Isaiah 28:25
Isaiah 28:25 in Multiple Translations
When he has leveled its surface, does he not sow caraway and scatter cumin? He plants wheat in rows and barley in plots, and rye within its border.
When he hath made plain the face thereof, doth he not cast abroad the fitches, and scatter the cummin, and cast in the principal wheat and the appointed barley and the rie in their place?
When he hath levelled the face thereof, doth he not cast abroad the fitches, and scatter the cummin, and put in the wheat in rows, and the barley in the appointed place, and the spelt in the border thereof?
When the face of the earth has been levelled, does he not put in the different sorts of seed, and the grain in lines, and the barley in its place, and the spelt at the edge?
Once he has everything ready doesn't he sow seeds like dill and cumin, doesn't he plant wheat and barley in rows, with spelt grain as a border?
When he hath made it plaine, wil he not then sowe the fitches, and sowe cummin, and cast in wheat by measure, and the appointed barly and rye in their place?
Hath he not, if he have made level its face, Then scattered fitches, and cummin sprinkle, And hath placed the principal wheat, And the appointed barley, And the rie [in] its own border?
When he has leveled its surface, doesn’t he plant the dill, and scatter the cumin seed, and put in the wheat in rows, the barley in the appointed place, and the spelt in its place?
When he hath made even the face of it, doth he not cast abroad the vetches, and scatter the cummin, and cast in the principal wheat, and the appointed barley, and the rye in their place?
Will he not, when he hath made plain the surface thereof, sow gith, and scatter cummin, and put wheat in order, and barley, and millet, and vetches in their bounds?
No, he makes the ground very level, and then he plants seeds— dill and cumin and wheat and barley. He plants each kind of seed in the correct manner.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 28:25
BAB
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 28:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲ/לוֹא֙
אִם
שִׁוָּ֣ה
פָנֶ֔י/הָ
וְ/הֵפִ֥יץ
קֶ֖צַח
וְ/כַמֹּ֣ן
יִזְרֹ֑ק
וְ/שָׂ֨ם
חִטָּ֤ה
שׂוֹרָה֙
וּ/שְׂעֹרָ֣ה
נִסְמָ֔ן
וְ/כֻסֶּ֖מֶת
גְּבֻלָתֽ/וֹ
הֲ/לוֹא֙
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
שִׁוָּ֣ה
shâvâh
H7737
be like
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
פָנֶ֔י/הָ
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
וְ/הֵפִ֥יץ
pûwts
H6327
to scatter
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
קֶ֖צַח
qetsach
H7100
dill
N-ms
וְ/כַמֹּ֣ן
kammôn
H3646
cummin
Conj | N-ms
יִזְרֹ֑ק
zâraq
H2236
to scatter
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/שָׂ֨ם
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
חִטָּ֤ה
chiṭṭâh
H2406
wheat
N-fs
שׂוֹרָה֙
sôwrâh
H7795
row
N-fs
וּ/שְׂעֹרָ֣ה
sᵉʻôrâh
H8184
barley
Conj | N-fs
נִסְמָ֔ן
çâman
H5567
to appoint
V-Niphal
וְ/כֻסֶּ֖מֶת
kuççemeth
H3698
rye
Conj | N-fs
גְּבֻלָתֽ/וֹ
gᵉbûwlâh
H1367
border
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 28:25
הֲ/לוֹא֙
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
שִׁוָּ֣ה
shâvâh
H7737
"be like"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
This word means to set or place something, and it is used to describe the act of leveling or equalizing something. It can also mean to adjust or compare things, and it is used in various contexts in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to agree with, be or become like, level, resemble 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be like 1a2) equivalent (participle) 1a3) to set, place 1a4) setting (participle) 1b) (Piel) to level, smooth, still 1c) (Hiphil) to make like 1d) (Nithpael) to be alike Aramaic equivalent: she.vah (שְׁוָה "be like" H7739A)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: avail, behave, bring forth, compare, countervail, (be, make) equal, lay, be (make, a-) like, make plain, profit, reckon. See also: 2 Samuel 22:34; Psalms 131:2; Psalms 16:8.
פָנֶ֔י/הָ
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
וְ/הֵפִ֥יץ
pûwts
H6327
"to scatter"
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
To shatter means to break something into pieces, either physically or figuratively. It can also mean to disperse or scatter people or things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) to scatter, be dispersed, be scattered 1a) (Qal) to be dispersed, be scattered 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be scattered 1b2) to be spread abroad 1c) (Hiphil) to scatter 1d) Hithpael) scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break (dash, shake) in (to) pieces, cast (abroad), disperse (selves), drive, retire, scatter (abroad), spread abroad. See also: Genesis 10:18; Jeremiah 10:21; Psalms 18:15.
קֶ֖צַח
qetsach
H7100
"dill"
N-ms
Qetsach refers to a type of herb, specifically dill or fennelflower, known for its strong flavor and aroma. In the KJV, it is translated as 'fitches', a type of plant used as a condiment.
Definition: 1) black cummin 1a) a plant with small black acrid seeds used as a condiment
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: fitches. See also: Isaiah 28:25; Isaiah 28:27.
וְ/כַמֹּ֣ן
kammôn
H3646
"cummin"
Conj | N-ms
Cummin is a seed used as a condiment, mentioned in the Bible as something Jesus taught about in the book of Matthew and Mark. It was a common spice in ancient times.
Definition: 1) cummin, cumin 1a) a seed used as a condiment
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: cummin. See also: Isaiah 28:25; Isaiah 28:27.
יִזְרֹ֑ק
zâraq
H2236
"to scatter"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To scatter or sprinkle something, like in Leviticus 16:14 where the priest scatters blood on the altar. This act symbolizes purification and cleansing.
Definition: 1) to scatter, sprinkle, toss, throw, scatter abundantly, strew 1a) (Qal) to scatter, sprinkle, toss 1b) (Pual) to be sprinkled
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: be here and there, scatter, sprinkle, strew. See also: Exodus 9:8; Leviticus 9:18; Isaiah 28:25.
וְ/שָׂ֨ם
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
חִטָּ֤ה
chiṭṭâh
H2406
"wheat"
N-fs
This word means wheat, whether the plant or the grain. It is used in the Bible to describe fields of wheat, like those in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) wheat 1a) wheat (plant) 1b) wheat flour Aramaic equivalent: chin.tah (חִנְטָה "wheat" H2591)
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: wheat(-en). See also: Genesis 30:14; 1 Chronicles 21:23; Psalms 81:17.
שׂוֹרָה֙
sôwrâh
H7795
"row"
N-fs
This word means a row or a line, but its exact meaning is unclear, appearing only a few times in the Bible, such as in Psalm 137.
Definition: 1) row 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: principal. See also: Isaiah 28:25.
וּ/שְׂעֹרָ֣ה
sᵉʻôrâh
H8184
"barley"
Conj | N-fs
This word refers to barley, a type of grain that was commonly eaten in ancient Israel. Barley was a staple food in the biblical world. It's mentioned in the story of Ruth.
Definition: 1) barley 1a) barley (of the plant) 1b) barley (of the meal or grain)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: barley. See also: Exodus 9:31; 2 Kings 7:1; Isaiah 28:25.
נִסְמָ֔ן
çâman
H5567
"to appoint"
V-Niphal
To appoint or designate something, like a task or role, as seen in the Bible where God appoints leaders. It means to mark or set something apart for a specific purpose. This concept appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to mark off 1a) (Niphal) appointed, determined (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: appointed. See also: Isaiah 28:25.
וְ/כֻסֶּ֖מֶת
kuççemeth
H3698
"rye"
Conj | N-fs
Kussemeth refers to a type of grain called spelt or rye. It's a wheat-like crop harvested in fall or spring. This word is used in Exodus 9:32 and Isaiah 28:25.
Definition: spelt-a wheat-like crop planted and harvested in the fall or spring
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: fitches, rie. See also: Exodus 9:32; Isaiah 28:25; Ezekiel 4:9.
גְּבֻלָתֽ/וֹ
gᵉbûwlâh
H1367
"border"
N-fs | Suff
This word is similar to H1366, also meaning a border or boundary, like the border of Canaan in Genesis 10:19. It describes a marked limit or edge of a territory.
Definition: border, boundary
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, landmark. place. See also: Numbers 32:33; Joshua 19:49; Psalms 74:17.
Study Notes — Isaiah 28:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 28:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 28:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 28:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 28:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 28:25
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 28:25
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 28:25
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 28:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 28:25
- Sermons on Isaiah 28:25
Context — Listen and Hear
23Listen and hear my voice. Pay attention and hear what I say.
24Does the plowman plow for planting every day? Does he continuously loosen and harrow the soil?
25When he has leveled its surface, does he not sow caraway and scatter cumin? He plants wheat in rows and barley in plots, and rye within its border.
26For his God instructs and teaches him properly. 27Surely caraway is not threshed with a sledge, and the wheel of a cart is not rolled over the cumin. But caraway is beaten out with a stick, and cumin with a rod.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 4:9 | But take wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet, and spelt; put them in a single container and make them into bread for yourself. This is what you are to eat during the 390 days you lie on your side. |
| 2 | Matthew 23:23 | Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. |
| 3 | Exodus 9:31–32 | (Now the flax and barley were destroyed, since the barley was ripe and the flax was in bloom; but the wheat and spelt were not destroyed, because they are late crops.) |
Isaiah 28:25 Summary
Isaiah 28:25 shows us that God is a God of order and purpose, just like a farmer who carefully plants and tends to his crops. The farmer doesn't just throw seeds anywhere, but instead, he prepares the soil and plants each type of crop in a specific way to help it grow. In the same way, God has a plan for our lives and works to help us grow and flourish (Jeremiah 29:11). By trusting in God's sovereignty and wisdom, we can have confidence that He is working everything out for our good, as stated in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the different types of crops mentioned in Isaiah 28:25?
The various crops, such as caraway, cumin, wheat, barley, and rye, represent the diversity of God's creation and the different ways He works in our lives, as seen in Psalm 104:14 and Matthew 13:3-9.
Why does the farmer plant certain crops in rows or plots?
The farmer plants crops in rows or plots to maximize their growth and productivity, just as God has a plan for our lives to flourish, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28.
What does the farmer's actions in Isaiah 28:25 reveal about God's character?
The farmer's deliberate and intentional actions in planting and harvesting reveal God's sovereignty and wisdom in guiding our lives, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 55:8-9.
How does this verse relate to our spiritual lives?
Just as the farmer carefully plans and tends to his crops, God is actively working in our lives to bring about spiritual growth and maturity, as described in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 and 2 Corinthians 9:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'crops' in my life that God is tending to, and how can I trust His plan for their growth?
- In what ways can I, like the farmer, intentionally and deliberately cultivate a deeper relationship with God?
- How can I recognize and respond to God's guidance in my life, just as the farmer responds to the needs of his crops?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to 'level the surface' and prepare the soil for God to work, as described in Luke 3:4-6?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 28:25
When he hath made plain the face thereof,.... By harrowing it, after it is ploughed: doth he not cast abroad the fitches, and scatter the cummin; in sowing them in the ground, prepared for them; the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 28:25
When he hath made plain the face thereof, doth he not cast abroad the fitches, and scatter the cummin, and cast in the principal wheat and the appointed barley and the rie in their place?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 28:25
Made plain the face thereof, by breaking the clods, which made it ragged and uneven. The principal wheat; either, 1. The wheat, which is the principal or chief of all these grains; or, 2. The best wheat, which he prudently chooseth for seed. The appointed barley; that proportion of barley which he appointed. Or, as others, the marked barley; or, the choice barley, which they laid aside in a sack for seed; and therefore set aside with a peculiar mark upon it. In their place, Heb. in his border; each seed in a several and proper place.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 28:25
Isaiah 28:25 When he hath made plain the face thereof, doth he not cast abroad the fitches, and scatter the cummin, and cast in the principal wheat and the appointed barley and the rie in their place?Ver. 25. When he hath made plain.] Laid it level and equal. Doth he not cast in the fitches?] See on Isaiah 28:24. The appointed barley.] Hordeum signatum. Whatsoever is sealed with a seal is excellent in its own kind; so are all God’ s sealed ones.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 28:25
(25) Doth he not cast abroad the fitches. . . .?—Modern English would give vetches. Each verb is carefully chosen to describe the special process that belonged to each kind of seed. We have, as it were, an excerpt from the “Georgics” of Palestine. Identification in such cases is not always easy; but I follow Mr. Carruthers (Bible Educator, i. 38) in reading “fennel seed” for the “fitches” of the English version. This, proverbially among the smallest of seeds, so as to be a type of the microscopic unseen, was scattered broadcast; “cummin,” also proverbial for its smallness, was sown by a like process, with some technical variation, indicated by the use of the Hebrew words. Wheat and barley were “dropped in” more deliberately by the hand of the sower, and then (instead of “the rie in their place”), “vetches for the borders thereof,” these being used in the East as a kind of herbaceous hedge round the field of corn. The point of the enumeration is that the wise tiller of the soil is discriminating in his methods, and deals with each seed according to its nature. So is it, the prophet suggests through the parable which he does not interpret, with the great Husbandman, whose field is the world, and for whom the nations are as seed. For “cast in the principal wheat . . .” read set the wheat in lines and the barley in the appointed place.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 28:25
25. fitches (R.V. marg. black cummin [Nigella sativa]) and cummin [Cuminum sativum] are both mentioned only in this passage. Note the different methods of sowing; scatter (of the fitches), sow (of the cummin), plant (of wheat and barley). The planting of wheat, &c. in rows is a mark of the most careful husbandry, still practised in Yemen and Egypt. the principal wheat] Rather: the wheat in rows (R.V.). the appointed barley] a very difficult expression. Perhaps “barley in the appointed place” (R.V.). Both this adjective and that for “principal” are wanting in the LXX. and are deleted as mistakes or glosses by Cheyne and others. the rye in their place] the spelt (others, “vetches”) as its border (see R.V.). The allusion apparently is to a custom of surrounding certain crops with a protecting border of hardier plants.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 28:25
When he hath made plain ... - That is, when he has leveled, or made smooth the surface of the ground by harrowing, or rolling it.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 28:25
24-26. Doth the ploughman plough all day — That is, does he plough interminably, never cease? To sow — In order to sow, in order to make the ground ready for sowing. The parallel number is of the same meaning.
Sermons on Isaiah 28:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Is This That? by Vance Havner | In this sermon, Dr. Crouch addresses the state of the church and its lack of spiritual concern for the world. He compares the average church membership to a malfunctioning electric |
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(God and Man) Three Things God Requires by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living by God's rules and not accumulating worldly possessions. He warns that those who prioritize material wealth will ult |
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(Basics) 59. Hypocrisy by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the parable of the ten virgins who went to meet the bridegroom. Externally, all ten virgins appeared the same, wearing white dresses and going |
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Is This That (Alternate) by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of breaking up the ground before expecting a harvest. He compares the process of growing a crop to the work of spreading the w |
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We Have Been Taught Not to Discern - Part 4 by Andrew Strom | This sermon addresses the housing crisis and the prevalence of deception in the church, particularly related to prosperity gospel teachings. It emphasizes the importance of standin |
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(1 Corinthians) Overview to Chapter 16 by Brian Brodersen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being alert and watchful as Christians. He highlights how Christians often fail to pay attention to false teachings and are |
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(Through the Bible) John 18-19 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the significance of Jesus' statement "it is finished" on the cross. He explains that this declaration signifies the completion of God's work |