Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.

ISAIAH 66:5KJV
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Isaiah 66:5 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 66:5 mean?

Isaiah 66:5 describes how those who respect and fear God’s word are being rejected and hated by their own people, who claim to act for God’s glory. The verse promises that God will ultimately appear to bring joy to the faithful and shame to those who have cast them out.

The speaker is Isaiah, addressing Israelites who are loyal to God but suffering exclusion and hostility from others in their community. The verse highlights a situation where the faithful are mistreated by people who use religious language (“Let the LORD be glorified”) to justify their actions. Isaiah assures the faithful that God sees their suffering and will vindicate them, reversing the situation so that those who were shamed will rejoice, and those who did the shaming will be disgraced.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 66:5

  • The word “tremble” (חָרֵד, chared) means to deeply respect or stand in awe of God’s word, not just to be afraid. This points to a heartfelt reverence among the faithful, not mere fear.
  • “Cast you out” (נָדָה, nadah) refers to being expelled or excluded, often with the sense of being pushed away from the community. This shows the social cost faced by those who stayed true to God.
  • “Glorified” (כָּבֵד, kaved) means to honor or give weight to. The people doing the excluding claim they are honoring God, but the verse suggests their actions do the opposite.
  • “Ashamed” (בּוּשׁ, bush) means to be put to shame or disgraced. This word signals a public reversal: those who excluded others will themselves be exposed and humbled.

Why Isaiah 66:5 matters

  • Isaiah 66:5 clears up the idea that suffering or rejection by religious people always means someone is in the wrong; here, it is the faithful who are mistreated.
  • The verse emphasizes that God sees and cares for those who are marginalized for His sake, promising that their faithfulness will not go unnoticed.
  • Isaiah 66:5 connects to the larger theme of the chapter, which contrasts true worshipers with those who only appear religious, highlighting God’s concern for sincerity over outward ritual.

Where else these words appear

“out” Hebrew H5077 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Kings 17:21 For he rent Israel from the house of David; and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king: and Jeroboam drave Israel from following the LORD, and made them sin a great sin.
  • Amos 6:3 Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near;

“tremble” Hebrew H2730 · used in 6 verses

  • Judges 7:3 Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.
  • 1 Samuel 4:13 And when he came, lo, Eli sat upon a seat by the wayside watching: for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city, and told it, all the city cried out.
  • Ezra 10:3 Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.

“joy” Hebrew H8057 · used in 89 verses

  • Genesis 31:27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
  • Esther 9:17 On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:26 For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

“ashamed” Hebrew H954 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 2:25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
  • Psalms 109:28 Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.
  • Isaiah 65:13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed: