Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

ISAIAH 55:13KJV
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Isaiah 55:13 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 55:13 mean?

Isaiah 55:13 describes a transformation where harmful plants like thorns and briers are replaced by valuable and beautiful trees such as the fir and myrtle, symbolizing a complete renewal and blessing from God. This change is meant to serve as a lasting sign of God’s power and faithfulness, bringing honor to the LORD.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel, promising them hope and restoration after hardship and exile. The verse uses the image of nature being renewed to show how God will reverse past troubles and bring about a new, flourishing future. The transformation is not just physical but also serves as a permanent reminder (“an everlasting sign”) of God’s involvement and care.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 55:13

  • "thorn" (סִרְפַּד, sirpad, H5285): This word refers to a type of thorny or stinging plant, often a symbol of desolation or curse. Its replacement with the fir tree highlights a dramatic reversal from hardship to blessing.
  • "fir tree" (בְּרוֹשׁ, berosh, H1265): This is a strong, valuable tree, often associated with beauty and usefulness. Its appearance in place of thorns emphasizes restoration and prosperity.
  • "brier" (הַדַּרְדַּר, hadardar, H5636): Another word for a prickly, unwanted plant, reinforcing the idea of former suffering or judgment.
  • "myrtle tree" (הֲדַס, hadas, H1918): The myrtle is a fragrant, evergreen shrub, symbolizing peace and joy. Its mention shows the completeness of the renewal.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH, H3068): The personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, underscoring that this transformation is directly attributed to God’s action.
  • "everlasting" (עוֹלָם, olam, H5769): This word means “forever” or “perpetual,” stressing that the sign of renewal is not temporary but enduring.
  • "sign" (אוֹת, ot, H226): This term means a mark or symbol, indicating that the transformation will be a visible, ongoing testimony to God’s work.

Why Isaiah 55:13 matters

  • Isaiah 55:13 clears up the idea that God’s promises are only spiritual or abstract; the verse uses vivid, physical images to show real, tangible change.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s restoration is not just for a moment but is meant to be a lasting sign, giving hope that God’s blessings endure.
  • Isaiah 55:13 connects to the wider passage by showing that God’s invitation to return to Him (earlier in Isaiah 55) leads to a complete reversal of misfortune, reinforcing the chapter’s message of hope and renewal.

Where else these words appear

“thorn” Hebrew H5285 · used in 2 verses

  • Isaiah 7:19 And they shall come, and shall rest all of them in the desolate valleys, and in the holes of the rocks, and upon all thorns, and upon all bushes.

“tree” Hebrew H1918 · used in 6 verses

  • Nehemiah 8:15 And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written.
  • Isaiah 41:19 I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together:
  • Zechariah 1:10 And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These are they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth.

“tree” Hebrew H1265 · used in 20 verses

  • 2 Samuel 6:5 And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.
  • 2 Kings 19:23 By thy messengers thou hast reproached the Lord, and hast said, With the multitude of my chariots I am come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and will cut down the tall cedar trees thereof, and the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the lodgings of his borders, and into the forest of his Carmel.
  • Isaiah 41:19 I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together:

“sign” Hebrew H226 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 1:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
  • Numbers 17:10 And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not.
  • Job 21:29 Have ye not asked them that go by the way? and do ye not know their tokens,