Isaiah 34:17
Isaiah 34:17 in Multiple Translations
He has allotted their portion; His hand has distributed it by measure. They will possess it forever; they will dwell in it from generation to generation.
And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.
And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it for ever; from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.
And he has given them their heritage, and by his hand it has been measured out to them: it will be theirs for ever, their resting-place from generation to generation.
He assigns them their territories, he divides up the land for them using a measuring line. These birds and animals will own it forever, from one generation to the next.
And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath deuided it vnto them by line: they shall possesse it for euer: from generation to generation shall they dwell in it.
And He hath cast for them a lot, And His hand hath apportioned [it] to them by line, Unto the age they possess it, To all generations they dwell in it!
He has cast the lot for them, and his hand has divided it to them with a measuring line. They shall possess it forever. From generation to generation they will dwell in it.
And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it to them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.
And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it to them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation they shall dwell therein.
He has decided what parts of the land of Edom each will live in, and those are the places where each bird or animal will live. Their descendants will possess those areas forever, throughout all generations.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 34:17
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 34:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הֽוּא
הִפִּ֤יל
לָ/הֶן֙
גּוֹרָ֔ל
וְ/יָד֛/וֹ
חִלְּקַ֥תָּ/ה
לָ/הֶ֖ם
בַּ/קָּ֑ו
עַד
עוֹלָם֙
יִֽירָשׁ֔וּ/הָ
לְ/ד֥וֹר
וָ/ד֖וֹר
יִשְׁכְּנוּ
בָֽ/הּ
וְ/הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
הִפִּ֤יל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
לָ/הֶן֙
Prep | Suff
גּוֹרָ֔ל
gôwrâl
H1486
allotted
N-ms
וְ/יָד֛/וֹ
yâd
H3027
hand
Conj | N-cs | Suff
חִלְּקַ֥תָּ/ה
châlaq
H2505
to divide
V-Piel-Perf-3fs | Suff
לָ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
בַּ/קָּ֑ו
qav
H6957
cord
Prep | N-ms
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
עוֹלָם֙
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
N-ms
יִֽירָשׁ֔וּ/הָ
yârash
H3423
to possess
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
לְ/ד֥וֹר
dôwr
H1755
generation
Prep | N-ms
וָ/ד֖וֹר
dôwr
H1755
generation
Conj | N-ms
יִשְׁכְּנוּ
shâkan
H7931
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
בָֽ/הּ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 34:17
וְ/הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
הִפִּ֤יל
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
לָ/הֶן֙
""
Prep | Suff
גּוֹרָ֔ל
gôwrâl
H1486
"allotted"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a pebble or small stone used for making decisions by casting lots. It symbolizes a portion or destiny assigned by chance, like the drawing of lots to determine an outcome. This concept is central to ancient Israelite decision-making practices.
Definition: 1) lot 1a) lot-pebbles used for systematically making decisions 2) portion 2a) lot, portion (thing assigned by casting lots) 2b) recompense, retribution
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: lot. See also: Leviticus 16:8; Judges 1:3; Psalms 16:5.
וְ/יָד֛/וֹ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Conj | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
חִלְּקַ֥תָּ/ה
châlaq
H2505
"to divide"
V-Piel-Perf-3fs | Suff
To smooth means to make something slippery or deceitful, like in Proverbs where it warns against flattery. It can also mean to divide or separate something, like an inheritance.
Definition: 1) to divide, share, plunder, allot, apportion, assign 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to divide, apportion 1a2) to assign, distribute 1a3) to assign, impart 1a4) to share 1a5) to divide up, plunder 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to divide oneself 1b2) to be divided 1b3) to assign, distribute 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to divide, apportion 1c2) to assign, distribute 1c3) to scatter 1d) (Pual) to be divided 1e) (Hiphil) to receive a portion or part 1f) (Hithpael) to divide among themselves
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: deal, distribute, divide, flatter, give, (have, im-) part(-ner), take away a portion, receive, separate self, (be) smooth(-er). See also: Genesis 14:15; Job 27:17; Psalms 5:10.
לָ/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
בַּ/קָּ֑ו
qav
H6957
"cord"
Prep | N-ms
This word means a cord or line, used for measuring or as a musical string. It can also mean a rule or a rim, and is translated as line in the Bible.
Definition: 1) line, measuring-line 2) (BDB) onomatapoetic mimicry of Isaiah's words, perhaps senseless
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: line. Compare H6978 (קַו־קַו)lemma קַו־קַי yod, corrected to קַו־קַו. See also: 2 Kings 21:13; Isaiah 34:11; Psalms 19:5.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
עוֹלָם֙
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
יִֽירָשׁ֔וּ/הָ
yârash
H3423
"to possess"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
To possess means to take control of something, like a piece of land, by driving out others and occupying it. This word is used in the Bible to describe inheriting property or seizing power.
Definition: : possess/inherit 1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession of 1a2) to inherit 1a3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor 1b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty 1c) (Piel) to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to possess or inherit 1d2) to cause others to possess or inherit 1d3) to impoverish 1d4) to dispossess 1d5) to destroy, bring to ruin, disinherit
Usage: Occurs in 204 OT verses. KJV: cast out, consume, destroy, disinherit, dispossess, drive(-ing) out, enjoy, expel, [idiom] without fail, (give to, leave for) inherit(-ance, -or) [phrase] magistrate, be (make) poor, come to poverty, (give to, make to) possess, get (have) in (take) possession, seize upon, succeed, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 15:3; Joshua 15:63; Psalms 25:13.
לְ/ד֥וֹר
dôwr
H1755
"generation"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a period of time or a generation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people living at the same time. In the book of Psalms, it describes a generation of people who follow God.
Definition: 1) period, generation, habitation, dwelling 1a) period, age, generation (period of time) 1b) generation (those living during a period) 1c) generation (characterised by quality, condition, class of men) 1d) dwelling-place, habitation Aramaic equivalent: dar (דָּר "generation" H1859)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity. See also: Genesis 6:9; Esther 9:28; Psalms 10:6.
וָ/ד֖וֹר
dôwr
H1755
"generation"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to a period of time or a generation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people living at the same time. In the book of Psalms, it describes a generation of people who follow God.
Definition: 1) period, generation, habitation, dwelling 1a) period, age, generation (period of time) 1b) generation (those living during a period) 1c) generation (characterised by quality, condition, class of men) 1d) dwelling-place, habitation Aramaic equivalent: dar (דָּר "generation" H1859)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity. See also: Genesis 6:9; Esther 9:28; Psalms 10:6.
יִשְׁכְּנוּ
shâkan
H7931
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to live or stay in a place, like when God dwells among his people. It appears in books like Exodus and Psalms, describing God's presence. It's about making a home or resting place.
Definition: 1) to settle down, abide, dwell, tabernacle, reside 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to settle down to abide 1a2) to abide, dwell, reside 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make settle down, establish 1b2) to make or cause to dwell 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to lay, place, set, establish, settle, fix 1c2) to cause to dwell or abide Aramaic equivalent: she.khan (שְׁכֵן "to dwell" H7932)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-er), have habitation, inhabit, lay, place, (cause to) remain, rest, set (up). See also: Genesis 3:24; Psalms 55:7; Psalms 7:6.
בָֽ/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Isaiah 34:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 34:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 34:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 34:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 34:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 34:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 34:17
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 34:17
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 34:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 34:17
- Sermons on Isaiah 34:17
Context — Judgment on Edom
15There the owl will make her nest; she will lay and hatch her eggs and gather her brood under her shadow. Even there the birds of prey will gather, each with its mate.
16Search and read the scroll of the LORD: Not one of these will go missing, not one will lack her mate, because He has ordered it by His mouth, and He will gather them by His Spirit.
17He has allotted their portion; His hand has distributed it by measure. They will possess it forever; they will dwell in it from generation to generation.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 34:10 | It will not be quenched—day or night. Its smoke will ascend forever. From generation to generation it will lie desolate; no one will ever again pass through it. |
| 2 | Acts 17:26 | From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands. |
| 3 | Isaiah 17:14 | In the evening, there is sudden terror! Before morning, they are no more! This is the portion of those who loot us and the lot of those who plunder us. |
| 4 | Isaiah 13:20–22 | She will never be inhabited or settled from generation to generation; no nomad will pitch his tent there, no shepherd will rest his flock there. But desert creatures will lie down there, and howling creatures will fill her houses. Ostriches will dwell there, and wild goats will leap about. Hyenas will howl in her fortresses and jackals in her luxurious palaces. Babylon’s time is at hand, and her days will not be prolonged. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 13:25 | This is your lot, the portion I have measured to you,” declares the LORD, “because you have forgotten Me and trusted in falsehood. |
| 6 | Joshua 18:8 | As the men got up to go out, Joshua commanded them to map out the land, saying, “Go and survey the land, map it out, and return to me. Then I will cast lots for you here in Shiloh in the presence of the LORD.” |
| 7 | Psalms 78:55 | He drove out nations before them and apportioned their inheritance; He settled the tribes of Israel in their tents. |
| 8 | Acts 13:19 | And having vanquished seven nations in Canaan, He gave their land to His people as an inheritance. |
Isaiah 34:17 Summary
Isaiah 34:17 tells us that God is in control of everything, and He has a plan for every creature, including us. He has given each of us a special place to live and thrive, just like the birds in this verse, and we can trust that His plans are good (Jeremiah 29:11). This verse also reminds us that God's promises are forever, and we can count on Him to be faithful (Deuteronomy 7:9). As we reflect on this verse, we can be encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty and live our lives with confidence in His love and care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God has allotted their portion in Isaiah 34:17?
This phrase suggests that God is in control of every aspect of creation, including the distribution of land and resources, as seen in Psalm 115:16, where it says that God has given the earth to mankind.
How can we trust that God's plans will come to pass, as mentioned in this verse?
We can trust in God's faithfulness, as stated in Deuteronomy 7:9, which says that God is a faithful God who keeps His covenant with those who love Him.
What does it mean to possess something forever, as stated in Isaiah 34:17?
This phrase emphasizes the eternal nature of God's plans and promises, as seen in Ephesians 3:21, where it talks about God's glory being forever and ever.
How does this verse relate to our daily lives as believers?
This verse reminds us that our lives are part of a larger story, one that is written by God's hand, and that we can trust in His sovereignty, as stated in Romans 11:36, which says that all things are from Him and through Him and to Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's sovereignty, just like the birds in Isaiah 34:17?
- How can I apply the concept of 'possessing something forever' to my relationship with God and my walk with Him?
- What does it mean for me to 'dwell in' God's promises, as stated in this verse, and how can I make that a reality in my daily life?
- In what ways can I reflect God's faithfulness, as seen in this verse, to those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 34:17
And he hath cast the lot for them,.... The Targum adds, "by his word:'' and his hand hath divided it unto them by line; the same adds, "by his will.'' The allusion is to the dividing of the land of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 34:17
And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 34:17
He hath divided the land to them, as it were, by lot and line, as Canaan was divided among the Israelites.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 34:17
Isaiah 34:17 And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.Ver. 17. And he hath cast the lot for them,] i.e., For those creatures of prey aforementioned. From generation,] i.e., For many generations.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 34:17
(17) He hath cast the lot for them . . .—i.e., hath allotted, or assigned it as by a formal deed of transfer, to the savage beasts who are to be its future possessors. The thought is the same as that of Act 17:26. God is represented as the Supreme Ruler assigning to each nation its place in the world’s history, its seasons of prosperity and judgment.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 34:17
17. The eternity of the judgment is again emphasised (Isaiah 34:10).
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 34:17
And he hath cast the lot for them - He hath assigned to them the land of Edom to be occupied by them as their portion.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 34:17
16, 17. Seek ye out of the book — From the recorded prophecies delivered by Isaiah from Jehovah many a time heretofore, declaring judgments the like unto this one, and read, ponder.
Sermons on Isaiah 34:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(The Works of Faith) Learning to Be Content by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of embracing suffering and obedience on earth. They warn against avoiding suffering because it can hinder opportunities for sp |
|
Evolution - Foundation for the Antichrist 1 by Kent Hovind | This sermon delves into the dangerous implications of evolution as a foundation for ideologies like racism, genocide, and totalitarianism. It explores how influential figures like |
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(Genesis) 20 - the Table of Nations; or the History of the Sons of Noah by S. Lewis Johnson | S. Lewis Johnson explores Genesis chapter 10, known as the Table of Nations, emphasizing its significance in understanding God's providence in history and the unity of mankind. He |
|
Apostolic Foundations (1 of 12) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker contemplates the opportunity to address a group of worldly men with the wisdom of God. He describes the suffering and persecution faced by the apostles, |
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Answers for Modern Science Questions by Ken Ham | This sermon emphasizes the biblical perspective on race, explaining that all humans belong to one biological race but can be divided into two spiritual races based on their relatio |
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Apostolic Foundations (3 of 12) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of the gospel message and the imminent judgment of God. He challenges the idea that the gospel is simply a pleasant and soothing |
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Five Truths and Eight Confessions by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of believing and confessing God's promises, such as God's love, forgiveness, empowerment through the Holy Spirit, contentment, obedience to Hi |