Isaiah 17 6

Isaiah 17:6 kjv

Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it, as the shaking of an olive tree, two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof, saith the LORD God of Israel.

Isaiah 17:6 nkjv

Yet gleaning grapes will be left in it, Like the shaking of an olive tree, Two or three olives at the top of the uppermost bough, Four or five in its most fruitful branches," Says the LORD God of Israel.

Isaiah 17:6 niv

Yet some gleanings will remain, as when an olive tree is beaten, leaving two or three olives on the topmost branches, four or five on the fruitful boughs," declares the LORD, the God of Israel.

Isaiah 17:6 esv

Gleanings will be left in it, as when an olive tree is beaten ? two or three berries in the top of the highest bough, four or five on the branches of a fruit tree, declares the LORD God of Israel.

Isaiah 17:6 nlt

Only a few of its people will be left,
like stray olives left on a tree after the harvest.
Only two or three remain in the highest branches,
four or five scattered here and there on the limbs,"
declares the LORD, the God of Israel.

Isaiah 17 verses

Isaiah 17 6 Meaning

The verse describes the aftermath of a judgment on the land of Israel (Ephraim) as a harvest being gathered after a drought. It speaks of the few remaining survivors, like olives or grapes left after picking, and their limited numbers.

Isaiah 17 6 Context

This verse is part of a prophetic oracle against Damascus and Syria, as well as a judgment upon Israel (Ephraim). Following verses detail the devastation to occur, likening it to a severe harvest after a scorching drought. This scarcity emphasizes the extent of God's judgment. Historically, this passage likely refers to the Assyrian invasions and deportations that significantly impacted these regions and the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The theme of remnant survival is common in prophetic literature, pointing to God's ultimate faithfulness.

Isaiah 17 6 Word Analysis

• Yet (וְעוֹד - ve'od): Indicates continuation or persistence, highlighting that even after severe destruction, a small remnant remains.
• gleaning (אָסוּף - asuf): Refers to the act of gathering what is left behind after a harvest. It emphasizes the scarcity of survivors.
• like (כִּמְעַט - kim'at): "Almost" or "as if." Implies a similarity or comparison.
• an olive tree (זַיִת - zayit): The olive tree was a staple in ancient Israel, known for its fruit and oil. In Scripture, it often symbolizes blessing, fruitfulness, and the people of Israel.
• two (שְׁנַיִם - shnayim): A numerical reference, denoting a very small quantity.
• three (שָׁלֹשׁ - shalosh): Another small number, reinforcing the idea of a tiny remnant.
• berries (בְּפֵי - befei): While often translated as "berries" or "fruits," the root can relate to the fruit or cluster of fruit.
• in its topmost (בְּרֹאשׁ - berosh): "In the head" or "at the top." Refers to the uppermost branches of the olive tree, which are the hardest to reach and glean. This signifies the few who survive even the most thorough stripping.
• branches (סְנִף - senafeh): Literally, "branches" or "boughs."
• in its outermost (בְּפֶתִי־שָּׁמַיִם - befeti-shamayim): Literally, "in the entrance of heaven" or "on the outer limbs." This imagery, paired with "topmost," amplifies the difficulty of reaching and thus the scarcity of these gleanings.

Words-group Analysis

• "Gleaning like an olive tree, two or three berries in the topmost branches": This powerful metaphor contrasts with the abundant harvests described elsewhere (Lev 26:5; Deut 28:22). It vividly illustrates a near-total devastation, where only a few are left scattered and difficult to find, high on the branches. This emphasizes the severity of the judgment and the smallness of the remnant that will be preserved by God. The olive tree, normally fruitful, is reduced to just a few remnants, underscoring the completeness of the desolation brought upon the land.

Isaiah 17 6 Bonus Section

The imagery of a sparse harvest serves a polemical purpose, contrasting with pagan fertility cults that promised abundant harvests through their rituals. Here, God's sovereignty over the harvest is demonstrated through both destruction and preservation, showing His ultimate control and His faithfulness to His people, even when judgment falls. The metaphor of the olive tree's remnant resonates with other biblical depictions of God's care for the scattered and vulnerable (Micah 7:14). The "topmost branches" and "outermost limbs" highlight the preciousness and isolation of these few survivors, who will yet "turn to the Lord."

Isaiah 17 6 Commentary

This verse paints a picture of utter desolation. The destruction is so complete that it's like shaking an olive tree violently, leaving only a few precious fruits clinging to the highest, most inaccessible branches. This is not a complete annihilation, but a drastic reduction, a severe winnowing. It speaks to God's judgment, but also His preserving mercy. The few remaining are like those hard-to-reach olives, symbolic of a remnant spared by God’s grace, who will ultimately remember Him (Isa 17:7). This scarcity serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and apostasy, but also points to the faithful preservation of a remnant that will carry God’s covenant forward.