Meaning, commentary and cross references
Isaiah 65:24
“Before they call I will answer;
while they are yet speaking I will hear.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
NIV · New International Version
Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.
WEB · World English Bible
It will happen that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
What does Isaiah 65:24 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Isaiah 65:24
And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer,.... The sense is, should they be attacked by any enemy, or fear that they shall be disturbed by them, and so bethink themselves of making application to the Lord for help; while they are preparing for prayer, stirring up one another to it, and appointing a season for it, to meet together on that account; before they are able to put up one petition in a regular way, the Lord will appear for them, and give an answer of peace: and while they are yet speaking, I will hear; while they are praying to him, he hears and answers, and grants their requests, and more, as he did Daniel. This shows the readiness of the Lord to help and…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Isaiah 65:17–25
There shall be a good correspondence between them and their God (Isa 65:24): Even before they call, I will answer. God will anticipate their prayers with the blessings of his goodness. David did but say, I will confess, and God forgave, Psa 32:5. The father of the prodigal met him in his return.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Isaiah 65:24
Before they cry, I will listen. A remarkable promise; for nothing is more desirable than to have God reconciled to us, and to have it in our power to draw near to him with freedom and boldness; for, although we are surrounded by innumerable distresses and calamities, yet we cannot be miserable so long as we are at liberty to betake ourselves to the Lord. Here therefore the Lord promises that we shall not pray in vain. Yet this was also promised to the fathers under the Law.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Isaiah 65:21–25 (WEB)
21They will build houses and inhabit them. They will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 22They will not build and another inhabit. They will not plant and another eat; for the days of my people will be like the days of a tree, and my chosen will long enjoy the work of their hands. 23They will not labor in vain nor give birth for calamity; for they are the offspring of the LORD’s blessed and their descendants with them. 24It will happen that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. 25The wolf and the lamb will feed together. The lion will eat straw like the ox. Dust will be the serpent’s food. They will not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain,” says the LORD.
Cross references
- Daniel 10:12
Then he said to me, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel; for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I have come for your words’ sake.
- 1 John 5:14–15
This is the boldness which we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he listens to us.
- Mark 11:24
Therefore I tell you, all things whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received them, and you shall have them.
- Isaiah 58:9
Then you will call, and the LORD will answer. You will cry for help, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ “If you take away from among you the yoke, finger pointing, and speaking wickedly;
- Psalms 91:15
- Psalms 50:15
- Isaiah 55:6
Seek the LORD while he may be found. Call on him while he is near.
- Acts 4:31
When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.