And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem:

ISAIAH 4:3KJV
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Isaiah 4:3 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 4:3 mean?

Isaiah 4:3 describes a future time when those who survive in Zion and remain in Jerusalem will be recognized as holy, specifically those whose names are recorded among the living in Jerusalem. The verse promises that after a period of hardship, a purified group will be set apart and honored as belonging to God.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Judah and Jerusalem during a time of warning and judgment. Here, Isaiah looks ahead to a restored community after judgment, where only a remnant—those who are left and remain—will be called holy. The focus is on survival through difficulty and being counted among the living, which in this context means being part of a renewed, faithful group in Jerusalem.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 4:3

  • "left" (שָׁאַר, sha'ar) and "remaineth" (יָתַר, yatar) both point to survivors, emphasizing that only a remnant will make it through the coming troubles. This highlights the idea of a smaller, purified group rather than the whole population.
  • "holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh) means set apart or dedicated to God. Here, it shows that the survivors are not just spared physically but are also recognized as specially belonging to God.
  • "written" (כָּתַב, katav) and "living" (חַי, chai) together suggest being officially listed or enrolled among those who have life in Jerusalem. This can imply both physical survival and a sense of being chosen or accepted.

Why Isaiah 4:3 matters

  • Isaiah 4:3 clarifies that not everyone will be part of the restored Jerusalem—only those who survive and are counted among the living will be called holy.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in Isaiah of a faithful remnant, showing that God values quality and faithfulness over sheer numbers.
  • Understanding the emphasis on being "written among the living" helps readers see the importance of belonging to God's community, not just surviving physically but being recognized as set apart for Him.

Where else these words appear

“remaineth” Hebrew H3498 · used in 101 verses

  • Genesis 30:36 And he set three days' journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks.
  • Joshua 18:2 And there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes, which had not yet received their inheritance.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:70 And out of the half tribe of Manasseh; Aner with her suburbs, and Bileam with her suburbs, for the family of the remnant of the sons of Kohath.

“holy” Hebrew H6918 · used in 106 verses

  • Exodus 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
  • 2 Kings 19:22 Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.
  • Isaiah 29:19 The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

“left” Hebrew H7604 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 7:23 And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.
  • Joshua 13:1 Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.
  • Ezra 9:15 O LORD God of Israel, thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as it is this day: behold, we are before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this.