Isaiah 66:17
New International Version
“Those who consecrate and purify themselves to go into the gardens, following one who is among those who eat the flesh of pigs, rats and other unclean things—they will meet their end together with the one they follow,” declares the LORD.

New Living Translation
“Those who ‘consecrate’ and ‘purify’ themselves in a sacred garden with its idol in the center—feasting on pork and rats and other detestable meats—will come to a terrible end,” says the LORD.

English Standard Version
“Those who sanctify and purify themselves to go into the gardens, following one in the midst, eating pig’s flesh and the abomination and mice, shall come to an end together, declares the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible
“Those who consecrate and purify themselves to enter the groves—to follow one in the center of those who eat the flesh of swine and vermin and rats—will perish together,” declares the LORD.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
“Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves, To go to the gardens After an idol in the midst, Eating swine’s flesh and the abomination and the mouse, Shall be consumed together,” says the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
“Those who sanctify and purify themselves to go to the gardens, Following one in the center, Who eat pig’s flesh, detestable things, and mice, Will come to an end altogether,” declares the LORD.

NASB 1995
“Those who sanctify and purify themselves to go to the gardens, Following one in the center, Who eat swine’s flesh, detestable things and mice, Will come to an end altogether,” declares the LORD.

NASB 1977
“Those who sanctify and purify themselves to go to the gardens, Following one in the center, Who eat swine’s flesh, detestable things, and mice, Shall come to an end altogether,” declares the LORD.

Legacy Standard Bible
“Those who sanctify and purify themselves to go to the gardens, Following one in the center, Who eat swine’s flesh, detestable things, and mice, Will come to an end altogether,” declares Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
“Those who [vainly attempt to] sanctify and cleanse themselves to go to the gardens [to sacrifice to idols], Following after one in the center, Who eat swine’s flesh, detestable things and mice, Will come to an end together,” says the LORD.

Christian Standard Bible
“Those who dedicate and purify themselves to enter the groves following their leader, eating meat from pigs, vermin, and rats, will perish together.” This is the LORD’s declaration.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Those who dedicate and purify themselves to enter the groves following their leader, eating meat from pigs, vermin, and rats, will perish together.” This is the LORD’s declaration.”

American Standard Version
They that sanctify themselves and purify themselves to go unto the gardens, behind one in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, they shall come to an end together, saith Jehovah.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Those who hallow themselves and purify themselves in gardens, one after another in the midst, and eat meat of pigs and vermin and the mouse shall be consumed as one, says LORD JEHOVAH

Brenton Septuagint Translation
They that sanctify themselves and purify themselves in the gardens, and eat swine's flesh in the porches, and the abominations, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the Lord.

Contemporary English Version
Some of you get yourselves ready and go to a garden to worship a foreign goddess. You eat the meat of pigs, lizards, and mice. But I, the LORD, will destroy you for this.

Douay-Rheims Bible
They that were sanctified, and thought themselves clean in the gardens behind the gate within, they that did eat swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse: they shall be consumed together, saith the Lord.

English Revised Version
They that sanctify themselves and purify themselves to go unto the gardens, behind one in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse; they shall come to an end together, saith the LORD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
People make themselves holy and prepare themselves for their garden rituals. They go into the garden and devour pork, disgusting things, and mice. "They will come to an end at the same time," declares the LORD.

Good News Translation
The LORD says, "The end is near for those who purify themselves for pagan worship, who go in procession to sacred gardens, and who eat pork and mice and other disgusting foods.

International Standard Version
"Those who consecrate and purify themselves to enter the groves, following the one at the center of those who eat the meat of pigs, disgusting things, and rats, are all alike," says the LORD.

JPS Tanakh 1917
They that sanctify themselves and purify themselves To go unto the gardens, Behind one in the midst, Eating swine's flesh, and the detestable thing, and the mouse, Shall be consumed together, saith the LORD.

Literal Standard Version
“Those sanctifying and cleansing themselves [to go] to the gardens, | One after another in the midst, | Eating flesh of the sow, | And of the abomination, and of the muroid, | Are consumed together,” | A declaration of YHWH.

Majority Standard Bible
“Those who consecrate and purify themselves to enter the groves—to follow one in the center of those who eat the flesh of swine and vermin and rats—will perish together,” declares the LORD.

New American Bible
Those who sanctify and purify themselves to go into the gardens, following one who stands within, eating pig’s flesh, abominable things, and mice, shall all together come to an end, with their deeds and purposes—oracle of the LORD.

NET Bible
"As for those who consecrate and ritually purify themselves so they can follow their leader and worship in the sacred orchards, those who eat the flesh of pigs and other disgusting creatures, like mice--they will all be destroyed together," says the LORD.

New Revised Standard Version
Those who sanctify and purify themselves to go into the gardens, following the one in the center, eating the flesh of pigs, vermin, and rodents, shall come to an end together, says the LORD.

New Heart English Bible
"Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves to go to the gardens, behind one in the midst, eating pig's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, they shall come to an end together," says the LORD.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
“Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves to go to the gardens, following one in the middle, eating pig’s meat, abominable things, and the mouse, they shall come to an end together,” says Yahweh.

Young's Literal Translation
Those sanctifying and cleansing themselves at the gardens, After Ahad in the midst, Eating flesh of the sow, And of the abomination, and of the mouse, Together are consumed, An affirmation of Jehovah.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
God's Final Judgments Against the Wicked
16For by fire and by His sword, the LORD will execute judgment on all flesh, and many will be slain by the LORD. 17“Those who consecrate and purify themselves to enter the groves— to follow one in the center of those who eat the flesh of swine and vermin and rats— will perish together,” declares the LORD. 18“And I, knowing their deeds and thoughts, am coming to gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see My glory.…

Cross References
Leviticus 11:7
And the pig, though it has a split hoof completely divided, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you.

Isaiah 1:28
But rebels and sinners will together be shattered, and those who forsake the LORD will perish.

Isaiah 1:29
Surely you will be ashamed of the sacred oaks in which you have delighted; you will be embarrassed by the gardens that you have chosen.

Isaiah 1:31
The strong man will become tinder and his work will be a spark; both will burn together, with no one to quench the flames.

Isaiah 65:3
to a people who continually provoke Me to My face, sacrificing in the gardens and burning incense on altars of brick,

Isaiah 65:4
sitting among the graves, spending nights in secret places, eating the meat of pigs and polluted broth from their bowls.

Ezekiel 4:14
"Ah, Lord GOD," I said, "I have never defiled myself. From my youth until now I have not eaten anything found dead or mauled by wild beasts. No unclean meat has ever entered my mouth."


Treasury of Scripture

They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the middle, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, said the LORD.

sanctify

Isaiah 1:29
For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which ye have desired, and ye shall be confounded for the gardens that ye have chosen.

Isaiah 65:3,4
A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick; …

behind one tree in the midst.

Leviticus 11:2-8
Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth…

Deuteronomy 14:3-8
Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing…

Jump to Previous
Abomination Center Consecrate Consumed Detestable Eat Eating End Flesh Following Gardens Midst Mouse Pigs Pig's Purify Rats Sanctify Swine's Themselves Together Tree
Jump to Next
Abomination Center Consecrate Consumed Detestable Eat Eating End Flesh Following Gardens Midst Mouse Pigs Pig's Purify Rats Sanctify Swine's Themselves Together Tree
Isaiah 66
1. The glorious God will be served in humble sincerity
5. He comforts the humble by showing the confusion of their enemies
7. With the marvelous growth
10. And the gracious benefits of the church
15. God's severe judgments against the wicked
18. The Gentiles shall have an holy church
24. And see the damnation of the wicked














(17) They that sanctify themselves . . .--Better, they that consecrate themselves . . . As in Isaiah 65:3-4, the prophet has in his thoughts the apostates, who gloried in mingling heathen rites with the worship of Jehovah. Such a blending of incompatible elements was, as we have seen, eminently characteristic of the reign of Manasseh. We have no trace of anything corresponding to it among the. Babylonian exiles, either before or after their return. The "consecration" and "purification" are the initiatory rites of heathen mysteries, connected probably with the worship of Baal or Ashtoreth, or, as the context, with its reference to gardens and swine's flesh, renders probable, with that of Thammuz. (See Note on Isaiah 64:4.)

Behind one tree in the midst.--The noun "tree" is a conjectural explanation. The Hebrew text gives the "one" in the masculine, and is explained as referring either (1) to the Hierophant, who led the worshippers; or (2), as with a contemptuous reluctance to utter the name of the false deity, to Thammuz. The Hebrew margin gives "one" in the feminine, and this may have been meant for the Asherah, the "grove," or Phallic symbol of idolatrous worship. If we adopt the masculine, and refer it to Thammuz, the word may connect itself with the lamentations of the Syrian maidens over Thammuz (Adonis) as over an only son. (Comp. Milton, Paradise Lost, i.)

The abomination.--The word stands in Leviticus 7:21; Leviticus 11:11, for various kinds of unclean beasts, among which the mouse, or jerboa, still eaten by the Arabs, was conspicuous (Leviticus 11:29). It is probable that all these, as well as the swine's flesh, were used in the idolfeasts. In any case the apostate worshippers would seem to have exulted in throwing off the restraints of the Mosaic law. . . .

Verse 17. - They that sanctify... themselves in the gardens (comp. Isaiah 1:29; Isaiah 65:3; and see the comment on the latter passage). Behind one tree in the midst; literally, behind one in the midst. It seems quite impossible that "one" can mean "one tree," when no tree has been mentioned, and gardens do not necessarily contain trees. The marginal rendering, "one after another," is also impossible. The "one in the midst" must have been either a hierophant who directed the ceremonies (Gesenius, Hitzig, Knobel, Delitzsch), or an image of a deity (Scaliger, Voss, Grotius, Lagarde, Cheyne). In the latter case, we must suppose that the worshippers had a scruple about mentioning the deity's name, and were accustomed to call him "one," or "a certain one" (comp. Herod., 2:171). Isaiah adopts their usage. Eating swine's flesh (comp. Isaiah 65:4). And the abomination. The word is used generically of all the "abominable things" forbidden to be eaten in Leviticus 11:4-30, as the camel, the coney, the hare, the eagle, the vulture, the ferret, the chameleon, the lizard, etc. The mouse. Probably the jerboa (see Leviticus 11:20).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“Those who dedicate
הַמִּתְקַדְּשִׁ֨ים (ham·miṯ·qad·də·šîm)
Article | Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 6942: To be set apart or consecrated

and purify
וְהַמִּֽטַּהֲרִ֜ים (wə·ham·miṭ·ṭa·hă·rîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 2891: To be clean or pure

themselves to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

enter the groves—
הַגַּנּ֗וֹת (hag·gan·nō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1593: A garden

to follow
אַחַ֤ר (’a·ḥar)
Adverb
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

one
אַחַת֙ (’a·ḥaṯ)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

in the midst
בַּתָּ֔וֶךְ (bat·tā·weḵ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre

of those who eat
אֹֽכְלֵי֙ (’ō·ḵə·lê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 398: To eat

the flesh
בְּשַׂ֣ר (bə·śar)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1320: Flesh, body, person, the pudenda of a, man

of swine
הַחֲזִ֔יר (ha·ḥă·zîr)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2386: Swine, boar

and vermin
וְהַשֶּׁ֖קֶץ (wə·haš·še·qeṣ)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8263: Detestation, detestable thing

and rats—
וְהָעַכְבָּ֑ר (wə·hā·‘aḵ·bār)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5909: A mouse

will perish
יָסֻ֖פוּ (yā·su·p̄ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5486: To snatch away, terminate

together,”
יַחְדָּ֥ו (yaḥ·dāw)
Adverb
Strong's 3162: A unit, unitedly

declares
נְאֻם־ (nə·’um-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5002: An oracle

the LORD.
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 66:17 Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 66:16
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