King James Version

What Does Isaiah 17:3 Mean?

Isaiah 17:3 in the King James Version says “The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as th...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts.”

Isaiah 17:3 · KJV

Context

1

The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.

2

The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid.

3

The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts.

4

And in that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean.

5

And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim.

Read Isaiah 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The fortress ceases from Ephraim (northern Israel), and the kingdom from Damascus—both lose sovereignty. The remnant of Syria shall be 'as the glory of the children of Israel'—meaning as diminished as Israel will become. This reveals the futility of their alliance; instead of strengthening each other against Assyria, both face divine judgment. The phrase 'saith the LORD of hosts' emphasizes divine authority and irrevocable decree. Their military alliance cannot prevent God's ordained judgment. This demonstrates Reformed theology's emphasis on God's sovereignty over nations and history—political calculations mean nothing when they oppose divine purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Syro-Ephraimite War (735-732 BCE) saw Damascus and Israel's northern kingdom alliance against Judah, attempting to force King Ahaz to join their rebellion against Assyria. Isaiah warned against this coalition (Isaiah 7). Both nations fell to Assyria: Damascus in 732 BCE, Samaria (Israel's capital) in 722 BCE. Their 'glory' (military power, territorial control, independence) was equally destroyed. Archaeological and Assyrian records document these conquests, validating the prophecy's precise fulfillment within Isaiah's lifetime.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the failure of the Syria-Israel alliance teach about human plans opposing God's purposes?
  2. How does joint judgment on allies demonstrate that partnership in sin doesn't provide safety?
  3. Why does God specifically mention both allies will face equal diminishment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְנִשְׁבַּ֤ת1 of 14

“also shall cease”

H7673

to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)

מִבְצָר֙2 of 14

“The fortress”

H4013

a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender

מֵֽאֶפְרַ֔יִם3 of 14

“from Ephraim”

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וּמַמְלָכָ֥ה4 of 14

“and the kingdom”

H4467

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

מִדַּמֶּ֖שֶׂק5 of 14

“from Damascus”

H1834

damascus, a city of syria

וּשְׁאָ֣ר6 of 14

“and the remnant”

H7605

a remainder

אֲרָ֑ם7 of 14

“of Syria”

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

כִּכְב֤וֹד8 of 14

“they shall be as the glory”

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

בְּנֵֽי9 of 14

“of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙10 of 14

“of Israel”

H3478

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

יִֽהְי֔וּ11 of 14
H1961

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

נְאֻ֖ם12 of 14

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֥ה13 of 14

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָאֽוֹת׃14 of 14

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

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 17:3 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 17:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 8:4Isaiah 7:16Hosea 9:11Isaiah 7:8Micah 1:4-9Hosea 1:4

Places in This Verse

DamascusSettlement · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E58 verses across 15 books
Syria 1Region · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E89 verses across 10 books
View all places in Isaiah 17 →

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