Isaiah’s prophecy offers a picture of hope and restoration for God’s people. In this verse, the prophet proclaims, “They will not labor in vain, or bear children for calamity; For they are the offspring of those blessed by the Lord, And their descendants with them” (v.23). Here, Isaiah, who prophesied in the late eighth century to early seventh century BC (circa 740-681 BC), conveys a message of reassurance that God plans a future where the work of the righteous will be fruitful and protected. This proclamation speaks of a time in which God’s covenant blessings are restored among His people, reminiscent of the original Garden of Eden where labor was intended to be fulfilling rather than frustrating (Genesis 2:15). The historical context shows Isaiah ministering during a period of spiritual decline and political turmoil for Judah, so these words would have been a powerful promise of hope to those longing for God’s renewal.
When the verse states, “They will not labor in vain” (v.23), it affirms that the faithful efforts of God’s people will bear lasting fruit. In ancient Judea, the land surrounding Jerusalem and beyond, people mainly depended on agriculture and livestock, so the image of labor not being “in vain” brought to mind peace and stability in daily work. That geography was often marked by challenging environments—rocky soil, desert climates to the south, the mountainous region surrounding Jerusalem—yet the promise is that the hardships of the land will yield to God’s blessings. It echoes the notion that true rest and reward come from trusting the Lord’s provision (Psalm 127:1-2).
The next line, “or bear children for calamity” and “they are the offspring of those blessed by the Lord, and their descendants with them” (v.23), emphasizes that future generations are enveloped in God’s favor. Rather than facing destruction or despair, families will flourish under the covering of the Almighty. This blessing foreshadows a time of redemption fulfilled in Christ, who came to bring abundant life (John 10:10). It also provides comfort to those who fear for their children’s futures, revealing that the Lord holds both present and future firmly in His hands.
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Isaiah 65:23 meaning
Isaiah’s prophecy offers a picture of hope and restoration for God’s people. In this verse, the prophet proclaims, “They will not labor in vain, or bear children for calamity; For they are the offspring of those blessed by the Lord, And their descendants with them” (v.23). Here, Isaiah, who prophesied in the late eighth century to early seventh century BC (circa 740-681 BC), conveys a message of reassurance that God plans a future where the work of the righteous will be fruitful and protected. This proclamation speaks of a time in which God’s covenant blessings are restored among His people, reminiscent of the original Garden of Eden where labor was intended to be fulfilling rather than frustrating (Genesis 2:15). The historical context shows Isaiah ministering during a period of spiritual decline and political turmoil for Judah, so these words would have been a powerful promise of hope to those longing for God’s renewal.
When the verse states, “They will not labor in vain” (v.23), it affirms that the faithful efforts of God’s people will bear lasting fruit. In ancient Judea, the land surrounding Jerusalem and beyond, people mainly depended on agriculture and livestock, so the image of labor not being “in vain” brought to mind peace and stability in daily work. That geography was often marked by challenging environments—rocky soil, desert climates to the south, the mountainous region surrounding Jerusalem—yet the promise is that the hardships of the land will yield to God’s blessings. It echoes the notion that true rest and reward come from trusting the Lord’s provision (Psalm 127:1-2).
The next line, “or bear children for calamity” and “they are the offspring of those blessed by the Lord, and their descendants with them” (v.23), emphasizes that future generations are enveloped in God’s favor. Rather than facing destruction or despair, families will flourish under the covering of the Almighty. This blessing foreshadows a time of redemption fulfilled in Christ, who came to bring abundant life (John 10:10). It also provides comfort to those who fear for their children’s futures, revealing that the Lord holds both present and future firmly in His hands.