What does Isaiah 65:65:17 say?

For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

What does Isaiah 65:65:18 say?

But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.

What does Isaiah 65:65:19 say?

And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.

What does Isaiah 65:65:20 say?

There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.

Isaiah 65:17-25 · Isaiah · Updated April 25, 2026

New Heavens & New Earth

God declares the creation of new heavens and a new earth, where past troubles will be forgotten. Jerusalem will be a place of joy, and its people will live long and fulfilling lives. Peace will reign, and there will be harmony among all creatures.

Summary

Isaiah 65:17-25 presents a prophetic vision delivered by God concerning the future transformation of the world. It outlines a divine promise of renewal and peace. Ancient Israel, during a time of turmoil and hope-seeking, serves as the backdrop. God declares the Creation of new heavens and a new earth, emphasizing that the former things will not be remembered (65:17).

The prophecy unfolds with God describing a future where Jerusalem is filled with joy and its people are a delight (65:18-19). God promises no more weeping or distress. Lifespans will be extended, with even children living to a hundred years, and the security of life is assured as people will live in the houses they build and eat from the vineyards they plant (65:20-22). God assures that labor will not be in vain, and there will be a harmonious relationship between God and His people, where God will respond to their needs even before they call (65:23-24).

The passage concludes with a vision of peace and harmony in Creation. Predators and prey will coexist peacefully, as the wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. There will be no harm or destruction on God's holy mountain, establishing a final state of peace and safety (65:25). The text presents this as a divine promise of a transformed world where suffering and conflict are eradicated. The primary conclusion of Isaiah 65:17-25 is the promise of a renewal orchestrated by God. The passage directly communicates God's intention to create "new heavens and a new earth" (65:17), replacing the former realities with a world characterized by joy, longevity, and harmony. This vision offers hope to a people beset by turmoil, suggesting that their current struggles and memories of distress will be eclipsed by a future marked by divine peace and restoration. The text indicates that this transformation is not merely a return to a previous state but an entirely new creation where suffering and conflict no longer exist.

Chiastic structure

ⓘ

Isaiah 65:17

“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth...”

Isaiah 65:18-19

“I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy...”

Isaiah 65:25

“The wolf and the lamb shall feed together...”

The creation of a new reality (A) mirrors the peaceful coexistence in the new creation (A')

Interpretation and theological stakes

Reformed Protestant interpretation sees this passage as a literal prophecy about the future restoration of the world. Proponents argue that the language in verses such as 65:17, which speaks of creating new heavens and a new earth, points to an actual, physical renewal of all Creation. This interpretation is bolstered by the tangible descriptions of life in this new world, such as extended lifespans and a harmonious existence between predator and prey (65:25). The emphasis on a direct intervention by God to establish this reality supports the belief in a future, literal fulfillment where God's promises manifest in a restored Creation.

On the other hand, Rabbinic Judaism interprets this passage symbolically, focusing on a future era of peace and prosperity specifically for Israel rather than a literal new creation. This perspective emphasizes the transformation of societal conditions, where the joy of Jerusalem and its people (65:18-19) reflects an idealized period of national renewal and security. The symbolic reading highlights the peace depicted in the harmonious relationships within creation as metaphors for the absence of conflict and suffering. Verses like 65:20, which discuss extended lifespans, are seen as hyperbolic expressions of prosperity rather than literal predictions.

Considering both interpretations, the passage conveys a message about the transformative power of divine intervention, whether understood literally or symbolically. The text points to a future where God's presence radically alters the state of existence, offering hope and assurance to those who believe in divine promises. This promise of transformation reflects God's commitment to renewing the world, transcending the immediate circumstances of the original audience and extending its hope to future generations. Isaiah 65:17-25 begins with the declaration of a new creation, "For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth" (Isaiah 65:17), and closes with the peaceful coexistence of animals, "The wolf and the lamb shall feed together" (Isaiah 65:25). Between these, God speaks of transforming Jerusalem into a place of joy and its people into a source of delight (Isaiah 65:18-19). This central focus on Jerusalem's transformation highlights its significance as the heart of the new creation, where God's blessings and renewal are vividly concentrated. The promise of a renewed Jerusalem symbolizes the fulfillment of God’s covenant with His people, emphasizing a future filled with joy and divine presence.

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