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Book of Isaiah - Chapter 65 - Verse 14

65:14
Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.

Meaning

This verse from the book of Isaiah contrasts the fate of God's servants with those who have turned away from Him. The servants of God are promised joy and gladness in their hearts, while those who reject God will experience sorrow and distress. The imagery of singing for joy versus crying and howling for sorrow and vexation of spirit paints a vivid picture of the stark difference in the outcomes for these two groups of people. The verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of our choices and actions, highlighting the ultimate reward for serving God faithfully and the inevitable consequences of turning away from Him. It is a powerful message of hope for those who remain steadfast in their faith and a warning for those who choose to disregard God's teachings. Ultimately, the verse conveys the importance of obedience to God and the promise of joy and fulfillment that comes from serving Him wholeheartedly.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the contrasting outcomes for the righteous and the unrighteous. The phrase "Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart" speaks to the idea that those who serve God faithfully will experience true joy and happiness. This joy comes from a deep connection with God and a sense of fulfillment in doing His will. On the other hand, the rest of the verse describes the fate of the unrighteous, who will cry for sorrow of heart and howl for vexation of spirit. This highlights the consequences of turning away from God and living a life of disobedience. The word "howl" suggests a deep and intense emotional pain, emphasizing the severity of the punishment for those who reject God's ways. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of living a life in accordance with God's will in order to experience true joy and avoid the sorrow and suffering that comes from straying from His path.

American Standard Version

behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall wail for vexation of spirit.
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