For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this.

ISAIAH 37:32KJV
Know the Bible

Isaiah 37:32 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 37:32 mean?

Isaiah 37:32 says that a small group of survivors will come out of Jerusalem and Mount Zion, and that this deliverance will happen because of the passionate commitment of the LORD of hosts. The verse emphasizes that God’s own zeal and determination will ensure that some people are saved from destruction.

In this chapter, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to King Hezekiah and the people of Judah during a crisis: Jerusalem is under threat from the Assyrian army. Isaiah reassures them that, despite the danger, God will not let Jerusalem be completely destroyed. The verse highlights that it is not human effort but God’s own intense concern—described as “zeal”—that will accomplish this rescue.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 37:32

  • שְׁאָרִית (she'arit, "remnant"): This word means a small group left over after a disaster. It stresses that not everyone will be lost; some will survive, showing God’s mercy even in judgment.
  • קִנְאַת (qin'at, "zeal"): This word is often used for a strong, passionate commitment or jealousy. Here, it means that God’s deep, burning concern for His people is what drives their deliverance, not their own strength or worthiness.
  • יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת (YHWH tsevaot, "LORD of hosts"): This title for God means He is the commander of heavenly armies, underlining His power to save and protect His people against overwhelming odds.

Why Isaiah 37:32 matters

  • Isaiah 37:32 clarifies that Jerusalem’s survival is not due to military strength or luck, but solely because of God’s passionate commitment to His people.
  • The verse connects to the larger story in Isaiah 37, where God promises to defend Jerusalem against Assyria, showing that God’s promises are reliable even in desperate situations.
  • By highlighting the idea of a “remnant,” Isaiah 37:32 introduces a theme that runs through the prophets: even when judgment comes, God preserves a faithful group, keeping hope alive for the future.

Where else these words appear

“escape” Hebrew H6413 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 32:8 And said, If Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which is left shall escape.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:24 And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.
  • Isaiah 15:9 For the waters of Dimon shall be full of blood: for I will bring more upon Dimon, lions upon him that escapeth of Moab, and upon the remnant of the land.

“zeal” Hebrew H7068 · used in 41 verses

  • Numbers 5:14 And the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be defiled: or if the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be not defiled:
  • Psalms 119:139 My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
  • Ezekiel 5:13 Thus shall mine anger be accomplished, and I will cause my fury to rest upon them, and I will be comforted: and they shall know that I the LORD have spoken it in my zeal, when I have accomplished my fury in them.

“remnant” Hebrew H7611 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 45:7 And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
  • Jeremiah 23:3 And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.
  • Ezekiel 11:13 And it came to pass, when I prophesied, that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died. Then fell I down upon my face, and cried with a loud voice, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou make a full end of the remnant of Israel?