King James Version

What Does Isaiah 10:21 Mean?

Isaiah 10:21 in the King James Version says “The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God. — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.

Isaiah 10:21 · KJV


Context

19

And the rest of the trees of his forest shall be few, that a child may write them. few: Heb. number

20

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.

21

The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.

22

For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness. of them: Heb. in, or, among, etc with: or, in

23

For the Lord GOD of hosts shall make a consumption, even determined, in the midst of all the land.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The faithful response of the remnant is described: 'The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.' The name 'remnant shall return' echoes Isaiah's son Shear-jashub (7:3), making him a living prophecy. 'Return' (Hebrew shuv) means both physical return from exile and spiritual repentance. 'The mighty God' (El Gibbor) is one of Messiah's titles (9:6), suggesting the remnant's return is ultimately to Christ. This demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness—He always preserves and restores a people.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Partially fulfilled when Judah's remnant returned from Babylonian exile (538 BC onward under Zerubbabel, Ezra, Nehemiah). More fully fulfilled when Jewish remnant accepted Jesus as Messiah, forming the church's foundation (Romans 11:5). Continues fulfilling as Jews come to faith in Christ. The pattern persists—God preserves a remnant through every judgment to accomplish His purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the remnant doctrine teach about God's faithfulness to His covenant promises?
  2. How is returning to God both a physical and spiritual reality?
  3. In what ways are we, as believers, part of the remnant God is preserving?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
שְׁאָ֣ר1 of 7

The remnant

H7605

a remainder

יָשׁ֖וּב2 of 7

shall return

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

שְׁאָ֣ר3 of 7

The remnant

H7605

a remainder

יַעֲקֹ֑ב4 of 7

of Jacob

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

אֶל5 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֵ֖ל6 of 7

God

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

גִּבּֽוֹר׃7 of 7

unto the mighty

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant


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 10:21 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 10:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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