Verse (Click for Chapter) 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. Berean Literal Bible “The ones consecrating and purifying themselves to the gardens, after one in the center, eating the flesh of swine, and the abomination, and the rodent, together they will come to an end,” a declaration of YHWH. 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. Berean Annotated 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 {YHWH}. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. Majority Text Translations 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. 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. Literal Translations 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. Berean Literal Bible “The ones consecrating and purifying themselves to the gardens, after one in the center, eating the flesh of swine, and the abomination, and the rodent, together they will come to an end,” a declaration of YHWH. 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. Smith's Literal Translation They consecrating themselves and cleansing themselves in the gardens, behind one in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse; together shall they perish, says Jehovah. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThey 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. Catholic Public Domain Version Those who were sanctified, who thought themselves to be clean in the gardens behind the inner gate, who were eating swine’s flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse: they will be consumed all at once, says 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. 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. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThose who sanctify themselves and purify themselves in the gardens, following one after another in the midst, eating swine's flesh and creeping things and mice, shall be consumed together, says the LORD. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated 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 OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917They 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. 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. 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 “Those who consecrate and purify themselves Leviticus 20:7 Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am the LORD your God. Exodus 19:10 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. They must wash their clothes Numbers 19:12 He must purify himself with the water on the third day and on the seventh day; then he will be clean. But if he does not purify himself on the third and seventh days, he will not be clean. to enter the groves— 2 Kings 17:10 They set up for themselves sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. 1 Kings 14:23 They also built for themselves high places, sacred pillars, and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. Deuteronomy 16:21 Do not set up any wooden Asherah pole next to the altar you will build for the LORD your God, to follow one in the center Deuteronomy 13:2 and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes about, but he says, “Let us follow other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them,” Jeremiah 7:9 Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known, 1 Kings 18:21 Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word. of those who eat the flesh of swine and vermin and rats— Leviticus 11:7-8 And the pig, though it has a split hoof completely divided, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. / You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you. Leviticus 11:29 The following creatures that move along the ground are unclean for you: the mole, the mouse, any kind of great lizard, Deuteronomy 14:8 as well as the pig; though it has a divided hoof, it does not chew the cud. It is unclean for you. You must not eat its meat or touch its carcass. will perish together,” Isaiah 1:28 But rebels and sinners will together be shattered, and those who forsake the LORD will perish. Numbers 16:33 They went down alive into Sheol with all they owned. The earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly. 2 Kings 10:25-28 When he had finished making the burnt offering, Jehu said to the guards and officers, “Go in and kill them. Do not let anyone out.” So the guards and officers put them to the sword, threw the bodies out, and went into the inner room of the temple of Baal. / They brought out the sacred pillar of the temple of Baal and burned it. / They also demolished the sacred pillar of Baal. Then they tore down the temple of Baal and made it into a latrine, which it is to this day. … declares the LORD. Jeremiah 23:31 “Yes,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and proclaim, ‘The LORD declares it.’” 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 TreeJump 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 TreeIsaiah 66 1. The glorious God will be served in humble sincerity5. 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 Those who consecrate and purify themselves This phrase refers to individuals who engage in ritualistic practices to make themselves ceremonially clean. In the context of ancient Israel, consecration and purification were essential for worship and approaching God, as seen in Leviticus 11 and Numbers 19. However, the focus here is on those who perform these acts for idolatrous purposes, highlighting a false sense of holiness. This mirrors the hypocrisy condemned by Jesus in Matthew 23:27-28, where outward appearances of purity mask inner corruption. 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 Persons / Places / Events 1. Those who consecrate and purify themselvesThis refers to individuals who engage in ritualistic practices, attempting to make themselves holy through their own means, often in defiance of God's commands. 2. The groves Sacred groves were places of pagan worship, often associated with idolatry and practices contrary to the worship of Yahweh. 3. One in the midst This could refer to a leader or figure who guides others into these idolatrous practices, leading them away from true worship. 4. Those who eat the flesh of swine and vermin and rats These are people who partake in unclean foods, which were forbidden under the Mosaic Law, symbolizing disobedience and impurity. 5. The LORD The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who declares judgment upon those who engage in these practices. Teaching Points The Danger of SyncretismMixing true worship with pagan practices leads to spiritual corruption and judgment. Believers must guard against incorporating worldly or idolatrous elements into their faith. Holiness and Obedience True consecration comes from obedience to God's commands, not through self-devised rituals. Christians are called to live holy lives according to Scripture. Leadership and Influence Be cautious of leaders who guide others away from biblical truth. Evaluate teachings and practices against the Word of God. Judgment and Accountability God holds individuals accountable for their actions and choices. Understanding the seriousness of sin should lead to repentance and a commitment to follow God's ways. Cultural Relevance While the specific practices may differ today, the underlying issue of idolatry and disobedience remains relevant. Christians must discern and reject modern forms of idolatry. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Isaiah 66:17?2. What does Isaiah 66:17 reveal about God's view on idolatrous practices? 3. How can we avoid modern equivalents of "pigs and mice" in our lives? 4. What connections exist between Isaiah 66:17 and New Testament teachings on purity? 5. How does Isaiah 66:17 encourage us to pursue holiness in daily life? 6. In what ways can Isaiah 66:17 guide our worship practices today? 7. What does Isaiah 66:17 reveal about God's view on dietary laws and rituals? 8. How does Isaiah 66:17 relate to the concept of holiness and purity? 9. Why does Isaiah 66:17 emphasize eating swine's flesh and detestable things? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 66? 11. What does the Bible say about new heavens and earth? 12. If Isaiah 13 was written in the 8th century BCE, why do some scholars suggest it reflects later events, raising questions about its authorship and date? 13. What does 'God of All Flesh' signify? 14. Isaiah 66:15-16: How can a loving deity be reconciled with the depiction of fiery vengeance and widespread destruction? What Does Isaiah 66:17 Mean Those who consecrate and purify themselvesThe verse opens with people who go through outward rituals to look holy. They wash, fast, and present themselves as ceremonially clean, yet their hearts remain unchanged. Isaiah has already warned against empty religion: “Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight” (Isaiah 1:16). Jesus echoed the same truth when He said, “You also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness” (Matthew 23:28). True consecration comes only through trusting God’s provision—ultimately fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 9:13-14). to enter the groves These worshipers head for “the groves,” the leafy sites Israel’s neighbors used for fertility rites (Deuteronomy 12:2; 1 Kings 14:23). God had forbidden His people to adopt such settings because the location itself fostered idolatry. Earlier Isaiah confronted the same practice: “You burn with lust among the oaks, under every green tree” (Isaiah 57:5). Choosing the grove over God’s appointed place of worship shows deliberate rebellion, not innocent misunderstanding. to follow one in the center They file in behind “one in the center,” most likely the officiating priest or idol at the heart of the ceremony. It pictures a parade of devotees lining up under false spiritual leadership. Scripture repeatedly warns against being swept along by a crowd headed in the wrong direction (Psalm 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:20-21). Isaiah 65:11 describes similar followers who “set a table for Fortune and fill mixed bowls of wine for Destiny.” God sees the leader and every follower; none can plead ignorance. of those who eat the flesh of swine and vermin and rats Eating pork, vermin, or rats directly violated the food laws given in Leviticus 11:7, 29 and Deuteronomy 14:8. The diet here is no accident; it is a conscious act tied to pagan ritual. Earlier God said, “They sit among the graves, spending the night in secret places; they eat the flesh of swine” (Isaiah 65:4). Such menu choices flaunt unclean living and mock God’s holiness. In the New Testament era, dietary rules no longer bind believers the same way (Acts 10:15), yet the principle of separating from defilement still holds (2 Corinthians 6:17). will perish together Because they unite in sin, they unite in judgment. “Though hand join in hand, the wicked will not go unpunished” (Proverbs 11:21). God’s patience is long, but His justice is sure: “He will repay, bringing wrath on those who do not obey the gospel” (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9). The verse makes clear that religious sincerity or cultural tradition cannot shield anyone from the consequences of deliberate idolatry. declares the LORD The final words stamp divine authority on the sentence. When the LORD speaks, His word stands (Numbers 23:19; Isaiah 40:8). No earthly court can appeal His verdict, and no human opinion can dilute it. The phrase reminds us to treat every warning of Scripture as certain fact. summary Isaiah 66:17 paints a sobering picture: people dressing up their rebellion in religious garb, flocking to forbidden places, submitting to false leaders, indulging in practices God calls unclean—and facing shared destruction under God’s unalterable decree. The passage urges us to pursue genuine holiness rooted in obedience and faith, not external ritual or cultural fashion, because the LORD alone defines purity and pronounces destiny. (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 dedicateהַמִּתְקַדְּשִׁ֨ים (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 Links Isaiah 66:17 NIVIsaiah 66:17 NLT Isaiah 66:17 ESV Isaiah 66:17 NASB Isaiah 66:17 KJV Isaiah 66:17 BibleApps.com Isaiah 66:17 Biblia Paralela Isaiah 66:17 Chinese Bible Isaiah 66:17 French Bible Isaiah 66:17 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Isaiah 66:17 Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves (Isa Isi Is) |
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