FocusRighteousness, worship, and renewal
Connection to the wholeThe closing chapters confront ongoing sin while presenting the LORD's promised renewal, maintaining both warning and hope.
interpretation Isaiah 64:4
KJVFor since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.
Read it in context
A Prayer for God's Intervention and Mercy
Start reading at Isaiah 64:1 (Isaiah 64:1 to Isaiah 64:12).
The entire chapter forms a cohesive prayer of lament and petition, beginning with a plea for God to 'rend the heavens' and concluding with a question about God's continued silence amidst their affliction.
- 64:1 Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence,
- 64:2 As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence!
- 64:3 When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down at thy presence.
- 64:4 For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.
- 64:5 Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved.
- 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
- 64:7 And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.
- 64:8 But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.
- 64:9 Be not wroth very sore, O LORD, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we are all thy people.
- 64:10 Thy holy cities are a wilderness, Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation.
- 64:11 Our holy and our beautiful house, where our fathers praised thee, is burned up with fire: and all our pleasant things are laid waste.
- 64:12 Wilt thou refrain thyself for these things, O LORD? wilt thou hold thy peace, and afflict us very sore?
Who
- Who wrote the book? Isaiah son of Amoz is the named prophet and the traditional author. The New Testament attributes passages from both earlier and later portions to Isaiah; scholars differ about the book's later composition and collection. Biblical references: Isaiah 1:1; John 12:38; John 12:39. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Isaiah 63:1–64:12): The prophetic voice and the community address the LORD in remembrance and lament; the opening vision concerns the divine warrior coming from Edom. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Judah and Jerusalem are the principal named audience, with messages also concerning Israel and other nations. Later portions address God's people in the horizon of exile, return, and restoration. Biblical references: Isaiah 1:1; Isaiah 40:1; Isaiah 48:20. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme of this passage is a fervent prayer of lament and petition from the people to God. They long for God's powerful intervention, confess their sinfulness, appeal to His mercy as their Father and Creator, and recall His past mighty acts. The specific verse (64:4) highlights the unimaginable blessings God has prepared for those who wait for Him, contrasting this with the current state of desolation and sin.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing through the prophet that He has prepared extraordinary and incomprehensible blessings for those who patiently wait for Him. These blessings are beyond human sensory perception or understanding, known only to God Himself. This revelation serves as a source of hope amidst the people's confession of sin and their plea for divine intervention.
- What is the literary style? The literary style is primarily that of a communal prayer or lament, characterized by poetic language, vivid imagery (e.g., 'rend the heavens,' 'mountains might flow down,' 'melting fire burneth,' 'filthy rags,' 'clay and potter'), and a direct address to God. It also contains elements of prophetic declaration regarding God's prepared blessings.
When
- When was it written? The book of Isaiah was written between approximately 700 and 680 B.C. book background
- When does the event take place? The events described in the prayer, particularly the desolation of Zion and Jerusalem and the burning of the Temple (Isaiah 64:10-11), point to a period of national judgment, likely during or after the Babylonian exile. However, the prophecy itself was written earlier, during the time of Isaiah, looking forward to these events and the subsequent restoration. The 'things prepared' for those who wait are timeless and point to future blessings.
Where
- Where did it happen? The prayer describes the desolation of 'Thy holy cities,' 'Zion,' and 'Jerusalem,' and the burning of 'Our holy and our beautiful house' (the Temple), indicating these events occurred in the land of Judah, specifically Jerusalem. stated in the text
- Where was the author located? The author, Isaiah, was located in Jerusalem when he wrote this prophecy. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in A Prayer for God's Intervention and Mercy (Isaiah 64:1 to Isaiah 64:12). Start reading at Isaiah 64:1. The entire chapter forms a cohesive prayer of lament and petition, beginning with a plea for God to 'rend the heavens' and concluding with a question about God's continued silence amidst their affliction.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This passage (Isaiah 64:1-12) is a communal prayer of lament and confession, forming a significant part of the larger section of Isaiah (chapters 56-66) that addresses Israel's future restoration and the coming of the Messiah. It expresses the people's deep distress over their sin and the resulting desolation, while simultaneously holding onto hope in God's unique power and His prepared blessings for those who wait for Him. It sets the stage for God's subsequent promises of new heavens and a new earth and the ultimate redemption of His people. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? This verse points profoundly to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of what God has 'prepared for him that waiteth for him.' The apostle Paul explicitly quotes this verse in 1 Corinthians 2:9, applying it to the spiritual wisdom and glorious realities revealed through the Holy Spirit concerning Christ and His redemptive work, which were previously hidden but are now made known to believers. The 'things prepared' encompass the blessings of salvation, the indwelling Spirit, the New Covenant, and ultimately the eternal glory of the new heavens and new earth, all made possible through Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. Those who 'wait for him' are those who trust in God's provision through His Son. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Today, this passage encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of patient waiting and hopeful expectation in God, even amidst personal or communal suffering and desolation. It reminds us that God has prepared unimaginable blessings for those who trust in Him, blessings that surpass human comprehension. It also calls for humble confession of sin, acknowledging our unworthiness ('all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags'), and fervent prayer, appealing to God as our loving Father and sovereign Creator, who is able to intervene and restore. interpretation
Cited: Isaiah 64:1, Isaiah 64:3, Isaiah 64:4, Isaiah 64:5-7, Isaiah 64:8, Isaiah 64:10-11, 1 Corinthians 2:9, Matthew 25:34, John 14:3, Hebrews 11:16, Revelation 21:1-4
Who wrote it, and how we know
Isaiah the prophet
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens with the vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz and names him throughout. The New Testament quotes both the earlier and later chapters as Isaiah's words.
Isaiah 1:1Isaiah 6:1John 12:38John 12:39
Early traditionJewish and Christian tradition holds the whole book to be Isaiah's.
What is debatedMany critical scholars propose a second and third author for chapters 40 and following, based on setting and style. John 12 quoting both sections as Isaiah is a significant argument against that view.
Related passages
- have not Ps 31:19 1 Cor 2:9-10 Eph 3:5-10,17-21 Col 1:26-27 1 Tim 3:16 1 John 3:1-2 1 John 4:10 Rev 21:1-4,22-24
- prepared Ps 31:19 Matt 25:34 John 14:3 Heb 11:16
- waiteth Isa 25:9 Gen 49:18 Ps 62:1 Ps 130:5 Lam 3:25-26 Luke 2:25 Rom 8:19,23-25 1 Cor 1:7
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Isaiah 64
Isaiah's opening locates his vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem in named royal reigns. The book includes warnings, narratives, and promises addressed to different settings. Identify the immediate audience before extending a promise or judgment to later readers. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Isaiah 1:1 Isaiah 6:1 Isaiah 40:1
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Isaiah
Isaiah's opening locates his vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem in named royal reigns. The book includes warnings, narratives, and promises addressed to different settings. Identify the immediate audience before extending a promise or judgment to later readers.
Isaiah 1:1 Isaiah 6:1 Isaiah 40:1
Judah confronted and hope announced
Isaiah 1:1–12:6FocusSin, judgment, and the promised ruler
Connection to the wholeThe opening visions confront Judah's rebellion while joining judgment with promises concerning the remnant and the Davidic ruler.
interpretation Oracles concerning the nations
Isaiah 13:1–23:18FocusThe LORD's judgment beyond Judah
Connection to the wholeThe series addresses surrounding nations and powers, locating Judah's troubles within a wider scene of divine judgment.
interpretation Judgment and deliverance
Isaiah 24:1–27:13FocusThe earth, the people, and renewed worship
Connection to the wholeThe scope widens through visions of judgment, praise, and gathering, linking the LORD's rule with His people's hope.
interpretation Warnings and the way of restoration
Isaiah 28:1–35:10FocusMisplaced trust and promised renewal
Connection to the wholeWarnings against false security and accounts of judgment lead into a vision of restoration and return.
interpretation Hezekiah's crisis
Isaiah 36:1–39:8FocusAssyria, deliverance, and Babylon
Connection to the wholeThe narratives connect trust and deliverance with an announcement concerning Babylon, bridging earlier warnings and later words of comfort.
interpretation Comfort and the servant
Isaiah 40:1–55:13FocusThe LORD's saving purpose
Connection to the wholeThe movement announces comfort, challenges idols, and develops the servant passages and invitations to receive the LORD's provision.
interpretation FocusRighteousness, worship, and renewal
Connection to the wholeThe closing chapters confront ongoing sin while presenting the LORD's promised renewal, maintaining both warning and hope.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.