The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts.

ISAIAH 17:3KJV
Know the Bible

Isaiah 17:3 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 17:3 mean?

Isaiah 17:3 says that the strong defenses of Ephraim (the northern kingdom of Israel) and the kingdom of Damascus (the capital of Syria) will come to an end, and what is left of Syria will lose its power and status, becoming like the faded glory of Israel. The LORD of hosts is declaring that both nations will lose their strength and prestige.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is delivering a message from God to both Israel (called Ephraim) and Syria (with Damascus as its capital). At this time, these two nations were allied against Judah, but God is warning that their power and protection will be taken away. The verse uses the image of lost "glory" to show that these nations, once strong and respected, will be humbled and diminished.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 17:3

  • "fortress" (מָעֻזָּה, ma'uzzah): This word means a stronghold or fortified place. Its use here highlights the loss of military security for Ephraim.
  • "cease" (שָׁבַת, shavat): This verb means to stop or come to an end. It emphasizes that the end of these defenses will be complete and final.
  • "glory" (כָּבוֹד, kavod): This word often means honor, splendor, or reputation. Here, it suggests that the remaining people of Syria will lose their former honor, just as Israel has.
  • "children" (בֵּן, ben): Used here for "children of Israel," it simply means the people or descendants, making clear that the comparison is about the fate of entire nations.

Why Isaiah 17:3 matters

  • Isaiah 17:3 clarifies that God’s judgment is not just against Israel but also against their allies, showing that no nation is immune to losing its power when it opposes God's purposes.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by explaining why both Israel and Syria will fall: their trust in alliances and military strength is misplaced.
  • Understanding the original words for "fortress" and "glory" helps the reader see that the prophecy is about more than just military defeat—it is about the loss of honor and security that once defined these nations.

Where else these words appear

“remnant” Hebrew H7605 · used in 25 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 11:8 And he built the city round about, even from Millo round about: and Joab repaired the rest of the city.
  • Nehemiah 11:1 And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.
  • Isaiah 11:11 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

“fortress” Hebrew H4013 · used in 37 verses

  • Numbers 13:19 And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds;
  • 2 Kings 18:8 He smote the Philistines, even unto Gaza, and the borders thereof, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.
  • Jeremiah 48:18 Thou daughter that dost inhabit Dibon, come down from thy glory, and sit in thirst; for the spoiler of Moab shall come upon thee, and he shall destroy thy strong holds.

“Damascus” Hebrew H1834 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 14:15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
  • 2 Kings 16:10 And king Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and saw an altar that was at Damascus: and king Ahaz sent to Urijah the priest the fashion of the altar, and the pattern of it, according to all the workmanship thereof.
  • Isaiah 17:1 The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.

“cease” Hebrew H7673 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • 2 Chronicles 36:21 To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.
  • Jeremiah 48:35 Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, saith the LORD, him that offereth in the high places, and him that burneth incense to his gods.