The verse highlights a subtle but powerful form of persecution: it's carried out by those claiming to honor God, who mock the suffering of the faithful. Their words, "Let the LORD be glorified, that we may see your joy," are not a genuine desire for God's honor but a sarcastic jab, expecting the faithful's joy to be absent and thus proving their devotion to be in vain.
Hear the word of the LORD, you who tremble at his word: “Your brothers who hate you and cast you out for my name’s sake have said, ‘Let the LORD be glorified, that we may see your joy’; but it is they who shall be put to shame.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage addresses the faithful remnant of God's people who are being persecuted and cast out by their own kin for their devotion to God. These persecutors, claiming to act for God's glory, sarcastically mock the faithful's hope for divine vindication. The prophecy promises that God will indeed reveal Himself, not to the shame of His followers, but to their ultimate joy, while their mockers will be utterly disgraced.
Who are the 'brothers' in this passage, and why do they hate and cast out the faithful?
The Lord addresses those who 'tremble at his word,' a sign of deep reverence and a careful obedience. These are the faithful remnant. Their 'brothers' – those of the same nation, even the same religious community – are the ones who persecute them. This hatred and exclusion are 'for my name's sake,' meaning the faithful are targeted because of their allegiance to God.
This wasn't just casual dislike; it often involved a formal rejection, like being cast out of the synagogue or community. The persecutors, however, claimed they were acting righteously, even to the glory of God. This highlights a tragic reality: those who claim to serve God can become his fiercest opponents when their traditions or power are challenged by genuine faith.
What does it mean when enemies say, 'Let the LORD be glorified,' and how will God respond?
The persecuting 'brothers' sarcastically invoke God's glory. Their taunt, 'Let the LORD be glorified, that we may see your joy,' mockingly suggests: 'Go ahead, let God show His power and bring about the restoration you expect. We'd love to see your joy, but we don't believe it will happen.' They twist religious language to mask their animosity.
However, God's response is definitive: 'but it is they who shall be put to shame.' The Lord promises to reveal Himself, not for the taunting persecutors' satisfaction, but for the vindication and joy of His faithful people. The ultimate glorification of God will come through His righteous judgment, which will bring shame to those who opposed His name and His people.
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Understand the original words
kabad · Hebrew Verb
The manifestation of the divine nature, power, and presence. To glorify God is to acknowledge, reveal, and praise Him for who He truly is.
This passage speaks to the deep divisions within the Jewish community during the Second Temple period, particularly intensified by the emergence of Jesus and his followers. Those who embraced Jesus as the Messiah were often cast out by their 'brethren'—fellow Jews—who, in their zeal, believed they were serving God. The verse offers comfort and assurance that God would vindicate the persecuted believers, bringing them joy while their persecutors would face shame.
c. 167-164 BC
Maccabean Revolt Begins
Under the leadership of Mattathias and later his son Judas Maccabeus, a rebellion broke out against the Seleucid Empire and its policies that sought to suppress Jewish religious practices. This period saw intense internal conflict as well, with some Jews siding with the Seleucids.
c. 152-134 BC
High Priesthood of Jonathan Appus
Jonathan, a Maccabean leader, became high priest and consolidated power. This period, while marked by external conflict, also involved internal Jewish political and religious maneuvering and sometimes persecution of those who held different views.
c. 134-104 BC
John Hyrcanus I's Rule
Hyrcanus, another Maccabean leader, further expanded Judean territory and influence. His reign saw the persecution of the Sadducees and the strong establishment of the Pharisees, indicating ongoing internal religious and political divisions.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Early Followers
The ministry of Jesus and his followers led to significant division within Judaism. Those who believed Jesus was the Messiah were often ostracized, excommunicated, and persecuted by the established Jewish religious leadership and community.
c. AD 30-60
Early Church Persecution
The book of Acts details the intense persecution faced by the early Christian apostles and believers at the hands of Jewish authorities and segments of the populace, including excommunication from synagogues and physical violence.
This passage directly reflects the sentiment in Isaiah 66:5, where Jesus warns his followers that they will be excommunicated and persecuted, with their persecutors believing they are serving God.
Acts 7:59Stephen's martyrdom exemplifies the painful reality described in Isaiah 66:5, where believers are cast out and even killed for their faith by those who claim to follow God.
Galatians 4:29Paul uses a similar theme of persecution by one's own 'family' or 'brethren' to explain the spiritual conflict faced by believers, echoing the internal strife mentioned in Isaiah.
Matthew 10:22Jesus foretells that his disciples will be hated by all for his name's sake, directly paralleling the experience of those addressed in Isaiah 66:5 who are persecuted by their own kin for their devotion.
Psalm 35:26This psalm expresses a prayer for vindication against enemies who rejoice in the downfall of the righteous, mirroring the promise in Isaiah 66:5 that the persecutors will be put to shame while the faithful will experience joy.
barnesIsaiah 66:5: "Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed."
Hear the word of the Lord - This is an address to the pious and persecuted portion of the nation. It is designed for their consolation, and contains the assurance that Yahweh would appear in their behalf, and that they should be under his protecting care though they…
cambridgeIsaiah 66:5: "Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed."
5, 6 . A promise to the believing Jews, that they shall speedily witness the discomfiture of their enemies and persecutors. ye that tremble at his word ]—thus fulfilling the condition of Isaiah 66:2 . The “word” of the Lord is that spoken by the prophets, and the “tr…
The verse highlights a subtle but powerful form of persecution: it's carried out by those claiming to honor God, who mock the suffering of the faithful. Their words, "Let the LORD be glorified, that we may see your joy," are not a genuine desire for God's honor but a sarcastic jab, expecting the faithful's joy to be absent and thus proving their devotion to be in vain.
This passage addresses the faithful remnant of God's people who are being persecuted and cast out by their own kin for their devotion to God. These persecutors, claiming to act for God's glory, sarcastically mock the faithful's hope for divine vindication. The prophecy promises that God will indeed reveal Himself, not to the shame of His followers, but to their ultimate joy, while their mockers will be utterly disgraced.
This passage addresses the faithful remnant of God's people who are being persecuted and cast out by their own kin for their devotion to God. These persecutors, claiming to act for God's glory, sarcastically mock the faithful's hope for divine vindication. The prophecy promises that God will indeed reveal Himself, not to the shame of His followers, but to their ultimate joy, while their mockers will be utterly disgraced.
"Hear the word of the LORD, you who tremble at his word: “Your brothers who hate you and cast you out for my name’s sake have said, ‘Let the LORD be glorified, that we may see your joy’; but it is the…" — The verse highlights a subtle but powerful form of persecution: it's carried out by those claiming to honor God, who mock the suffering of the faithful. Their words, "Let the LORD be glorified, that…
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Last reviewed October 2026
