Isaiah 37 31

Isaiah 37:31 kjv

And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward:

Isaiah 37:31 nkjv

And the remnant who have escaped of the house of Judah Shall again take root downward, And bear fruit upward.

Isaiah 37:31 niv

Once more a remnant of the kingdom of Judah will take root below and bear fruit above.

Isaiah 37:31 esv

And the surviving remnant of the house of Judah shall again take root downward and bear fruit upward.

Isaiah 37:31 nlt

And you who are left in Judah,
who have escaped the ravages of the siege,
will put roots down in your own soil
and grow up and flourish.

Isaiah 37 verses

Isaiah 37 31 Meaning

Isaiah 37:31 presents a powerful prophecy of hope and restoration to King Hezekiah and the people of Judah amidst the dire Assyrian threat. It signifies that the small number of survivors, divinely protected and preserved, will not merely endure but will experience vigorous revival and flourishing. Using the metaphor of a healthy plant, the verse promises that this remnant will establish deep, unshakeable stability ("take root downward") and, as a natural consequence, manifest visible, abundant growth and prosperity ("bear fruit upward"). This imagery emphasizes God's sovereign power to intervene, protect, and revitalize His chosen people, ensuring their continued existence and blessing despite overwhelming odds.

Isaiah 37 31 Context

This verse is part of God's direct message of assurance to King Hezekiah during Judah's darkest hour. The powerful Assyrian Empire, led by Sennacherib, had already decimated all fortified cities in Judah and was besieging Jerusalem (Isa 36:1-22). Sennacherib sent a taunting letter to Hezekiah, mocking God and boasting of Assyria's irresistible might (Isa 37:8-13). In response, Hezekiah brought the letter to the Temple and poured out his heart to the Lord (Isa 37:14-20). Isaiah 37:31 is God's specific promise of deliverance, given through the prophet Isaiah, directly following a sign regarding future agricultural recovery (Isa 37:30). It ensures that despite the present devastation, a preserved remnant of Judah would not only survive the Assyrian onslaught but would thrive and experience a profound renewal of stability and prosperity, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness and power to protect His people. This promise is followed by God's explicit declaration to defend Jerusalem and strike down the Assyrian army (Isa 37:32-35).

Isaiah 37 31 Word analysis

• And the remnant (וְשָׁרֵאִית - wĕšāʾărîyṯ): The Hebrew shĕʾēriyth refers to a surviving part or a select group preserved from destruction or judgment. In Isaiah, it holds theological significance, representing God's enduring faithfulness in maintaining a core of His people even amidst chastisement, often carrying a hopeful, covenantal implication for future restoration.
• that is escaped (פְּלֵיטָה - pelêṭâ): This word signifies those who have fled, been delivered, or rescued from grave danger or annihilation. It underscores God's active and miraculous intervention in saving life when human strength and defenses have failed, highlighting divine preservation against overwhelming odds.
• of the house of Judah (בֵּית יְהוּדָה - bêth Yəhûdâ): This specifically identifies the beneficiaries as the Southern Kingdom and its people, distinct from the Northern Kingdom of Israel which had already fallen. This precisely addresses Hezekiah's direct concern for his threatened kingdom.
• shall again (עוֹד - ʿôḏ): This adverb conveys repetition or restoration, suggesting a return to a former state of blessedness, or the initiation of a new, revitalized phase of existence after a period of dormancy, suffering, or near extinction. It emphasizes a divine reversal.
• take root (שֹׁרֶשׁ - shōresh - root; הִכָּה - hikkâ - strike/establish): The phrase implies a firm, active implantation. Shōresh (root) metaphorically signifies deep, solid stability and secure anchoring. The verb hikkâ (to strike/establish) points to a deliberate and firm action of establishing roots, conveying profound internal strength and sustenance.
• downward (לְמָטָּה - lĕmāṭṭâ): This adverb denotes movement or direction into the ground. It highlights depth, unseen foundational stability, and drawing life from a secure and vital source, representing deep spiritual and physical re-establishment and strength from within.
• and bear fruit (עָשָׂה פְרִי - ʿāśâ p̱ĕrî): ʿĀśâ means "to do" or "to make," and pĕrî means "fruit" or "produce." This describes an active, visible, and productive outcome. It symbolizes prosperity, abundance, and the natural flourishing that stems from a healthy, well-rooted existence.
• upward (לְמָעְלָה - lĕmaʿlâ): This adverb denotes movement or direction towards the sky. In contrast to "downward," it emphasizes outward manifestation, visible growth, thriving, and prominence. It signifies vitality, expansion, and the public display of God's favor and blessing.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah": This phrase pinpoints God's preservation to a specific, vulnerable group. It highlights the severity of the crisis, implying that survival itself is a miracle, and underlines God's specific election and protective care for His covenant people. It is an act of sovereign grace.
• "shall again take root downward": This imagery powerfully speaks of a divinely orchestrated recovery and profound renewal of stability. The "again" indicates a re-establishment after being shaken or nearly uprooted. "Take root downward" portrays not just survival but securing deep, enduring foundations. It represents drawing unseen strength and life directly from God's provision and will, ensuring a solid basis for future growth.
• "and bear fruit upward": This completes the botanical metaphor, depicting the natural, visible manifestation of this internal stability. "Bear fruit upward" symbolizes outward prosperity, productivity, and blessings evident to all. It represents a vibrant, flourishing community that reflects God's favor and abundance, a testament to His restorative power in the wake of desolation.

Isaiah 37 31 Bonus section

The botanical metaphor of rooting and bearing fruit is deeply embedded in biblical literature to illustrate the life of the righteous (e.g., Psalm 1; Jeremiah 17). It provides a vivid contrast to the fleeting and unproductive existence of those who trust in themselves or false gods. In Isaiah's context, this imagery signifies that God's blessing allows Judah to move beyond mere agricultural existence, hinting at a more profound spiritual and national renewal. The concept of the "remnant" (shĕʾēriyth) is a recurring theological thread in Isaiah, indicating that from a preserved and purified people, future salvation and even the Messiah will ultimately come, subtly imbuing this promise with long-term Messianic significance for Israel's future. Historically, the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from Sennacherib, detailed in the same chapter, served as an irrefutable demonstration of God's power to fulfill promises like verse 31, proving His sovereignty over all earthly powers and providing lasting hope. This verse speaks to God's enduring covenant and His capacity to bring about vibrant life, stability, and purpose even from the precipice of ruin.

Isaiah 37 31 Commentary

Isaiah 37:31 is a bedrock promise of enduring hope and God's restorative power for a nation facing annihilation. The prophetic imagery assures that God's preserved remnant of Judah will not only survive the Assyrian devastation but will also experience deep renewal and visible prosperity. The process of "taking root downward" speaks to developing profound, hidden stability and strength, akin to spiritual grounding and unwavering reliance on God, which precedes any external display of flourishing. This inward steadfastness, drawing sustenance from God, is the prerequisite for "bearing fruit upward" – outward prosperity, vibrant life, and visible blessing. The word "again" underscores a supernatural return from near death to a state of robust vitality, signifying God's ability to not only halt destruction but to turn desolation into abundant life. This prophecy provides a powerful pattern for believers today: a deep, rooted faith in God’s unfailing character provides the stable foundation for bearing the fruits of a righteous and productive life.

Examples:

• A Christian facing deep sorrow finds internal peace through reliance on God, eventually serving as a beacon of hope and strength for others.
• A ministry enduring severe challenges continues to deepen its foundational biblical teaching and prayer, subsequently experiencing unexpected outreach and community growth.
• An individual battling chronic illness may find their faith deeply rooted during their struggles, enabling them to inspire and provide spiritual "fruit" to those around them through their testimony.