Isaiah 1:9 Meaning and Explanation
“Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Had God not preserved a small remnant of people, Israel would have been completely destroyed like Sodom and Gomorrah.
The Context of Isaiah 1:9
Affirmation of God's preserving mercy despite Israel's severe judgment.
What Does Isaiah 1:9 Mean?
This verse introduces a theme that will recur throughout the chapter: God's mercy in the midst of judgment. Even as the prophet condemns, he acknowledges that complete annihilation has been prevented. The reference to Sodom and Gomorrah—cities destroyed for their wickedness—measures the severity of Israel's condition while simultaneously affirming divine restraint. A 'very small remnant' remains, indicating that destruction has been narrowed but not entirely averted.
The word 'except' pivots from judgment to grace, suggesting that God's preservation of even a few is an act of deliberate choice rather than accident. This remnant will become important in the latter part of Isaiah's prophecies. Here, it serves as a sign of divine mercy and hope: total destruction is not Israel's fate.
Isaiah 1:9 in the Original Language
she'ĕrît (שְׁאֵרִית), 'remnant' — those who remain or survive; a preserved portion that will often play a redemptive role.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 1:9
What does Isaiah 1:9 mean?
Had God not preserved a small remnant of people, Israel would have been completely destroyed like Sodom and Gomorrah.
What is the context of Isaiah 1:9?
Affirmation of God's preserving mercy despite Israel's severe judgment.