The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Isaiah 64

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Nevi'im — the Prophets

Isaiah chapter 64 — part of the Nevi'im — the Prophets in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “As when fire kindleth the brush-wood, and the fire causeth the waters to boil; to make Thy name known to Thine adversaries, that the nations might…” — the complete text of all 11 verses is below, free to read online.

1As when fire kindleth the brush-wood, and the fire causeth the waters to boil; to make Thy name known to Thine adversaries, that the nations might tremble at Thy presence,

2When Thou didst tremendous things which we looked not for--Oh that Thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might quake at Thy presence!--

3And whereof from of old men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen a G-d beside Thee, who worketh for him that waiteth for Him.

4Thou didst take away him that joyfully worked righteousness, those that remembered Thee in Thy ways--behold, Thou wast wroth, and we sinned--upon them have we stayed of old, that we might be saved.

5And we are all become as one that is unclean, and all our righteousnesses are as a polluted garment; and we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

6And there is none that calleth upon Thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of Thee; for Thou hast hid Thy face from us, and hast consumed us by means of our iniquities.

7But now, O HaShem, Thou art our Father; we are the clay, and Thou our potter, and we all are the work of Thy hand.

8Be not wroth very sore, O HaShem, neither remember iniquity for ever; behold, look, we beseech Thee, we are all Thy people.

9Thy holy cities are become a wilderness, Zion is become a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation.

10Our holy and our beautiful house, where our fathers praised Thee, is burned with fire; and all our pleasant things are laid waste.

11Wilt Thou refrain Thyself for these things, O HaShem? Wilt Thou hold Thy peace, and afflict us very sore?

11 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

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