King James Version

What Does Isaiah 10:22 Mean?

Isaiah 10:22 in the King James Version says “For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shal...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Isaiah 10:22 · KJV

Context

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.

24

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD of hosts, O my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian: he shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner of Egypt. and shall: or, but he shall lift up his staff for

Read Isaiah 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Despite Israel's great numbers ('as the sand of the sea'), only a remnant survives judgment. The phrase 'a remnant of them shall return' balances judgment with mercy. 'The consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness' indicates that though judgment is severe ('consumption'), it's also just ('righteousness'). God's judgment isn't arbitrary but righteous response to sin. The 'decreed' nature emphasizes divine sovereignty—God has determined both judgment and preservation of a remnant.

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Historical & Cultural Context

From millions in Israel and Judah, only tens of thousands survived Assyrian/Babylonian conquests. The promised multiplication 'like sand of the sea' (Genesis 22:17) seemed reversed, yet God preserved a remnant as promised. Paul quotes this verse (Romans 9:27-28) regarding Jewish rejection of Christ—though most reject Him, God preserves a believing remnant. This demonstrates that physical descent doesn't guarantee salvation; only the elect remnant are saved.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the remnant doctrine balance God's judgment with His mercy?
  2. What does this teach about the difference between outward covenant membership and true saving faith?
  3. How do we ensure we're part of the faithful remnant rather than merely part of the visible church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
כִּ֣י1 of 14
H3588

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

אִם2 of 14
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יִהְיֶ֞ה3 of 14
H1961

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

עַמְּךָ֤4 of 14

“For though thy people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙5 of 14

“Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כְּח֣וֹל6 of 14

“be as the sand”

H2344

sand (as round or whirling particles)

הַיָּ֔ם7 of 14

“of the sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

שְׁאָ֖ר8 of 14

“yet a remnant”

H7605

a remainder

יָשׁ֣וּב9 of 14

“of them 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);

בּ֑וֹ10 of 14
H0
כִּלָּי֥וֹן11 of 14

“the consumption”

H3631

pining, destruction

חָר֖וּץ12 of 14

“decreed”

H2782

properly, to point sharply, i.e., (literally) to wound; figuratively, to be alert, to decide

שׁוֹטֵ֥ף13 of 14

“shall overflow”

H7857

to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer

צְדָקָֽה׃14 of 14

“with righteousness”

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

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 10:22 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 10:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 9:27-28Isaiah 6:13Revelation 20:8Daniel 9:27Romans 11:5-6Hosea 1:10

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