Isaiah 17:5
Isaiah 17:5 in Multiple Translations
as the reaper gathers the standing grain and harvests the ears with his arm, as one gleans heads of grain in the Valley of Rephaim.
And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim.
And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the standing grain, and his arm reapeth the ears; yea, it shall be as when one gleaneth ears in the valley of Rephaim.
And it will be like a man cutting the growth of his grain, pulling together the heads of the grain with his arm; even as when they get in the grain in the valley of Rephaim.
It will look as empty as fields after reapers have harvested the grain, gathering up the grain in their arms. It will be like when people pick the heads of grain in the Valley of Rephaim.
And it shalbe as when the haruest man gathereth the corne, and reapeth the eares with his arme, and he shall be as he that gathereth the eares in the valley of Rephaim.
And it hath come to pass, As the gathering by the reaper of the standing corn, And his arm the ears reapeth, And it hath come to pass, As the gathering of the ears in the valley of Rephaim,
It will be like when the harvester gathers the wheat, and his arm reaps the grain. Yes, it will be like when one gleans grain in the valley of Rephaim.
And it shall be as when the harvest-man gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim.
And it shall be as when one gathereth in the harvest that which remaineth, and his arm shall gather the ears of corn: and it shall be as he that seeketh ears in the vale of Raphaim.
The entire land will be like [SIM] a field where the harvesters have cut all the grain; there will be nothing left, like [SIM] the fields in the Rephaim Valley after all the crops have been harvested.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 17:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 17:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיָ֗ה
כֶּֽ/אֱסֹף֙
קָצִ֣יר
קָמָ֔ה
וּ/זְרֹע֖/וֹ
שִׁבֳּלִ֣ים
יִקְצ֑וֹר
וְ/הָיָ֛ה
כִּ/מְלַקֵּ֥ט
שִׁבֳּלִ֖ים
בְּ/עֵ֥מֶק
רְפָאִֽים
וְ/הָיָ֗ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
כֶּֽ/אֱסֹף֙
ʼâçaph
H622
to gather
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
קָצִ֣יר
qâtsîyr
H7105
harvest
N-ms
קָמָ֔ה
qâmâh
H7054
standing grain
N-fs
וּ/זְרֹע֖/וֹ
zᵉrôwaʻ
H2220
arm
Conj | N-cs | Suff
שִׁבֳּלִ֣ים
shibbôl
H7641
Shibboleth
N-fp
יִקְצ֑וֹר
qâtsar
H7114
be short
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/הָיָ֛ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
כִּ/מְלַקֵּ֥ט
lâqaṭ
H3950
to gather
Prep | V-Piel
שִׁבֳּלִ֖ים
shibbôl
H7641
Shibboleth
N-fp
בְּ/עֵ֥מֶק
ʻêmeq
H6010
valley
Prep | N-ms
רְפָאִֽים
râphâʼ
H7497
Rapha
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 17:5
וְ/הָיָ֗ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כֶּֽ/אֱסֹף֙
ʼâçaph
H622
"to gather"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To gather means to bring people or things together, often for a purpose like worship or community. It can also mean to take away or remove something, like gathering a harvest. This word appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to gather, receive, remove, gather in 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gather, collect 1a2) to gather (an individual into company of others) 1a3) to bring up the rear 1a4) to gather and take away, remove, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, be gathered 1b2) (pass of Qal 1a2) 1b2a) to be gathered to one's fathers 1b2b) to be brought in or into (association with others) 1b3) (pass of Qal 1a4) 1b3a) to be taken away, removed, perish 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to gather (harvest) 1c2) to take in, receive into 1c3) rearguard, rearward (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be gathered 1e) (Hithpael) to gather oneself or themselves
Usage: Occurs in 188 OT verses. KJV: assemble, bring, consume, destroy, felch, gather (in, together, up again), [idiom] generally, get (him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from leprosy), (be) rereward, [idiom] surely, take (away, into, up), [idiom] utterly, withdraw. See also: Genesis 6:21; 1 Chronicles 11:13; Psalms 26:9.
קָצִ֣יר
qâtsîyr
H7105
"harvest"
N-ms
This word refers to the harvest or the time of harvest, as well as the reaper or the crop itself. It can also mean a limb or foliage of a tree, emphasizing the idea of growth and abundance. The concept of harvest is central to the biblical narrative, particularly in the book of Ruth.
Definition: 1) harvest, harvesting 1a) process of harvesting 1b) crop, what is harvested or reaped 1c) time of harvest
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: bough, branch, harvest (man). See also: Genesis 8:22; Job 18:16; Psalms 80:12.
קָמָ֔ה
qâmâh
H7054
"standing grain"
N-fs
Standing grain refers to mature crops that are ready for harvest. In the Bible, it symbolizes growth and abundance, as seen in the fields of ancient Israel. The word is used to describe the ripe, tall stalks of grain.
Definition: standing grain
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: (standing) corn, grown up, stalk. See also: Exodus 22:5; 2 Kings 19:26; Isaiah 17:5.
וּ/זְרֹע֖/וֹ
zᵉrôwaʻ
H2220
"arm"
Conj | N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for arm refers to the arm as stretched out, symbolizing strength, force, or power, as seen in the KJV translations of arm, mighty, and strength.
Definition: 1) arm, forearm, shoulder, strength 1a) arm 1b) arm (as symbol of strength) 1c) forces (political and military) 1d) shoulder (of animal sacrificed)
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: arm, [phrase] help, mighty, power, shoulder, strength. See also: Genesis 49:24; Proverbs 31:17; Psalms 10:15.
שִׁבֳּלִ֣ים
shibbôl
H7641
"Shibboleth"
N-fp
Shibboleth is a Hebrew word that means a flowing stream or an ear of grain. It was also used as a password to distinguish between different groups of people, as in the story of the Gileadites and Ephraimites.
Definition: means: growing ear (of grain), flowing stream used as a password
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: branch, channel, ear (of corn), (water-)flood, Shibboleth. Compare H5451 (סִבֹּלֶת). See also: Genesis 41:5; Judges 12:6; Psalms 69:3.
יִקְצ֑וֹר
qâtsar
H7114
"be short"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to reap or harvest, like cutting down grain or grass. It is used in the Bible to describe the act of harvesting, and also to describe being discouraged or grieved.
Definition: 1) to be short, be impatient, be vexed, be grieved 1a) (Qal) to be short 1b) (Piel) to shorten 1c) (Hiphil) to shorten
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cut down, much discouraged, grieve, harvestman, lothe, mourn, reap(-er), (be, wax) short(-en, -er), straiten, trouble, vex. See also: Leviticus 19:9; Job 24:6; Psalms 89:46.
וְ/הָיָ֛ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כִּ/מְלַקֵּ֥ט
lâqaṭ
H3950
"to gather"
Prep | V-Piel
This verb means to gather or pick up, like gleaning leftover crops in a field. It is used in various forms to describe collecting or gathering things.
Definition: 1) to pick up, gather, glean, gather up 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pick up, gather 1a2) to glean 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to gather, gather up 1b2) to collect (money) 1b3) to glean 1c) (Pual) to be picked up 1d) (Hithpael) to collect oneself
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: gather (up), glean. See also: Genesis 31:46; Ruth 2:2; Psalms 104:28.
שִׁבֳּלִ֖ים
shibbôl
H7641
"Shibboleth"
N-fp
Shibboleth is a Hebrew word that means a flowing stream or an ear of grain. It was also used as a password to distinguish between different groups of people, as in the story of the Gileadites and Ephraimites.
Definition: means: growing ear (of grain), flowing stream used as a password
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: branch, channel, ear (of corn), (water-)flood, Shibboleth. Compare H5451 (סִבֹּלֶת). See also: Genesis 41:5; Judges 12:6; Psalms 69:3.
בְּ/עֵ֥מֶק
ʻêmeq
H6010
"valley"
Prep | N-ms
Describes a valley or lowland area, like the Valley of Elah where David fought Goliath.
Definition: valley, vale, lowland, open country
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: dale, vale, valley (often used as a part of proper names). See also H1025 (בֵּית הָעֵמֶק). See also: Genesis 14:3; 2 Samuel 18:18; Psalms 60:8.
רְפָאִֽים
râphâʼ
H7497
"Rapha"
N-proper
The Raphaite were a group of giants, including Goliath, mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:16, who lived during the time of King David.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.21.16; father of: Goliath (H1555), Ishbi-benob (H3430), Saph (H5593), Lahmi (H3902), huge_man (H4060A); also translated "giant"; Also named: re.pha.im (רְפָאִים "Raphaite" H7497H) § giant, Rephah
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: giant, Rapha, Rephaim(-s). See also H1051 (בֵּית רָפָא). See also: Genesis 14:5; 2 Samuel 5:22; Isaiah 17:5.
Study Notes — Isaiah 17:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 17:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 17:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 17:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 17:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 17:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 17:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 17:5
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 17:5
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 17:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 17:5
- Sermons on Isaiah 17:5
Context — The Burden against Damascus
3The fortress will disappear from Ephraim, and the sovereignty from Damascus. The remnant of Aram will be like the splendor of the Israelites,” declares the LORD of Hosts.
4“In that day the splendor of Jacob will fade, and the fat of his body will waste away,
5as the reaper gathers the standing grain and harvests the ears with his arm, as one gleans heads of grain in the Valley of Rephaim.
6Yet gleanings will remain, like an olive tree that has been beaten— two or three berries atop the tree, four or five on its fruitful branches,” declares the LORD, the God of Israel. 7In that day men will look to their Maker and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 13:30 | Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat into my barn.’” |
| 2 | Joel 3:13 | Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, trample the grapes, for the winepress is full; the wine vats overflow because their wickedness is great. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 51:33 | For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “The Daughter of Babylon is like a threshing floor at the time it is trampled. In just a little while her harvest time will come.” |
| 4 | Revelation 14:15–20 | Then another angel came out of the temple, crying out in a loud voice to the One seated on the cloud, “Swing Your sickle and reap, because the time has come to harvest; for the crop of the earth is ripe.” So the One seated on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested. Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. Still another angel, with authority over the fire, came from the altar and called out in a loud voice to the angel with the sharp sickle, “Swing your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of grapes from the vine of the earth, because its grapes are ripe.” So the angel swung his sickle over the earth and gathered the grapes of the earth, and he threw them into the great winepress of God’s wrath. And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and the blood that flowed from it rose as high as the bridles of the horses for a distance of 1,600 stadia. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 5:18 | Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. |
| 6 | Matthew 13:39–42 | and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. As the weeds are collected and burned in the fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will weed out of His kingdom every cause of sin and all who practice lawlessness. And they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 5:22 | Once again the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. |
| 8 | Joshua 15:8 | From there the border went up the Valley of Hinnom along the southern slope of the Jebusites (that is, Jerusalem) and ascended to the top of the hill that faces the Valley of Hinnom on the west, at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim. |
| 9 | Isaiah 17:11 | though on the day you plant you make them grow, and on that morning you help your seed sprout— yet the harvest will vanish on the day of disease and incurable pain. |
| 10 | Hosea 6:11 | Also for you, O Judah, a harvest is appointed, when I restore My people from captivity. |
Isaiah 17:5 Summary
[Isaiah 17:5 uses the picture of a reaper gathering grain to describe how God will judge and harvest His people, separating the good from the bad, much like a farmer gathers his crop. This verse reminds us that God is the ultimate Judge and Harvester, and we must be prepared to face His judgment, as seen in Matthew 25:31-46. Just as a reaper carefully gathers the grain, God will carefully separate the righteous from the wicked, and we can trust in His sovereignty and care, even in difficult circumstances, as seen in Psalm 23:4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the image of the reaper gathering grain in Isaiah 17:5 symbolize?
The image of the reaper gathering grain symbolizes God's judgment and harvesting of His people, separating the righteous from the wicked, as seen in Matthew 13:30 and Revelation 14:15-16.
What is the Valley of Rephaim mentioned in Isaiah 17:5?
The Valley of Rephaim is a location near Jerusalem where David defeated the giants, as recorded in 2 Samuel 5:17-25, and it is used here as a reference point for the abundance of grain that will be harvested.
How does this verse relate to the surrounding context of Isaiah 17:3-7?
This verse is part of a larger prophecy about the downfall of Damascus and the remnant of Aram, and it uses the metaphor of harvesting grain to describe the devastating effects of God's judgment on these nations, as seen in Isaiah 17:3 and Isaiah 17:6.
What does the reaper's action of harvesting the ears with his arm signify?
The reaper's action of harvesting the ears with his arm signifies the careful and deliberate nature of God's judgment, as He separates the wicked from the righteous, much like a farmer carefully gathers his crop, as seen in Jeremiah 51:33.
Reflection Questions
- What areas of my life need to be 'harvested' by God, and how can I surrender them to His judgment and refinement?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and care, even when I face uncertainty or difficult circumstances, just like the remnant of Israel in Isaiah 17:6?
- What does it mean for me to be 'gleaned' by God, and how can I cooperate with His work in my life, as seen in Isaiah 17:5-6?
- How can I apply the principles of God's judgment and harvest in my own life, recognizing that He is the ultimate Judge and Harvester, as seen in Joel 3:13?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 17:5
And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn,.... The "standing" corn, as in the Hebrew text: "and reapeth the ears with his arm"; or "his arm reaps the ears" (o); that is, with one hand
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 17:5
And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim. It shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 17:5
Reapeth the ears with his arm; taking care, as far as may be, that all may be gathered in, and nothing left. So shall the whole body of the ten tribes be carried away captive, some few gleanings only being left of them, as it is in the harvest. The valley of Rephaim; a very fruitful place near Jerusalem, 18:16.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 17:5
Isaiah 17:5 And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim.Ver. 5. And it shall be as when the harvest man.] Their utter captivity is set forth by three lively similitudes, for better assurance, a very small remnant only left in the land. This by some ancients is alleged to show how few shall be saved - surely not one of ten thousand, said Simeon. And before him Chrysostom, How many, think you, shall be saved in this city of Antioch? Though there be so many thousands of you, yet there cannot be found a hundred that shall enter into God’ s kingdom, and I doubt much of those too, &c. In the valley of Rephaim.] Which was nigh to Jerusalem. Nam similitudine populari propheta utitur. Hom. iv. Ad Pop. Antioch.
Jun.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 17:5
(5) And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn.—The work of devastation is described under another image. The conqueror shall plunder the cities of Israel as the reaper cuts off the ears of corn. With his usual Dantesque vividness the prophet localises the imagery. The valley of Rephaim, or, as in Joshua 15:8; Joshua 18:16, “of the giants,” lay to the south-west of Jerusalem in the direction of Bethlehem. It was famous for its fertility, and was often on that account attacked by the Philistines, who came to carry off its crops (2 Samuel 23:13). The prophet had looked on the reaper’s work and had seen in it a parable of that of the Assyrian invader.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 17:5
Verse 5. As when the harvestman gathereth - "As when one gathereth"] That is, the king of Assyria shall sweep away the whole body of the people, as the reaper strippeth off the whole crop of corn; and the remnant shall be no more in proportion than the scattered ears left to the gleaner. The valley of Rephaim near Jerusalem was celebrated for its plentiful harvest; it is here used poetically for any fruitful country. One MS., and one ancient edition, has באסף beesoph, "IN gathering," instead of כאסף keesoph, "AS the gathering."
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 17:5
5. The succeeding pictures are exceedingly graphic,—an evidence of Isaiah’s intense interest in rural life. The reaper gathers the stalks of wheat with one hand and with the other cuts off the ears close to the head. and it shall be … Rephaim] Render as R.V. and it shall be as when one gleaneth ears, &c. See Rth 2:2; Rth 2:7; Rth 2:15 ff. The clause might perhaps be read as the beginning of Isa 17:6; one simile passing insensibly into another. The “valley of Rephaim,” (=“valley of the giants,”) Joshua 15:8; Joshua 18:16 (cf. 2 Samuel 5:18; 2 Samuel 5:22; 2 Samuel 23:13),—a fertile plain to the south of Jerusalem where Isaiah had watched the reapers and gleaners at work.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 17:5
And it shall be ... - This is the other figure by which the prophet sets forth the calamities that were coming upon Ephraim - an image designed to denote the fact that the inhabitants and wealth of
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 17:5
5. Harvestman gathereth the corn — The figure used here denotes that the people and wealth of Israel are collected and removed by the Assyrian, just as the husbandman gathers the wheat or barley in
Sermons on Isaiah 17:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Coming Persecution by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a vision he had about five calamities that will come to America and the world. The first calamity is a worldwide recession caused by economic co |
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Church History - Martin Luther & the Anabaptists by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the duty of believers to follow the example of angels who will eventually cast the wicked into everlasting fire. He encourages those who are |
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Will You Follow the Lamb, or Quit the Field Like Gideon’s Thousands? by Hans R. Waldvogel | The sermon transcript discusses the importance of obtaining and striving for the word of God. The speaker emphasizes the need to diligently study the Bible, wait upon God, and walk |
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The Legal Limit on Sin by Richard Owen Roberts | This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance, confession of sin, and the danger of accumulating sin in our lives, churches, and nations. It warns about the legal limit on si |
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Redeem the Time by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the importance of valuing time as a precious commodity, emphasizing that time is life itself and more valuable than money. He delves into the Biblical vie |
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A Look at Communion by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle emphasizes the significance of the Lord's Supper, urging believers to examine themselves before partaking in this sacred ordinance. He addresses common misconceptions and |
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The Rule of Heaven Will Divide Between the Evil and the Good, Between the Leaven and the Unleavened Bread by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the dual interpretations of the parable of the leaven in Matthew 13:33, arguing that leaven symbolizes evil rather than good. He explains that throughou |