Isaiah 65:5

3 A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick;

4 Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine’s flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels;

Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.

6 Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom,

7 Your iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, saith the LORD, which have burned incense upon the mountains, and blasphemed me upon the hills: therefore will I measure their former work into their bosom.

This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
They say, ‘Keep to yourself; do not come near me, for I am holier than you!’ Such people are smoke in My nostrils, a fire that burns all day long.
KJV
Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.
WEB
who say, ‘Stay by yourself, don’t come near to me, for I am holier than you.’ These are smoke in my nose, a fire that burns all day.
ASV
that say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me, for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.
DARBY
who say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.
BLB
those saying, ‘Keep yourself away; do not come near to me, for I am set apart [from] you’—these [are] smoke in My nostrils, a fire burning all the day!
ÅB
som sier: Hold deg unna, kom meg ikke nær, for jeg er hellig for deg! De folk er en røyk i min nese, en ild som brenner hele dagen.
OTB
som sier, ‘Hold deg for deg selv, kom ikke nær meg, for jeg er helligere enn deg!’ Slike mennesker er røyk i mine nesebor, en ild som brenner hele dagen.
B1930
som sier: Hold dig unda, kom mig ikke nær, for jeg er hellig for dig! De folk er en røk i min nese, en ild som brenner hele dagen.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Luke 18:9–12

    And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

    Read in context
  • Luke 7:39

    Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

    Read in context
  • Proverbs 16:5

    Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

    Read in context
  • Luke 15:28–30

    And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

    Read in context
  • Romans 2:17–29

    Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,

    Read in context
  • Deuteronomy 29:20

    The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven.

    Read in context
  • Luke 5:30

    But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?

    Read in context
  • Deuteronomy 32:20–22

    And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.

    Read in context