" (תּוֹלֵעָה, tole‘ah) refers to a maggot or worm that consumes dead flesh. The phrase "their worm shall not die" paints a picture of ongoing decay, symbolizing a punishment that does not end.
  • "fire" (אֵשׁ, ’esh) is used here as a symbol of consuming judgment. The fire "shall not be quenched," meaning it will not be put out, reinforcing the idea of unending consequence.
  • "abhorring" (דֵּרָאוֹן, dērā’ōn) means something detestable or loathsome. The fate of the rebels is not just destruction but lasting disgrace in the eyes of all people.

Why Isaiah 66:24 matters

  • Isaiah 66:24 clarifies that the judgment described is public and meant to be seen, not hidden away, highlighting the seriousness of rebelling against God.
  • The verse uses vivid, unsettling images to stress the permanence and seriousness of the consequences, which would have left a strong impression on its original audience.
  • This verse forms a stark ending to the book of Isaiah, contrasting the hope and restoration promised to the faithful with the shame and ruin awaiting those who persistently oppose God.

Where else these words appear

“abhorring” Hebrew H1860 · used in 2 verses

  • Daniel 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

“carcases” Hebrew H6297 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 15:11 And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.
  • 2 Kings 19:35 And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses.
  • Jeremiah 33:5 They come to fight with the Chaldeans, but it is to fill them with the dead bodies of men, whom I have slain in mine anger and in my fury, and for all whose wickedness I have hid my face from this city.

“quenched” Hebrew H3518 · used in 24 verses

  • Leviticus 6:12 And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:25 Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched.
  • Jeremiah 4:4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.

“transgressed” Hebrew H6586 · used in 37 verses

  • 1 Kings 8:50 And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee, and give them compassion before them who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them:
  • Psalms 51:13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
  • Jeremiah 3:13 Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.