Old Testament
Isaiah 66:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
This is what the LORD says: "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house could you possibly build for me? Where would I go to rest?
Compare translations
Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?
What Isaiah 66:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 66:1, God emphasizes His sovereignty and greatness by stating that heaven is His throne and the earth is merely His footstool. This imagery illustrates that God is far beyond human limitations and cannot be contained within a physical structure. The verse challenges the idea that a building or temple could adequately house the divine presence. Instead, it prompts reflection on the nature of worship and the relationship between God and humanity. God is not confined to a specific location; rather, He is omnipresent and transcends all creation. This verse serves as a reminder that true worship is not about rituals or buildings but about the heart and spirit of the worshiper, who should seek to honor God in all aspects of life.
How to apply Isaiah 66:1 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize that God cannot be limited to a physical space. In our worship, we should focus on our relationship with Him rather than the buildings we gather in. True worship comes from the heart and is expressed in our daily lives.
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 David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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 66:1
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 66:1
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 66:1 mean?
Isaiah 66:1 means that God is emphasizing His greatness and sovereignty by stating that heaven is His throne and the earth is His footstool. This illustrates that God cannot be contained in a physical building and challenges the idea that a temple could adequately house His presence.
What is the significance of 'heaven is my throne' in Isaiah 66:1?
The phrase 'heaven is my throne' signifies God's supreme authority and majesty. It highlights that He reigns over all creation and is not limited by human structures or locations.
What does 'earth is my footstool' imply in Isaiah 66:1?
The phrase 'earth is my footstool' implies that the earth is insignificant compared to God's greatness. It suggests that while God is present in creation, He transcends it and cannot be confined to it.
How does Isaiah 66:1 relate to worship?
Isaiah 66:1 relates to worship by reminding us that true worship is not about the physical places we gather in but about our relationship with God. It encourages us to honor God in all aspects of our lives, focusing on our hearts rather than rituals.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.