King James Version

What Does Isaiah 1:30 Mean?

Isaiah 1:30 in the King James Version says “For ye shall be as an oak whose leaf fadeth, and as a garden that hath no water. — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For ye shall be as an oak whose leaf fadeth, and as a garden that hath no water.

Isaiah 1:30 · KJV


Context

28

And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be together, and they that forsake the LORD shall be consumed. destruction: Heb. breaking

29

For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which ye have desired, and ye shall be confounded for the gardens that ye have chosen.

30

For ye shall be as an oak whose leaf fadeth, and as a garden that hath no water.

31

And the strong shall be as tow, and the maker of it as a spark, and they shall both burn together, and none shall quench them. maker: or, and his work


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The simile of a withered oak and waterless garden depicts spiritual barrenness resulting from idolatry. What promised life and fertility yields only death and drought—the inevitable consequence of seeking satisfaction apart from the living God. This echoes Jeremiah 2:13's imagery of broken cisterns and anticipates Jesus' teaching on fruitless branches (John 15:6). Reformed theology sees this as the outworking of sin's curse: life sought independently from God produces only death.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Oaks were symbols of strength and vitality; gardens represented flourishing life. Their withering reverses the intended blessing, illustrating covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28:23-24) for idolatry.

Reflection Questions

  1. What areas of our lives have become 'withered' through seeking fulfillment apart from God?
  2. How does recognition of spiritual barrenness drive us to the life-giving waters of Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
כִּ֣י1 of 10
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תִֽהְי֔וּ2 of 10
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְּאֵלָ֖ה3 of 10

For ye shall be as an oak

H424

an oak or other strong tree

נֹבֶ֣לֶת4 of 10

fadeth

H5034

to wilt; generally, to fall away, fail, faint

עָלֶ֑הָ5 of 10

whose leaf

H5929

a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage

וּֽכְגַנָּ֔ה6 of 10

and as a garden

H1593

a garden

אֲשֶׁר7 of 10
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

מַ֖יִם8 of 10

that hath no water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

אֵ֥ין9 of 10
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לָֽהּ׃10 of 10
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 1:30 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 1:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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