Isaiah 17:6 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 17:6 mean?

Isaiah 17:6 describes how only a small remnant will remain after judgment, using the image of a few grapes left after harvest and a few olives left after the tree is shaken. The verse paints a picture of near-total devastation, with just a handful of survivors left, as declared by the LORD God of Israel.

Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel and Damascus, warning them of coming destruction due to their actions. The comparison to gleaning grapes and olives shows that after the main judgment, only a few people or things of value will be left, just as a few fruits are sometimes missed during harvest. This verse fits into a prophecy about the downfall of nations that have turned away from God.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 17:6

• "Grapes" (עֹלֵלֹת, 'olelot') refers to the small, leftover clusters that remain after the main harvest, emphasizing how little will be left.
• "Shaking" (נֹקֶף, noqef) is the act of beating or shaking an olive tree to make the fruit fall, a common image for gathering what remains after most has been taken.
• "Berries" (גַּרְגְּרִים, gar'garim) means individual fruit or berries, highlighting the small number left behind.
• "Branches" (סְעִפִּים, se'ippim) are the outermost or most fruitful branches, showing that even in the best places, only a few remain.

Why Isaiah 17:6 matters

• Isaiah 17:6 clears up that God's judgment is not always absolute annihilation; a small remnant is intentionally left, which is a recurring theme in the prophets.
• The verse emphasizes the thoroughness of the coming judgment—almost everything will be taken, but not quite everything, showing both severity and a hint of mercy.
• This image connects to the broader message in Isaiah that even in times of great loss, God preserves a remnant for His purposes, which becomes important in later chapters.