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Isaiah 17:6

Isaiah 17:6 in Multiple Translations

Yet gleanings will remain, like an olive tree that has been beaten— two or three berries atop the tree, four or five on its fruitful branches,” declares the LORD, the God of Israel.

¶ 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.

Yet there shall be left therein gleanings, as the shaking of an olive-tree, two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outmost branches of a fruitful tree, saith Jehovah, the God of Israel.

But it will be like a man shaking an olive-tree, something will still be there, two or three berries on the top of the highest branch, four or five on the outside branches of a fertile tree, says the Lord, the God of Israel.

Yet there will be some left behind, like an olive tree that has been shaken—two or three ripe olives are left at the top of the tree, four or five on its lower branches, declares the Lord, the God of Israel.

Yet a gathering of grapes shall be left in it, as the shaking of an oliue tree, two or three beries are in the top of the vpmost boughes, and foure or fiue in the hie branches of the fruite thereof, sayeth the Lord God of Israel.

And left in him have been gleanings, As the compassing of an olive, Two — three berries on the top of a branch, Four — five on the fruitful boughs, The affirmation of Jehovah, God of Israel!

Yet gleanings will be left there, like the shaking of an olive tree, two or three olives in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outermost branches of a fruitful tree,” says the LORD, the God of Israel.

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 of it, saith the LORD God of Israel.

And the fruit thereof that shall be left upon it, shall be as one cluster of grapes, and as the shaking of the olive tree, two or three berries in the top of a bough, or four or five upon the top of the tree, saith the Lord the God of Israel.

Only a few of the Israeli people will remain [MET], like [SIM] the few olives that remain on the top of a tree after the workers have caused all the other olives to fall to the ground. There will be only two or three olives in the top branches, or four or five olives on the other branches.” That is what the Commander of the armies of angels says.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 17:6

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Isaiah 17:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/נִשְׁאַר בּ֤/וֹ עֽוֹלֵלֹת֙ כְּ/נֹ֣קֶף זַ֔יִת שְׁנַ֧יִם שְׁלֹשָׁ֛ה גַּרְגְּרִ֖ים בְּ/רֹ֣אשׁ אָמִ֑יר אַרְבָּעָ֣ה חֲמִשָּׁ֗ה בִּ/סְעִפֶ֨י/הָ֙ פֹּֽרִיָּ֔ה נְאֻם יְהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וְ/נִשְׁאַר shâʼar H7604 to remain Conj | V-Niphal-3ms
בּ֤/וֹ Prep | Suff
עֽוֹלֵלֹת֙ ʻôlêlâh H5955 gleaning N-fp
כְּ/נֹ֣קֶף nôqeph H5363 shaking Prep | N-ms
זַ֔יִת zayith H2132 olive N-ms
שְׁנַ֧יִם shᵉnayim H8147 two Adj
שְׁלֹשָׁ֛ה shâlôwsh H7969 three Adj
גַּרְגְּרִ֖ים gargar H1620 berry N-mp
בְּ/רֹ֣אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 head Prep | N-ms
אָמִ֑יר ʼâmîyr H534 top N-ms
אַרְבָּעָ֣ה ʼarbaʻ H702 four Adj
חֲמִשָּׁ֗ה châmêsh H2568 five Adj
בִּ/סְעִפֶ֨י/הָ֙ çâʻîyph H5585 cleft Prep | N-mp | Suff
פֹּֽרִיָּ֔ה pârâh H6509 be fruitful V-Qal
נְאֻם nᵉʼum H5002 utterance N-ms
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֱלֹהֵ֥י ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 17:6

וְ/נִשְׁאַר shâʼar H7604 "to remain" Conj | V-Niphal-3ms
To remain or be left over, as in Joshua 10:20. It can also mean to spare or reserve something, like God sparing Noah in Genesis 7:23. This word is used to describe the remnant of Israel.
Definition: 1) to remain, be left over, be left behind 1a) (Qal) to remain 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be left over, be left alive, survive 1b1a) remainder, remnant (participle) 1b2) to be left behind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to leave over, spare 1c2) to leave or keep over 1c3) to have left 1c4) to leave (as a gift)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: leave, (be) left, let, remain, remnant, reserve, the rest. See also: Genesis 7:23; 1 Kings 22:47; Isaiah 4:3.
בּ֤/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
עֽוֹלֵלֹת֙ ʻôlêlâh H5955 "gleaning" N-fp
Gleaning, or picking leftover grapes, is what this word describes. In the Bible, it refers to the act of gathering what is left after a harvest. The KJV translates it as gleaning of the grapes.
Definition: gleaning
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: (gleaning) (of the) grapes, grapegleanings. See also: Judges 8:2; Jeremiah 49:9; Isaiah 17:6.
כְּ/נֹ֣קֶף nôqeph H5363 "shaking" Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the action of shaking or threshing, like olives being shaken from a tree. It describes a vigorous or forceful motion, often used to separate or remove something. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's judgment or discipline.
Definition: striking off
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: shaking. See also: Isaiah 17:6; Isaiah 24:13.
זַ֔יִת zayith H2132 "olive" N-ms
The Hebrew word for olive tree or olive berry, often associated with oil and light. In Deuteronomy 8:8, the olive tree is listed as one of the blessings of the Promised Land, and in Matthew 24:3, Jesus teaches on the Mount of Olives.
Definition: 1) olive, olive tree 1a) olive tree 1b) olives 2) mountain facing Jerusalem on the east side
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: olive (tree, -yard), Olivet. See also: Genesis 8:11; Nehemiah 5:11; Psalms 52:10.
שְׁנַ֧יִם shᵉnayim H8147 "two" Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
שְׁלֹשָׁ֛ה shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
גַּרְגְּרִ֖ים gargar H1620 "berry" N-mp
The Hebrew word for berry refers to a small fruit, like an olive berry, used to describe food in the Bible.
Definition: berry, olive berry
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: berry. See also: Isaiah 17:6.
בְּ/רֹ֣אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 "head" Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
אָמִ֑יר ʼâmîyr H534 "top" N-ms
The top of a tree or mountain is described by this word, like the tall cedars in Isaiah 2:13 or the mountains in Psalm 104:32.
Definition: 1) top, summit 1a) of tree 1b) of mountain
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: bough, branch. See also: Isaiah 17:6; Isaiah 17:9.
אַרְבָּעָ֣ה ʼarbaʻ H702 "four" Adj
The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.
Definition: four
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Genesis 2:10; Judges 20:47; Esther 9:21.
חֲמִשָּׁ֗ה châmêsh H2568 "five" Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.
Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.
בִּ/סְעִפֶ֨י/הָ֙ çâʻîyph H5585 "cleft" Prep | N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a cleft or branch, like a split in a rock or a tree limb. It is used in the Bible to describe natural features. The KJV translates it as branch or clift.
Definition: 1) cleft, branch 1a) cleft (of a crag) 1b) branches, boughs
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: (outmost) branch, clift, top. See also: Judges 15:8; Isaiah 17:6; Isaiah 2:21.
פֹּֽרִיָּ֔ה pârâh H6509 "be fruitful" V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be fruitful or produce something, like a tree bearing fruit. It is used in a literal sense, but also figuratively, like in Genesis where God tells humans to be fruitful and multiply. It emphasizes growth and increase.
Definition: 1) to bear fruit, be fruitful, branch off 1a) (Qal) to bear fruit, be fruitful 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to bear fruit 1b2) to make fruitful 1b3) to show fruitfulness, bear fruit Also means: pa.ra (פָּרָא "be fruitful" H6500)
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: bear, bring forth (fruit), (be, cause to be, make) fruitful, grow, increase. See also: Genesis 1:22; Exodus 1:7; Psalms 105:24.
נְאֻם nᵉʼum H5002 "utterance" N-ms
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)
Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֵ֥י ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

Study Notes — Isaiah 17:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 24:13 So will it be on the earth and among the nations, like a harvested olive tree, like a gleaning after a grape harvest.
2 Deuteronomy 4:27 Then the LORD will scatter you among the peoples, and only a few of you will survive among the nations to which the LORD will drive you.
3 Romans 9:27 Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the Israelites is like the sand of the sea, only the remnant will be saved.
4 Romans 11:4–6 And what was the divine reply to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” In the same way, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if it is by grace, then it is no longer by works. Otherwise, grace would no longer be grace.
5 Judges 8:2 But Gideon answered them, “Now what have I accomplished compared to you? Are not the gleanings of Ephraim better than the grape harvest of Abiezer?
6 Obadiah 1:5 “If thieves came to you, if robbers by night— oh, how you will be ruined— would they not steal only what they wanted? If grape gatherers came to you, would they not leave some gleanings?
7 Ezekiel 39:29 And I will no longer hide My face from them, for I will pour out My Spirit on the house of Israel, declares the Lord GOD.”
8 1 Kings 19:18 Nevertheless, I have reserved seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.”
9 Isaiah 1:9 Unless the LORD of Hosts had left us a few survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have resembled Gomorrah.
10 Ezekiel 37:19–25 you are to tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel associated with him, and I will put them together with the stick of Judah. I will make them into a single stick, and they will become one in My hand.’ When the sticks on which you write are in your hand and in full view of the people, you are to tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will take the Israelites out of the nations to which they have gone, and I will gather them from all around and bring them into their own land. I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel, and one king will rule over all of them. Then they will no longer be two nations and will never again be divided into two kingdoms. They will no longer defile themselves with their idols or detestable images, or with any of their transgressions. I will save them from all their apostasies by which they sinned, and I will cleanse them. Then they will be My people, and I will be their God. My servant David will be king over them, and there will be one shepherd for all of them. They will follow My ordinances and keep and observe My statutes. They will live in the land that I gave to My servant Jacob, where your fathers lived. They will live there forever with their children and grandchildren, and My servant David will be their prince forever.

Isaiah 17:6 Summary

[Isaiah 17:6 is a promise from God that even when His people are going through hard times, some will remain faithful and continue to produce spiritual fruit. This is similar to what Jesus teaches in John 15:1-17, where He compares Himself to a vine and His followers to branches that must remain in Him to bear fruit. The image of the olive tree with only a few berries is a reminder that God is always with His people, even when things seem bleak. As we look to our Maker and turn our eyes to the Holy One of Israel, as stated in Isaiah 17:7, we can trust that He will sustain us and help us to produce fruit that will last.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the image of an olive tree with only a few berries mean in Isaiah 17:6?

The olive tree with only two or three berries represents the remnant of God's people who will remain faithful despite judgment and hardship, as seen in Isaiah 17:6, similar to the concept of the remnant in Romans 11:5.

Why does God compare the remnant to an olive tree that has been beaten?

The olive tree that has been beaten symbolizes the suffering and persecution that God's people will endure, yet they will still produce fruit, just as Jesus taught that believers would face tribulation but could still bear fruit in John 15:2.

What is the significance of the 'fruitful branches' in Isaiah 17:6?

The fruitful branches represent the faithful believers who will continue to produce spiritual fruit, such as love, joy, and peace, despite the challenges they face, as described in Galatians 5:22-23.

How does this verse relate to the larger context of Isaiah 17?

Isaiah 17:6 serves as a message of hope amidst judgment, reminding God's people that even in the midst of destruction and chaos, a remnant will remain faithful and fruitful, looking forward to the day when they will turn to their Maker, as stated in Isaiah 17:7.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to be a 'remnant' of God's people, and how can I ensure that I am part of this faithful group?
  2. In what ways can I, like the olive tree, continue to produce spiritual fruit despite the challenges and pressures of life?
  3. How can I trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when it seems like everything is being 'beaten' and shaken around me?
  4. What are some ways that I can 'look to my Maker' and turn my eyes to the Holy One of Israel, as described in Isaiah 17:7, in my daily life?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 17:6

Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it,.... In Ephraim or Jacob; that is, in the ten tribes, a few of them should escape, a remnant should be saved; comparable, for the smallness of their number, to

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 17:6

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 17:6

Some few Israelites were left after their captivity, who joined themselves to the kingdom of Judah, and were carried captive to Babylon with them, from whence also they returned with them, as we find in the history of their return in Ezra and Nehemiah.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 17:6

Isaiah 17:6 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.Ver. 6. Yet gleaning grapes, &c.] See on Isaiah 17:5.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 17:6

(6) Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it.—The idea of the “remnant” is still in the prophet’s thoughts, even in the case of the northern kingdom. First the vineyard, then the olive-yard, supplies a similitude. The “shaking” followed on the “beating” of Deuteronomy 24:20 (comp. Isaiah 24:13), but even after that a few berries might be seen on the topmost bough.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 17:6

6. Yet gleaning grapes … olive tree] Render (cf. R.V.) And gleanings shall be left in it as at the beating of an olive tree. The olives were struck down from the higher branches with a stick (ch. Isaiah 24:13; Deuteronomy 24:20); the few that were overlooked were left for the poor. the uppermost bough] The Hebr. word does not occur again except in Isaiah 17:9, where (if correct) it must bear a different sense. the outmost fruitful branches] Render, the branches of the fruitful tree,—the last word containing perhaps a play on the name Ephraim.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 17:6

Yet gleaning-grapes ... - They shall not all be removed, or destroyed. A “few” shall be left, as a man who is gathering grapes or olives will leave a few that are inaccessible on the topmost boughs, or the furthest branches.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 17:6

6. Gleaning grapes shall be left — Similar to what remains of lingering olives — two or three in the top and four or five in the lateral branches, after the hard beating with sticks in the late harvest of the olive trees.

Sermons on Isaiah 17:6

SermonDescription
J.C. Philpot Confiding Trust and Patient Submission by J.C. Philpot J.C. Philpot preaches about the journey of a believer through afflictions, temptations, and darkness, highlighting the need for patient submission to God's righteous dealings. The
A.W. Tozer Doctrine of the Remnant - Part 2 by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher talks about a young man who is preaching in a church. The preacher notices that the young man is using certain techniques to captivate the audience, su
Rolfe Barnard Hell by Rolfe Barnard In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a holy life in order to enter heaven. He mentions that God's people in glory will continue to serve Him and see His
Zac Poonen The Remnant That Stands for God by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of being part of the remnant who trust in God and overcome challenges, drawing parallels from Old Testament stories like Gideon and the Israel
Eli Brayley The Potter's Power Over the Clay by Eli Brayley In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding God's purpose for the church. He urges the congregation to not be ignorant about the things of God, particul
A.W. Tozer The Terrible Doctrine of the Remnant by A.W. Tozer A.W. Tozer addresses the alarming doctrine of the Remnant, emphasizing that throughout history, the majority of people, including those who identify as Christians, are lost and ali
T. Austin-Sparks The Nature and Function of Overcomers by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the nature and function of Overcomers, illustrating that they embody the fullness of God's intentions and purposes, which are realized through a vital u

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