King James Version

What Does Isaiah 17:10 Mean?

Isaiah 17:10 in the King James Version says “Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength, therefore s... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips:

Isaiah 17:10 · KJV


Context

8

And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images. images: or, sun images

9

In that day shall his strong cities be as a forsaken bough, and an uppermost branch, which they left because of the children of Israel: and there shall be desolation.

10

Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips:

11

In the day shalt thou make thy plant to grow, and in the morning shalt thou make thy seed to flourish: but the harvest shall be a heap in the day of grief and of desperate sorrow. a heap: or, removed in the day of inheritance, and there shall be deadly sorrow

12

Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters! multitude: or, noise mighty: or, many


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips.' The indictment is clear: forgetting God despite His salvation. The title 'God of thy salvation' recalls exodus deliverance—Israel forgot their Redeemer. 'Rock of thy strength' emphasizes God as foundation, refuge, source of security. Yet they plant 'pleasant plants' and 'strange slips' (foreign vine cuttings)—likely referring to fertility cult practices involving sacred gardens and foreign religious practices. They cultivate beautiful but spiritually deadly imports rather than trusting their Rock. This illustrates the exchange of glory (true God) for worthless idols (Romans 1:23).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Archaeological evidence reveals widespread syncretism in pre-exilic Israel, including cultic gardens associated with fertility worship. The 'pleasant plants' and 'strange slips' likely refer to gardens dedicated to Adonis or other dying-and-rising vegetation deities popular in Syria-Palestine. These involved ritualized planting and mourning in supposed fertility magic. Jeremiah and Ezekiel also condemn such practices. The irony is profound: seeking agricultural prosperity through fertility cults while forgetting the God who controls rain, seasons, and harvests. Israel exchanged the substance (true God) for shadows (ineffective rituals).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does 'forgetting the God of thy salvation' reveal about the human tendency toward spiritual amnesia?
  2. How do 'pleasant plants' and 'strange slips' illustrate the appeal of false religion?
  3. In what ways do people today exchange the true God for attractive but spiritually deadly alternatives?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
כִּ֤י1 of 16
H3588

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

שָׁכַ֙חַתְּ֙2 of 16

Because thou hast forgotten

H7911

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

אֱלֹהֵ֣י3 of 16

the God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׁעֵ֔ךְ4 of 16

of thy salvation

H3468

liberty, deliverance, prosperity

וְצ֥וּר5 of 16

of the rock

H6697

properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

מָעֻזֵּ֖ךְ6 of 16

of thy strength

H4581

a fortified place; figuratively, a defense

לֹ֣א7 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

זָכָ֑רְתְּ8 of 16

and hast not been mindful

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

עַל9 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֗ן10 of 16
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

תִּטְּעִי֙11 of 16

therefore shalt thou plant

H5193

properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)

נִטְעֵ֣י12 of 16

plants

H5194

a plant; collectively, a plantation; abstractly, a planting

נַעֲמָנִ֔ים13 of 16

pleasant

H5282

pleasantness (plural as concrete)

וּזְמֹ֥רַת14 of 16

slips

H2156

a twig (as pruned)

זָ֖ר15 of 16

it with strange

H2114

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

תִּזְרָעֶֽנּוּ׃16 of 16

and shalt set

H2232

to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify


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 17:10 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 17:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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