Isaiah 28:25 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 28:25 mean?

Isaiah 28:25 describes a farmer carefully preparing his field and then sowing different kinds of seeds—like fitches, cummin, wheat, barley, and rye—in their proper places. The verse uses this image to show the farmer’s wisdom in knowing how and where to plant each crop, highlighting order and thoughtful planning.

In this part of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking to the people of Israel, using the example of farming to illustrate a point about God’s wisdom and the right way to do things. The verse comes in a section where Isaiah is warning leaders who are acting foolishly, and he uses the farmer’s careful methods as a contrast to their behavior.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 28:25

• "plain" (שָׁוָה, shavah): This word means to make level or smooth. It shows that the farmer doesn’t just throw seeds on rough ground; he prepares it thoughtfully, pointing to careful preparation.
• "fitches" (קֶצַח, qetsach): This refers to a small spice seed, often identified as black cumin. Mentioning it by name shows the farmer’s attention to different crops’ needs.
• "scatter" (זָרָה, zarah) and "cast" (שָׁלַךְ, shalak): These words describe different ways of sowing, suggesting that each type of seed is planted in its own way, not randomly.
• "principal" (שֹׂרָה, sorah) and "appointed" (סָמַן, saman): These words refer to the main or chosen types of grain and their proper placement, emphasizing order and intention in the planting process.

Why Isaiah 28:25 matters

• Isaiah 28:25 clears up the idea that all crops are planted the same way; it shows that wisdom involves knowing the right method for each situation.
• The verse emphasizes God’s order and purpose, using the farmer’s actions as a picture of how God works with care and understanding, not randomly.
• In the wider passage, this verse supports Isaiah’s message that God’s instructions and judgments are thoughtful and precise, even if the leaders of Israel do not recognize it.