Isaiah 17:6 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A small remnant will survive the judgment, like a few grapes or olives left on a shaken tree.
The Context of Isaiah 17:6
A remnant of survivors will be preserved through the judgment.
What Does Isaiah 17:6 Mean?
After the major harvest (deportation), a few survivors remain—those too small or hidden to gather, like grapes dropped in the gleaning process. The image shifts to an olive tree being shaken: most fruit falls, but two or three berries cling to the topmost boughs, and four or five persist in the outer branches. These small, scattered survivors represent those God preserves through judgment.
This promise of remnant is crucial. Judgment is severe, but not total annihilation. A seed remains—enough for restoration. The Lord God of Israel (Elohim, God as covenant keeper and creator) ensures that a seed survives, preserving the possibility of future redemption and hope beyond judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 17:6
What does Isaiah 17:6 mean?
A small remnant will survive the judgment, like a few grapes or olives left on a shaken tree.
What is the context of Isaiah 17:6?
A remnant of survivors will be preserved through the judgment.