Isaiah 29:23

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Isaiah 29:23 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But when he seeth his children, the work of my hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name; yea, they shall sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall stand in awe of the God of Israel.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But when he seeth his children, the work of my hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name; yea, they shall sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall stand in awe of the God of Israel.
Isaiah 29:23 — American Standard Version

Context — Isaiah 29

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
23But when he seeth his children, the work of my hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name; yea, they shall sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall stand in awe of the God of Israel.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But when he seeth his children, the work of my hands, in the midst of him, &c.] That is, it will be a pleasure to the church of God, signified by Jacob, when they shall observe a great number of Jacob’s posterity, or of the Jews, born again, become the “children” of the church, born in her, and nursed up at her side, dandled on her knees, and sucking at the breasts of her consolation; and so in the midst of her, members of her, and in communion with her, having been begotten again, by means of her ministers, through the Gospel, by the Spirit and grace of God; and so “the work of his hands”, his new creatures, formed for and by himself; his workmanship, created in Jesus Christ, curiously…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But--rather, "For." he--Jacob. work of mine hands--spiritually, as well as physically (Isa 19:25; Isa 60:21; Eph 2:10). By Jehovah's agency Israel shall be cleansed of its corruptions, and shall consist wholly of pious men (Isa 54:13-14; Isa 2:1; Isa 60:21). midst of him--that is, his land. Or else "His children" are the Gentiles adopted among the Israelites, his lineal descendants (Rom 9:26; Eph 3:6) [HORSLEY].”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“He seeth - When the believing seed of Jacob shall see those children, whom they have begotten to God, by the gospel, even the Gentiles. The work - The children, not of the flesh, but of the promise, whom I, by my almighty grace, have regenerated. In the midst - Incorporated with the Jews, into one and the same body. Shall sanctify - They shall glorify God, with them and for them. Isaiah 29:24”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the work: Isa 19:25, Isa 43:21, Isa 45:11, Isa 60:21; Eph 2:10 sanctify: Isa 5:16, Isa 8:13; Lev 10:3; Mat 6:9; Rev 11:15-17 fear the God: Hos 3:5; Rev 15:4, Rev 19:5 Isaiah 29:24”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification