Isaiah 10 21

Isaiah 10:21 kjv

The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.

Isaiah 10:21 nkjv

The remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, To the Mighty God.

Isaiah 10:21 niv

A remnant will return, a remnant of Jacob will return to the Mighty God.

Isaiah 10:21 esv

A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God.

Isaiah 10:21 nlt

A remnant will return;
yes, the remnant of Jacob will return to the Mighty God.

Isaiah 10 verses

Isaiah 10 21 meaning

Isaiah 10:21 declares that a faithful portion of the nation of Israel will survive God's judgment and genuinely turn back to Him. This return is not merely a physical gathering from exile but, more significantly, a spiritual turning of heart towards the "Mighty God," acknowledging His sovereignty, power, and sole ability to save and restore. It highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises through a preserved, believing core.

Isaiah 10 21 Context

Isaiah chapter 10 begins with God's judgment against unjust rulers in Israel (vv. 1-4). The focus then shifts to Assyria, God's chosen instrument to punish disobedient Israel (vv. 5-11). However, Assyria, in its arrogance, exceeds its divine commission and acts with pride, leading to God's pronouncement of judgment against it as well (vv. 12-19). Amidst these pronouncements of judgment and destruction, Isaiah 10:20-23 then introduces a profound message of hope and restoration. This specific verse, 10:21, provides assurance that a portion of Israel, having been purged through affliction, will ultimately turn back to the true and living God, forsaking reliance on human alliances or idols. The historical backdrop is the Assyrian superpower dominating the Near East, threatening and eventually exiling the Northern Kingdom of Israel (722 BC) and putting immense pressure on the Southern Kingdom of Judah during Isaiah's prophetic ministry (late 8th century BC). The concept of a "remnant" was a critical message for people facing national destruction and exile, assuring them of God's fidelity even amidst severe judgment.

Isaiah 10 21 Word analysis

• A remnant (שְׁאָר, she'ar): This term signifies a surviving portion, not the entirety. It highlights God's selectivity and faithfulness to preserve a core group despite widespread apostasy or divine judgment. It speaks of a chosen, though numerically small, part of the nation that would endure and uphold the covenant.
• will return (יָשׁוּב, yashuv): This verb carries a double meaning critical for understanding the verse. Primarily, it means to turn back or repent (spiritually). Secondarily, it implies a physical return, particularly from exile. Here, it is understood as a genuine spiritual conversion and return to fellowship with God, often preceding or accompanying physical restoration.
• the remnant of Jacob: This specifies the identity of the remnant. "Jacob" represents the descendants of Israel, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant with His chosen people. It clarifies that this remnant is from God's people, not just any surviving group.
• to the Mighty God (אֶל־אֵל גִּבּוֹר, el-El Gibbor): This phrase indicates the destination and object of their return. "El Gibbor" (Mighty God) is a potent divine title. "El" signifies God as the powerful creator, and "Gibbor" emphasizes His strength, prowess, and heroism. It is a direct polemic against the impotence of idols or reliance on foreign powers. This designation also famously appears in Isaiah 9:6 as a title for the coming Messiah, adding a profound Christological dimension to the hope of Israel's ultimate redemption and turning to their powerful Deliverer.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• A remnant will return: This phrase assures that divine judgment will not result in utter annihilation. Instead, a surviving core will experience a fundamental change, implying both survival through judgment and a turning from their previous sinful ways. It underscores God's preserving grace and redemptive purpose even in chastisement.
• the remnant of Jacob: This group is specifically identified with God's covenant people, Israel. It underscores that God's plans for Jacob/Israel are not entirely forsaken but will continue through this purified and restored remnant, signifying covenant continuity and the specific focus of divine promises.
• to the Mighty God: This highlights the nature of their return – it is a return of devotion, trust, and obedience to God Himself, specifically recognizing Him in His supreme power and authority. Their future hope and reliance will be placed squarely on the "Mighty God" rather than human or worldly means. This phrase profoundly establishes the spiritual heart of the prophesied restoration.

Isaiah 10 21 Bonus section

The concept of a "remnant" is a consistent theme throughout biblical narrative, demonstrating God's consistent method of preserving a faithful line through periods of corruption and judgment (e.g., Noah in the flood, Lot in Sodom, Elijah facing Baal worship, the seventy disciples). The quality of this remnant is often depicted as humble, righteous, and trusting in the Lord, standing in contrast to the larger rebellious population. The identification of God as "Mighty God" (El Gibbor) here not only points to His inherent power but also directly anticipates the prophecy of the child born in Isaiah 9:6, who will also be called "Mighty God" – thereby weaving a rich Messianic thread into the promise of Israel's future return and ultimate redemption. This signifies that the ultimate and perfect return to the Mighty God would be facilitated and personified in the Messiah.

Isaiah 10 21 Commentary

Isaiah 10:21 is a beacon of hope amidst prophecies of devastation for Israel. It presents God's sovereign preservation and redemptive grace. The promise of "a remnant" underscores that divine judgment, while severe, is never complete. God always saves a believing core to continue His purposes. Their "return" is crucial; it signifies not just a physical return from exile (as later happened from Babylon) but primarily a spiritual repentance, a turning of hearts from idolatry and self-reliance to a full dependence on the Lord. The specific identification of this group as "the remnant of Jacob" anchors the promise in God's covenant faithfulness to Israel. The destination of their return, "to the Mighty God" (El Gibbor), is central. This title emphasizes God's immense power, sovereignty, and ability to deliver and sustain His people. It implicitly contrasts Him with the weak idols or fallible human alliances on which Israel often relied. This turning back to El Gibbor ultimately points towards the redemptive work of the Messiah, who also bears this title, thereby fulfilling God's promise of true, spiritual restoration. This verse reminds believers that even in times of severe chastening, God preserves a faithful people and calls them to a deeper relationship with His omnipotent character.