Isaiah 66:16

66:15 For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.

For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many.

KJV

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For Yahweh will execute judgment by fire and by his sword on all flesh; and those slain by Yahweh will be many.

For by fire and by his sword will the Lord plead with all flesh: and the slain of the Lord shall be many.

For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many.

66:17 They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD. behind: or, one after another

What does Isaiah 66:16 mean?

Isaiah 66:16 is a verse in the book of Isaiah, in the Old Testament. In the original Hebrew, key words include אֵשׁ (ʼêsh), חֶרֶב (chereb), יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh).

Hebrew interlinear

For

fireאֵשׁʼêsh/aysh/H784fire (literally or figuratively)

and

his

swordחֶרֶבchereb/kheh'-reb/H2719drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

will

the

LORDיְהֹוָהYᵉhôvâh/yeh-ho-vaw'/H3068Jehovah, Jewish national name of God

pleadשָׁפַטshâphaṭ/shaw-fat'/H8199to judge, i.e. pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literally or figuratively)

with

all

flesh:בָּשָׂרbâsâr/baw-sawr'/H1320flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of aman

and

the

slainחָלָלchâlâl/khaw-lawl'/H2491pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

the

LORDיְהֹוָהYᵉhôvâh/yeh-ho-vaw'/H3068Jehovah, Jewish national name of God

shall

many.רָבַבrâbab/raw-bab'/H7231properly, to cast together , i.e. increase, especially in number; to multiply by the myriad

Verses like this

Other verses that share key original-language words with Isaiah 66:16.

Deuteronomy 21:2

Then thy elders and thy judges shall come forth, and they shall measure unto the cities which are round about him that is slain:

Deuteronomy 32:42

I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.

Exodus 12:8

And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.

Exodus 29:14

But the flesh of the bullock, and his skin, and his dung, shalt thou burn with fire without the camp: it is a sin offering.

Exodus 29:34

And if ought of the flesh of the consecrations, or of the bread, remain unto the morning, then thou shalt burn the remainder with fire: it shall not be eaten, because it is holy.

Exodus 5:21

And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us. to be: Heb. to stink

Genesis 2:21

And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

Genesis 6:3

And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

Frequently asked questions

What does Isaiah 66:16 say?

Isaiah 66:16 (King James Version) reads: "For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many."

Is Isaiah 66:16 in the Old or New Testament?

Isaiah 66:16 is in the Old Testament of the Bible, in the book of Isaiah.

Reflect

As you read Isaiah 66:16, what is one truth here you can carry into today?

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