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Isaiah 37:27

Isaiah 37:27 in Multiple Translations

Therefore their inhabitants, devoid of power, are dismayed and ashamed. They are like plants in the field, tender green shoots, grass on the rooftops, scorched before it is grown.

Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded: they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as corn blasted before it be grown up.

Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded; they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as a field of grain before it is grown up.

This is why their townsmen had no power, they were broken and put to shame; they were like the grass of the field, or a green plant; like the grass on the house-tops, which a cold wind makes waste.

Their people, powerless, are terrified and humiliated. They're like plants in a field, like soft green shoots, like grass that sprouts on the rooftop—scorched before it can even grow.

Whose inhabitants haue small power, and are afrayd and confounded: they are like the grasse of the field and greene herbe, or grasse on the house tops, or corne blassed afore it be growen.

And their inhabitants are feeble-handed, They were broken down, and are dried up. They have been the herb of the field, And the greenness of the tender grass, Grass of the roofs, And blasted corn, before it hath risen up.

Therefore their inhabitants had little power. They were dismayed and confounded. They were like the grass of the field, and like the green herb, like the grass on the housetops, and like a field before its crop has grown.

Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded: they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the house-tops, and as corn blasted before it is grown up.

The inhabitants of them were weak of hand, they trembled, and were confounded: they became like the grass of the field, and the herb of the pasture, and like the grass of the housetops, which withered before it was ripe.

The people in those cities have no power, and as a result they are dismayed and discouraged. They are as frail as [MET] grass and plants in the fields, as frail as grass that grows on the roofs of houses and is scorched by the hot east wind.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 37:27

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 37:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/יֹֽשְׁבֵי/הֶן֙ קִצְרֵי יָ֔ד חַ֖תּוּ וָ/בֹ֑שׁוּ הָי֞וּ עֵ֤שֶׂב שָׂדֶה֙ וִ֣/ירַק דֶּ֔שֶׁא חֲצִ֣יר גַּגּ֔וֹת וּ/שְׁדֵמָ֖ה לִ/פְנֵ֥י קָמָֽה
וְ/יֹֽשְׁבֵי/הֶן֙ yâshab H3427 to dwell Conj | V-Qal | Suff
קִצְרֵי qâtsêr H7116 short Adj
יָ֔ד yâd H3027 hand N-cs
חַ֖תּוּ châthath H2865 to to be dismayed V-Qal-Perf-3cp
וָ/בֹ֑שׁוּ bûwsh H954 be ashamed Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
הָי֞וּ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עֵ֤שֶׂב ʻeseb H6212 vegetation N-ms
שָׂדֶה֙ sâdeh H7704 field N-ms
וִ֣/ירַק yârâq H3419 herb Conj | N-ms
דֶּ֔שֶׁא desheʼ H1877 grass N-ms
חֲצִ֣יר châtsîyr H2682 grass N-ms
גַּגּ֔וֹת gâg H1406 roof N-mp
וּ/שְׁדֵמָ֖ה shᵉdêmâh H7709 field Conj | N-fs
לִ/פְנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp
קָמָֽה qâmâh H7054 standing grain N-fs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 37:27

וְ/יֹֽשְׁבֵי/הֶן֙ yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Conj | V-Qal | Suff
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
קִצְרֵי qâtsêr H7116 "short" Adj
This Hebrew word means something is short, whether in size, number, or time. It can also describe someone who is impatient. In the Bible, it is used to describe things that are small or few.
Definition: 1) short, impatient 1a) in size, number, life, strength, etc
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: few, hasty, small, soon. See also: 2 Kings 19:26; Proverbs 14:17; Proverbs 14:29.
יָ֔ד yâd H3027 "hand" N-cs
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.
חַ֖תּוּ châthath H2865 "to to be dismayed" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To be completely broken or shattered, either physically or emotionally, causing fear or dismay, as in Psalm 6:2.
Definition: 1) to be shattered, be dismayed, be broken, be abolished, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be shattered, be broken 1a2) to be dismayed 1b) (Niphal) to be broken, be dismayed 1c) (Piel) to be shattered, be dismayed, be scared 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to be dismayed 1d2) to dismay, terrify 1d3) to shatter
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: abolish, affright, be (make) afraid, amaze, beat down, discourage, (cause to) dismay, go down, scare, terrify. See also: Deuteronomy 1:21; Isaiah 37:27; Isaiah 8:9.
וָ/בֹ֑שׁוּ bûwsh H954 "be ashamed" Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To be ashamed is what this Hebrew word means, implying a feeling of guilt or disappointment. It is used to describe someone who is disconcerted or delayed, like in the story of Adam and Eve. Shame is a strong emotion.
Definition: 1) to put to shame, be ashamed, be disconcerted, be disappointed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to feel shame 1a2) to be ashamed, disconcerted, disappointed (by reason of) 1b) (Piel) to delay (in shame) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to put to shame 1c2) to act shamefully 1c3) to be ashamed 1d) (Hithpolel) to be ashamed before one another
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: (be, make, bring to, cause, put to, with, a-) shamed(-d), be (put to) confounded(-fusion), become dry, delay, be long. See also: Genesis 2:25; Isaiah 24:23; Psalms 6:11.
הָי֞וּ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
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.
עֵ֤שֶׂב ʻeseb H6212 "vegetation" N-ms
This Hebrew word means vegetation or grass, representing growth and new life. It is used in Genesis 1:11 to describe the creation of plants and in Psalm 23:2 to describe a peaceful landscape.
Definition: herb, herbage, grass, green plants Aramaic equivalent: a.sav (עֲשַׂב "grass" H6211B)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: grass, herb. See also: Genesis 1:11; Psalms 72:16; Psalms 92:8.
שָׂדֶה֙ sâdeh H7704 "field" N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
וִ֣/ירַק yârâq H3419 "herb" Conj | N-ms
This word refers to green plants, like herbs and vegetables, which are essential for human life. It appears in Exodus and Leviticus, describing the food God provided for the Israelites.
Definition: herbs, herbage, vegetables, garden greens
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: green, herbs. See also: Deuteronomy 11:10; 2 Kings 19:26; Proverbs 15:17.
דֶּ֔שֶׁא desheʼ H1877 "grass" N-ms
Grass or new growth is what this word refers to, often used to describe the beauty of nature and God's creation. It can also mean tender shoots or green herbs.
Definition: grass, new grass, green herb, vegetation, young Aramaic equivalent: de.te (דֶּ֫תֶא "grass" H1883)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: (tender) grass, green, (tender) herb. See also: Genesis 1:11; Psalms 23:2; Psalms 37:2.
חֲצִ֣יר châtsîyr H2682 "grass" N-ms
In the Bible, this word can mean grass or a type of plant, like a leek. It appears in Numbers 5:18, describing a ritual involving holy water and a grain offering.
Definition: 1a) grass 1b) of the quickly perishing (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: grass, hay, herb, leek. See also: Numbers 11:5; Psalms 147:8; Psalms 37:2.
גַּגּ֔וֹת gâg H1406 "roof" N-mp
The Hebrew word for roof, or the top of an altar, like the one in the temple in Jerusalem.
Definition: 1) roof, top, housetop 1a) roof (of house) 1b) top (of altar of incense)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: roof (of the house), (house) top (of the house). See also: Exodus 30:3; 2 Kings 23:12; Psalms 102:8.
וּ/שְׁדֵמָ֖ה shᵉdêmâh H7709 "field" Conj | N-fs
Shedemah means a cultivated field, and it can also refer to a field that has been blasted or destroyed. This word is used in the Bible to describe agricultural land and its condition.
Definition: field Also means: she.re.mah (שְׁרֵמָה "field" H8309)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: blasted, field. See also: Deuteronomy 32:32; Isaiah 37:27; Isaiah 16:8.
לִ/פְנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
קָמָֽה 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.

Study Notes — Isaiah 37:27

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 129:6 May they be like grass on the rooftops, which withers before it can grow,
2 Psalms 37:2 For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender plants.
3 1 Peter 1:24 For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,
4 Psalms 92:7 that though the wicked sprout like grass, and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed.
5 Isaiah 19:16 In that day the Egyptians will be like women. They will tremble with fear beneath the uplifted hand of the LORD of Hosts, when He brandishes it against them.
6 Jeremiah 5:10 Go up through her vineyards and ravage them, but do not finish them off. Strip off her branches, for they do not belong to the LORD.
7 James 1:10–11 But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
8 Jeremiah 37:10 Indeed, if you were to strike down the entire army of the Chaldeans that is fighting against you, and only wounded men remained in their tents, they would still get up and burn this city down.”
9 Psalms 90:5–6 You whisk them away in their sleep; they are like the new grass of the morning— in the morning it springs up new, but by evening it fades and withers.
10 Isaiah 40:6–8 A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”

Isaiah 37:27 Summary

Isaiah 37:27 describes how the people who are against God are weak and feel ashamed, like small plants that are easily destroyed. This is because God is in control and has the power to judge and punish those who are against Him, as seen in (Psalms 2:1-5). Just like plants need care and nourishment to grow, we need to trust in God and His power to overcome the challenges in our lives, as noted in (Jeremiah 17:7-8). By recognizing our own vulnerability and dependence on God, we can find strength and hope in His sovereignty and love.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the inhabitants to be 'devoid of power' in Isaiah 37:27?

This phrase suggests that the people have been stripped of their strength and ability to act, much like the Israelites were when they were in bondage in Egypt, as described in Exodus 1:13-14. This is a result of God's judgment and sovereignty, as seen in Isaiah 37:26.

Why are the inhabitants compared to 'plants in the field, tender green shoots, grass on the rooftops' in this verse?

This comparison highlights the fragility and vulnerability of the inhabitants, who are like young and delicate plants that can be easily damaged or destroyed, as noted in Matthew 13:5-6. This emphasizes God's power and control over all things, including the lives of individuals and nations.

What is the significance of the grass being 'scorched before it is grown' in Isaiah 37:27?

This phrase suggests that the inhabitants are being judged and punished before they have a chance to reach their full potential, much like the wicked are destroyed before they can flourish, as described in Psalms 37:2. This serves as a reminder of God's justice and righteousness, as seen in Psalms 37:28.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter and the book of Isaiah?

Isaiah 37:27 is part of a larger narrative about God's deliverance of Judah from the Assyrian army, as seen in Isaiah 37:1-38. This verse specifically highlights God's power and sovereignty over the nations, which is a recurring theme throughout the book of Isaiah, as noted in Isaiah 46:10.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I feel 'devoid of power' or helpless, and how can I trust in God's sovereignty in those situations?
  2. How can I apply the lesson of the fragile plants in Isaiah 37:27 to my own life, recognizing my vulnerability and dependence on God?
  3. What are some ways that I can 'grow' in my faith and relationship with God, despite the challenges and pressures of the world around me?
  4. How can I balance the reality of God's judgment and justice with the truth of His love and mercy, as seen in Isaiah 37:27 and other scriptures?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 37:27

Therefore their inhabitants were of small power,.... Or, "short of hand" (u); it was not in the power of their hands to help themselves, because the Lord took away their strength, having determined

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 37:27

Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded: they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as corn blasted before it be grown up.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 37:27

(27) Therefore.—Better, and.They were as the grass of the field.—One symbol of weakness follows after another. The “grass upon the housetops” was, in this respect, a proverbial emblem (Psalms 129:6). The italics in as corn seem to suggest some error in transcription. The words as they stand give a field before the blades; those in 2 Kings 19:26, a blasting.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 37:27

Verse 27. Corn blasted] שדמה shedemah, parched: it does not appear that there is any good authority for this word. The true reading seems to be שדפה shedephah, blasted, as it is in six MSS. (two ancient) here, and in the other copy.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 37:27

27. Therefore their inhabitants … confounded] Better, And their inhabitants (being) of small power (lit. “short of hand”) were terrified and ashamed. grass on the housetops] See Psalms 129:6-8. corn blasted before it be grown up] The Hebr. text reads “a corn-field before it is in stalk” (see R.V.). The A.V. adopts the reading of 2 Kings 19:26, which is perhaps to be preferred—“a blasting before it is in stalk.” But neither rendering accounts quite satisfactorily for the words “before it is in stalk.” In all probability they are, as Wellhausen has suggested, a corruption of the opening words of the next verse, which is obviously unsymmetrical as it stands.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 37:27

Therefore - Not because you have so great power; but because I have rendered them incapable of resisting you. Were of small power - Hebrew, ‘Short of hand;’ they were feeble, imbecile, unable to resist you.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 37:27

27. When, in the order of events, a greatly superior invader comes upon a weak people, the statement that the latter is of small power, literally, short of hand, unable to reach to an equality of fighting force, is very plain.

Sermons on Isaiah 37:27

SermonDescription
George Fox Epistle 252 by George Fox George Fox emphasizes the importance of humility, meekness, and purity for those who minister the gospel. He urges ministers to be examples in their conduct and to avoid ungracious
Teresa Conlon The Glorious Opposites by Teresa Conlon In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his son going skydiving and the intense emotions he experienced during the jump. He relates this to the need for believers
William Gurnall The Christian in Complete Armour - Part 12 by William Gurnall William Gurnall emphasizes the necessity of faith as a shield for Christians to quench the fiery darts of the wicked, which represent the temptations and attacks from the enemy. He
Leonard Ravenhill Here's My Life by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about meeting a 94-year-old lady who lived to be 108. He reflects on the brevity of life and asks the audience to consider what
Paul Washer The Problem of a Good God by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of serving God wholeheartedly and not holding back in one's commitment. He urges young people to dedicate themselves to God a
Mack Tomlinson Radio Interview: In the Light of Eternity the Ministry of Leonard Ravenhill by Mack Tomlinson The video discusses the ministry of a preacher who delivers powerful and convicting sermons about the serious matters of God. The preacher's seriousness and reverence for God's wor
Paul Washer Regeneration Conference Part 1 by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel with boldness and clarity. He urges listeners to break away from the ways of the world and give thems

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