They shall not labor in vain or bear children for calamity, for they shall be the offspring of the blessed of the LORD, and their descendants with them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
In this future kingdom, the natural anxieties of parenting—the fear of children suffering or dying prematurely—will be gone. The promise isn't just about survival, but about generations thriving together, living long lives filled with fulfillment, not sorrow.
They shall not labor in vain or bear children for calamity, for they shall be the offspring of the blessed of the LORD, and their descendants with them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
In this passage, Isaiah is painting a picture of God's ultimate restoration and blessing, contrasting it with the current suffering and exile of his people. He's moving from pronouncements of judgment against those who have turned away from God to lavish promises of future glory for those who remain faithful. This verse specifically addresses the deep-seated anxieties about the future that plague a people who have experienced so much loss, assuring them that their efforts and their families will be secure in God's new creation.
Ever feel like your hard work just disappears into thin air, or that your efforts are destined for sorrow? This verse offers a radical redefinition of fruitful labor.
The promise here in Isaiah is about an end to fruitless toil.
Beyond Empty Effort
This points to a redeemed existence where work is meaningful, and family brings joy, not ongoing grief.
What makes a family truly blessed? It's more than just good fortune; it's an identity rooted in God's favor that extends across generations.
The reason for this blessed, fruitful future is found in identity: 'for they are the offspring of the blessed of the LORD, and their descendants with them.'
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Rooted in Divine Favor
Understand the original words
behalah · Hebrew Noun
A state of distress, disaster, or extreme misfortune. In biblical usage, it often refers to divine judgment or the consequences of covenant disobedience.
tse'etsa'im · Hebrew Noun
Those who inherit a promise or lineage; literally 'that which comes out' of someone. It refers to children, grandchildren, and future generations, often signifying the continuation of a covenant blessing.
barak · Hebrew Adjective/Participle
Endowed with divine favor and grace. It denotes a person or group who is the object of God's supernatural grace and protection.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of the God of Israel, indicating His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His people. It is the name revealed to Moses at the burning bush.
This prophecy speaks of a future restoration where the pain of exile – lost labor, children dying prematurely, and constant fear – will be replaced by enduring security and fruitful generations. It paints a picture of God's ultimate faithfulness to His people, even after devastating loss.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Invasions
The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to Assyria, and many in the Southern Kingdom of Judah are deported or live under constant threat of invasion and siege.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquers Judah, and the first wave of exiles, including members of the royal family and educated elite, are taken to Babylon.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Following a revolt, more Judeans are deported to Babylon, including the prophet Ezekiel.
587/586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Babylonian armies under Nebuchadnezzar destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, leading to a final, large-scale deportation of the remaining population.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon, allowing Jewish exiles to begin returning to Judah.
c. 520 BC
Rebuilding of the Temple
Under the leadership of Zerubbabel and the prophet Haggai, the Second Temple is completed in Jerusalem, though it lacks the glory of Solomon's Temple.
This passage establishes God's covenant promise to Abraham and his descendants, echoing the idea of a blessed lineage that is central to Isaiah's prophecy of a secure and enduring offspring.
Psalm 78:33This Psalm describes God shortening the days of disobedient Israelites in His wrath, directly contrasting with Isaiah's promise of children not being 'for trouble' or 'for calamity,' highlighting the difference between divine judgment and blessing.
Jeremiah 15:8Jeremiah prophesies a similar lament for mothers losing their sons in war and famine, underscoring the profound sorrow and 'trouble' that Isaiah's prophecy aims to eliminate in the coming era of God's blessing.
Romans 8:28This New Testament passage assures believers that all things work together for good for those who love God, a concept that resonates with Isaiah's vision where even the seemingly negative aspects of life are overcome by God's overarching blessing on His offspring.
Revelation 21:4This verse from Revelation paints a picture of God dwelling with His people and wiping away every tear, eliminating death, mourning, crying, and pain – a perfect fulfillment of Isaiah's promise of no more labor in vain or offspring for calamity.
clarkeIsaiah 65:23: "They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them."
They shall not labor in vain "My chosen shall not labor in vain" - I remove בחירי bechirai, my elect, from the end of the twenty-second to the beginning of the twenty-third verse, on the authority of the Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, and a MS.; contrary to the division in the Masoretic text. - L. The Septuagint is beautiful: My chosen s…
pulpitIsaiah 65:23: "They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them."
Verse 23. - They shall not... bring forth for trouble. Their women shall not bear children to see them carried off after a few days, or months, or years, by disease, or accident, or famine, or the sword of the invader. There shall be an end of such "troubles," and, God's blessing resting upon those who are his children, their children shal…
In this future kingdom, the natural anxieties of parenting—the fear of children suffering or dying prematurely—will be gone. The promise isn't just about survival, but about generations thriving together, living long lives filled with fulfillment, not sorrow.
In this passage, Isaiah is painting a picture of God's ultimate restoration and blessing, contrasting it with the current suffering and exile of his people. He's moving from pronouncements of judgment against those who have turned away from God to lavish promises of future glory for those who remain faithful. This verse specifically addresses the deep-seated anxieties about the future that plague a people who have experienced so much loss, assuring them that their efforts and their families will be secure in God's new creation.
In this passage, Isaiah is painting a picture of God's ultimate restoration and blessing, contrasting it with the current suffering and exile of his people. He's moving from pronouncements of judgment against those who have turned away from God to lavish promises of future glory for those who remain faithful. This verse specifically addresses the deep-seated anxieties about the future that plague a people who have experienced so much loss, assuring them that their efforts and their families will be secure in God's new creation.
"They shall not labor in vain or bear children for calamity, for they shall be the offspring of the blessed of the LORD, and their descendants with them." — In this future kingdom, the natural anxieties of parenting—the fear of children suffering or dying prematurely—will be gone. The promise isn't just about survival, but about generations thriving toge…
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Last reviewed October 2026