Isaiah 29:17
Isaiah 29:17 in Multiple Translations
In a very short time, will not Lebanon become an orchard, and the orchard seem like a forest?
Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest?
Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest?
In a very short time Lebanon will become a fertile field, and the fertile field will seem like a wood.
It won't be long and the forests of Lebanon will be turned into a productive field, and a productive field will seem like a forest.
Is it not yet but a litle while, and Lebanon shall be turned into Carmel? and Carmel shall be counted as a forest?
Is it not yet a very little, And turned hath Lebanon to a fruitful field, And the fruitful field for a forest is reckoned?
Isn’t it yet a very little while, and Lebanon will be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field will be regarded as a forest?
Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest?
Is it not yet a very little while, and Libanus shall be turned into charmel, and charmel shall be esteemed as a forest?
Soon the forests in Lebanon will become fertile fields, and abundant crops will grow in those fields, and that will happen very soon.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 29:17
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 29:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲ/לוֹא
עוֹד֙
מְעַ֣ט
מִזְעָ֔ר
וְ/שָׁ֥ב
לְבָנ֖וֹן
לַ/כַּרְמֶ֑ל
וְ/הַ/כַּרְמֶ֖ל
לַ/יַּ֥עַר
יֵחָשֵֽׁב
הֲ/לוֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
עוֹד֙
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
מְעַ֣ט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
little
N-ms
מִזְעָ֔ר
mizʻâr
H4213
little
N-ms
וְ/שָׁ֥ב
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
לְבָנ֖וֹן
Lᵉbânôwn
H3844
Lebanon
N-proper
לַ/כַּרְמֶ֑ל
karmel
H3759
plantation
Prep | N-ms
וְ/הַ/כַּרְמֶ֖ל
karmel
H3759
plantation
Conj | Art | N-ms
לַ/יַּ֥עַר
yaʻar
H3293
Jaar
Prep | N-ms
יֵחָשֵֽׁב
châshab
H2803
to devise
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 29:17
הֲ/לוֹא
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.
עוֹד֙
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
מְעַ֣ט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
"little"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.
Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.
מִזְעָ֔ר
mizʻâr
H4213
"little"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means something small or few in number, like a little time or a few people. It is used to describe a remnant or small group. In the Bible, it is often translated as 'few' or 'very few'.
Definition: 1) a little, a trifle, a few 1a) a trifle, a little (of time) 1b) a remnant, a very few (of number)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: few, [idiom] very. See also: Isaiah 10:25; Isaiah 24:6; Isaiah 16:14.
וְ/שָׁ֥ב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
לְבָנ֖וֹן
Lᵉbânôwn
H3844
"Lebanon"
N-proper
Lebanon is a mountain range in Israel, named for its white snow or limestone peaks, often mentioned in Psalms and other books.
Definition: Combined with biq.ah (בִּקְעָה " Valley" H1237I) § Lebanon = "whiteness" a wooded mountain range on the northern border of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: Lebanon. See also: Deuteronomy 1:7; Psalms 104:16; Psalms 29:5.
לַ/כַּרְמֶ֑ל
karmel
H3759
"plantation"
Prep | N-ms
A plantation or garden-land, like the Garden of Eden, was a fertile and productive area, often with fruit trees and orchards. The Bible describes Carmel as a lush and fruitful region in Israel.
Definition: 1) plantation, garden-land, orchard, fruit orchard 2) fruit, garden-growth (meton)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: full (green) ears (of corn), fruitful field (place), plentiful (field). See also: Leviticus 2:14; Isaiah 29:17; Isaiah 10:18.
וְ/הַ/כַּרְמֶ֖ל
karmel
H3759
"plantation"
Conj | Art | N-ms
A plantation or garden-land, like the Garden of Eden, was a fertile and productive area, often with fruit trees and orchards. The Bible describes Carmel as a lush and fruitful region in Israel.
Definition: 1) plantation, garden-land, orchard, fruit orchard 2) fruit, garden-growth (meton)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: full (green) ears (of corn), fruitful field (place), plentiful (field). See also: Leviticus 2:14; Isaiah 29:17; Isaiah 10:18.
לַ/יַּ֥עַר
yaʻar
H3293
"Jaar"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word Yaar refers to a forest or a copse of bushes, and also to a honeycomb. It is associated with Kiriath-jearim, a place name in the Bible. This word is used to describe natural environments.
Definition: honeycomb Another name of qir.yat ye.a.rim (קִרְיַת יְעָרִים "Kiriath-jearim" H7157)
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: (honey-) comb, forest, wood. See also: Deuteronomy 19:5; Isaiah 10:18; Psalms 29:9.
יֵחָשֵֽׁב
châshab
H2803
"to devise"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.
Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.
Study Notes — Isaiah 29:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 29:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 29:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 29:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 29:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 29:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 29:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 29:17
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 29:17
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 29:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 29:17
- Sermons on Isaiah 29:17
Context — Sanctification for the Godly
15Woe to those who dig deep to hide their plans from the LORD. In darkness they do their works and say, “Who sees us, and who will know?”
16You have turned things upside down, as if the potter were regarded as clay. Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, “He did not make me”? Can the pottery say of the potter, “He has no understanding”?
17In a very short time, will not Lebanon become an orchard, and the orchard seem like a forest?
18On that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of the deep darkness the eyes of the blind will see. 19The humble will increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 32:15 | until the Spirit is poured out upon us from on high. Then the desert will be an orchard, and the orchard will seem like a forest. |
| 2 | Matthew 19:30 | But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first. |
| 3 | Hebrews 10:37 | For, “In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay. |
| 4 | Isaiah 35:1–2 | The wilderness and the land will be glad; the desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose. It will bloom profusely and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. |
| 5 | Isaiah 5:6 | I will make it a wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated, and thorns and briers will grow up. I will command the clouds that rain shall not fall on it.” |
| 6 | Hosea 3:4 | For the Israelites must live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred pillar, and without ephod or idol. |
| 7 | Isaiah 65:12–16 | I will destine you for the sword, and you will all kneel down to be slaughtered, because I called and you did not answer, I spoke and you did not listen; you did evil in My sight and chose that in which I did not delight.” Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: “My servants will eat, but you will go hungry; My servants will drink, but you will go thirsty; My servants will rejoice, but you will be put to shame. My servants will shout for joy with a glad heart, but you will cry out with a heavy heart and wail with a broken spirit. You will leave behind your name as a curse for My chosen ones, and the Lord GOD will slay you; but to His servants He will give another name. Whoever invokes a blessing in the land will do so by the God of truth, and whoever takes an oath in the land will swear by the God of truth. For the former troubles will be forgotten and hidden from My sight. |
| 8 | Isaiah 41:19 | I will plant cedars in the wilderness, acacias, myrtles, and olive trees. I will set cypresses in the desert, elms and boxwood together, |
| 9 | Habakkuk 2:3 | For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and does not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay. |
| 10 | Isaiah 49:5–6 | And now says the LORD, who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, to bring Jacob back to Him, that Israel might be gathered to Him— for I am honored in the sight of the LORD, and My God is My strength— He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.” |
Isaiah 29:17 Summary
[Isaiah 29:17 is a beautiful picture of how God can take something that seems barren and unfruitful and turn it into a thriving and abundant garden, much like the way He promises to make all things new in Revelation 21:5. This verse is a reminder that God is always working to bring about transformation and growth, even when we can't see it. As we trust in His plan and timing, we can have hope that He will bring about a harvest of righteousness and justice, as described in Isaiah 61:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the reference to Lebanon becoming an orchard mean in Isaiah 29:17?
This verse is using a metaphor to describe a future time of great transformation and growth, where what was once barren will become fruitful, much like the promise of Isaiah 51:3 that God will make the desert like the garden of Eden.
Is this verse talking about a literal change in the environment of Lebanon?
While it's possible that there could be a literal fulfillment of this prophecy, the language used suggests that it's more likely a symbolic representation of spiritual transformation, similar to the way Jesus describes the kingdom of God in Matthew 13:31-32.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
Isaiah 29:17 is part of a larger section that is calling people to turn back to God and warning them of the consequences of rebellion, as seen in Isaiah 29:15-16, and it serves as a message of hope for those who are humble and poor in spirit, as described in Isaiah 29:19.
What is the significance of the orchard seeming like a forest?
The image of an orchard seeming like a forest suggests a time of abundance and flourishing, where what was once carefully cultivated and managed will become so prolific that it will seem almost wild and un contained, much like the description of the new heaven and new earth in Revelation 21:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I'm waiting for transformation, and how can I trust God's timing and plan?
- How can I cultivate a heart of humility and poverty of spirit, so that I can experience the joy and rejoicing described in Isaiah 29:19?
- What are some ways that I can partner with God to bring about spiritual transformation in my community, and what role can I play in helping others to see and hear the truth of the gospel?
- How can I balance the tension between trusting in God's sovereignty and taking action to bring about change in my own life and the world around me?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 29:17
[Is] it not yet a very little while,.... In a short space of time, in a few years, what follows would come to pass; when there would be a strange change and alteration made in the world, and by which
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 29:17
Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 29:17
The forest of Lebanon, which was a barren mountain and a desolate wilderness, shall by God’ s wonderful providence become a fruitful and populous place; and these places, which are now fruitful and populous, shall then become as barren and desolate as that forest. The sense is confirmed by that parallel place, . And from both places compared together, this seems to be a prophecy of the rejection of the wicked and unbelieving Jews, whose sins and marvellous judgments, and particularly infatuation, are declared in the foregoing verses; and of the calling of the Gentiles, of which he speaks in the following verse, as appears further by comparing that verse with . And this opinion may receive some countenance from , &c., where Christ expounds the foregoing words, , upon which these have a dependence, of his own times.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 29:17
Isaiah 29:17 [Is] it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest?Ver. 17. Is it yet not a very little while?] Nonne adhuc paululum paululum; or, A hundred years hence the Gentiles shall be called by the preaching of the apostles (for here beginneth the consolatory part of this chapter; see on Isaiah 29:1); and that is but a very small time with God. He speeds away the generation, that he may finish the calling of his elect, and so put an end to all. And Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field.] Heb., Lebanon shall be turned into Carmel, the wide world; the wide waste of the Gentiles, the elect among them shall be made God’ s husbandry or vineyard, et e contra, Carmelus fiet Libanus. The fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest.] The obstinate Jews, with their seeming fruitfulness, shall be rejected. Lo, here is a turning of things upside down that you dream not of; this is that marvellous work, Isaiah 29:14. Sylvestria corda electorum inter gentes. - Piscator
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 29:17
(17) Is it not yet a very little while . . .?—The image of the potter does not suggest to Isaiah the thought of an arbitrary sovereignty, but of a love which will in the long run fulfil itself. He paints as not far off the restoration at once of the face of nature and of the life of man. Lebanon, that had been stripped of its cedars by the Assyrian invader (Isaiah 10:34), so as to be as the wilderness of Isa 22:15, should regain its glory, and once more be as Carmel, or “the fruitful field,” while the fields that had rejoiced in the rich growth of herbage and shrubs should attain the greatness of the forests of Lebanon as they had been. (See Isaiah 32:15, where “the wilderness” answers to the “Lebanon” of this verse.) The thought and the language would seem to have been among Isaiah’s favourite utterances.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 29:17
Verse 17. And Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field - "Ere Lebanon become like Carmel"] A mashal, or proverbial saying, expressing any great revolution of things; and, when respecting two subjects, an entire reciprocal change: explained here by some interpreters, I think with great probability, as having its principal view beyond the revolutions then near at hand, to the rejection of the Jews, and the calling of the Gentiles. The first were the vineyard of God, כרם אל kerem El, (if the prophet, who loves an allusion to words of like sounds, may be supposed to have intended one here,) cultivated and watered by him in vain, to be given up, and to become a wilderness: compare Isaiah 5:1-7. The last had been hitherto barren; but were, by the grace of God, to be rendered fruitful. See Matthew 21:43; Romans 11:30-31. Carmel stands here opposed to Lebanon, and therefore is to be taken as a proper name.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 29:17
17. The expressions here were perhaps proverbial; they are almost exactly repeated in ch. Isaiah 32:15. yet a very little while] as in ch. Isaiah 10:25 (cf. Isaiah 16:14). Lebanon is here a synonym for forest (see on ch. Isaiah 10:34); it answers to “wilderness” (uncultivated pasture-land) in Isaiah 32:15. a fruitful field] cf. Isaiah 10:18.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 29:17
Is it not yet a very little while - The idea here is, ‘you have greatly perverted things in Jerusalem.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 29:17
17. Is it not a very little while — Equivalent to a declaration that the schemes and plans of Israel should soon come to naught.
Sermons on Isaiah 29:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Story of Olive Zhang — Told by Dr. John Sung by John Sung | Dr. John Sung shares the story of Olive Zhang, emphasizing the miraculous power of united prayer among believers. Just as the early church experienced transformation during Penteco |
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Holy Spirit – Come Back to Your Church by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the false teachings of prosperity gospel and the devastation it has caused. He emphasizes that God does not desire material wealth for His fo |
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(Godly Home) Part 17 - a Quiet, Ordered Life by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of building a strong relationship with one's children in order to establish authority. He highlights the need for parents to e |
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The Cry for Revival by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the urgent need for revival among God's people, particularly during times of spiritual dryness and backsliding. He highlights that true revival is |
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The First Work of the Holy Spirit by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, as prophesied by Isaiah, stating that the Spirit's arrival turns barren wilderness into fruitful fields. He |
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The Doctrine of the Wheels, in the Visions of Ezekiel, Opened and Explained. by John Gill | John Gill expounds on the significance of the wheels in Ezekiel's visions, interpreting them as representations of the churches of Christ under the Gospel dispensation. He emphasiz |
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When the Holy Spirit Comes by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit as described by the prophet Isaiah, illustrating how the Spirit can turn barren wilderness into fruitful fiel |