Old Testament
Isaiah 65:22
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They won't build a house only for someone else to live in it. They won't plant crops only for someone else to eat them. My people will live as long as trees, and my chosen ones will enjoy the work of their own hands for a long time.
Compare translations
They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
What Isaiah 65:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 65:22, God promises a future where His people will enjoy the fruits of their labor without fear of losing it to others. This verse emphasizes the joy and security that comes from living in a land where everyone can thrive. The imagery of building houses and planting crops signifies stability and prosperity. Unlike the past, where people often worked hard only to have their efforts taken away, in this new reality, God's chosen ones will experience long-lasting fulfillment and satisfaction from their work. The comparison to trees highlights longevity and strength, suggesting that God's people will have enduring lives filled with purpose and reward. This promise reflects God's desire for His people to experience true abundance and peace, free from oppression and injustice.
How to apply Isaiah 65:22 to your life
This verse encourages us to work diligently and trust that our efforts will bear fruit. It reminds us that God values our labor and desires for us to enjoy the results of our hard work. We can find hope in the promise of a future where our contributions matter and lead to lasting joy.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Isaiah 65:22
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Isaiah 65:22
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 65:22 mean?
Isaiah 65:22 conveys God's promise that His people will enjoy the results of their hard work without fear of losing it to others. It emphasizes a future of stability, prosperity, and fulfillment, where individuals can thrive and experience lasting joy from their labor.
What is the meaning of 'they shall not build, and another inhabit' in Isaiah 65:22?
The phrase 'they shall not build, and another inhabit' means that God's people will no longer work hard only to have their efforts taken away by others. It signifies a time of security and ownership, where individuals can enjoy the fruits of their labor.
What themes are present in Isaiah 65:22?
The themes in Isaiah 65:22 include prosperity, security, enjoyment of labor, longevity, God's promises, restoration, and justice. These themes reflect God's desire for His people to thrive and experience true abundance.
How can I apply Isaiah 65:22 to my life?
You can apply Isaiah 65:22 by working diligently and trusting that your efforts will yield positive results. This verse serves as a reminder that God values your labor and desires for you to enjoy the outcomes of your hard work.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.