King James Version

What Does Isaiah 17:5 Mean?

Isaiah 17:5 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 17:5 · KJV

Context

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.

6

Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it, as the shaking of an olive tree, two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof, saith the LORD God of Israel.

7

At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.

Read Isaiah 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The imagery shifts to harvest: 'as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm.' This depicts thorough gleaning—the harvester's arm gathering grain completely. Then: 'as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim.' The Valley of Rephaim, near Jerusalem, was known for bountiful harvests. The metaphor indicates Assyria will thoroughly harvest (conquer and deport) Israel as completely as a skilled harvester gathers grain. Nothing will be left standing. This agricultural metaphor would powerfully communicate to an agrarian society—they understood complete harvest meant storage or removal of everything valuable.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Valley of Rephaim (southwest of Jerusalem) was a fertile area mentioned in David's battles against Philistines (2 Samuel 5:17-25). Its reputation for abundant harvests made it an apt metaphor for thorough conquest. Assyrian deportation policies resembled complete harvesting—systematically removing population to prevent rebellion and repopulate with foreigners. Sargon II's annals boast of thorough conquests: '27,290 people...I carried away.' The harvest metaphor precisely described Assyrian methodology—systematic, thorough, leaving little behind.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does harvest imagery teach about the thoroughness of divine judgment?
  2. How does God's use of Assyria as 'harvester' demonstrate sovereignty over pagan empires?
  3. In what ways is Assyria's role as judgment instrument both fulfilling God's purposes and facing later judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְהָיָ֗ה1 of 12
H1961

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

כֶּֽאֱסֹף֙2 of 12

“gathereth”

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

קָצִ֣יר3 of 12

“And it shall be as when the harvestman”

H7105

severed, a limb (of a tree, or simply foliage)

קָמָ֔ה4 of 12

“the corn”

H7054

something that rises, i.e., a stalk of grain

וּזְרֹע֖וֹ5 of 12

“with his arm”

H2220

the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force

שִׁבֳּלִ֖ים6 of 12

“ears”

H7641

a stream (as flowing); also an ear of grain (as growing out); by analogy, a branch

יִקְצ֑וֹר7 of 12

“and reapeth”

H7114

to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)

וְהָיָ֛ה8 of 12
H1961

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

כִּמְלַקֵּ֥ט9 of 12

“and it shall be as he that gathereth”

H3950

properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean

שִׁבֳּלִ֖ים10 of 12

“ears”

H7641

a stream (as flowing); also an ear of grain (as growing out); by analogy, a branch

בְּעֵ֥מֶק11 of 12

“in the valley”

H6010

a vale (i.e., broad depression)

רְפָאִֽים׃12 of 12

“of Rephaim”

H7497

a giant

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 17:5 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 17:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 13:30Jeremiah 51:33Joel 3:132 Samuel 5:18Revelation 14:15-202 Samuel 5:22

Places in This Verse

Valley of RephaimValley · Modern: Valley of Rephaim · 31.76°N, 35.22°E8 verses across 4 books
View all places in Isaiah 17 →

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