King James Version

What Does Isaiah 18:6 Mean?

Isaiah 18:6 in the King James Version says “They shall be left together unto the fowls of the mountains, and to the beasts of the earth: and the fowls shall summer ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They shall be left together unto the fowls of the mountains, and to the beasts of the earth: and the fowls shall summer upon them, and all the beasts of the earth shall winter upon them.”

Isaiah 18:6 · KJV

Context

4

For so the LORD said unto me, I will take my rest, and I will consider in my dwelling place like a clear heat upon herbs, and like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest. consider: or, regard my set dwelling upon: or, after rain

5

For afore the harvest, when the bud is perfect, and the sour grape is ripening in the flower, he shall both cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks, and take away and cut down the branches.

6

They shall be left together unto the fowls of the mountains, and to the beasts of the earth: and the fowls shall summer upon them, and all the beasts of the earth shall winter upon them.

7

In that time shall the present be brought unto the LORD of hosts of a people scattered and peeled, and from a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden under foot, whose land the rivers have spoiled, to the place of the name of the LORD of hosts, the mount Zion. scattered: or, outspread and polished

Read Isaiah 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'They shall be left together unto the fowls of the mountains, and to the beasts of the earth: and the fowls shall summer upon them, and all the beasts of the earth shall winter upon them.' The pruned branches become carrion for scavengers—complete waste and judgment. This depicts battlefield imagery: corpses left for birds and beasts, remaining through seasons ('summer...winter'). The comprehensive desolation indicates total defeat without burial—extreme dishonor in ancient culture. This judgment falls on those who opposed God's purposes through political maneuvering apart from divine guidance. The imagery appears throughout Scripture describing God's judgment on rebellious nations (Deuteronomy 28:26; Jeremiah 7:33; Ezekiel 39:4, 17-20). It emphasizes judgment's thoroughness and the dishonor of opposing God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern warfare regularly left battlefield dead unburied as carrion—both practical (overwhelming numbers) and psychological warfare (terrorizing survivors and warning others). Assyrian reliefs graphically depict piles of enemy corpses, vultures, and dogs. The reference to seasonal permanence ('summer...winter') indicates lasting defeat, not temporary setback. This prophecy was fulfilled in various Ethiopian/Egyptian military defeats by Assyria: Eltekeh (701 BCE), later campaigns by Esarhaddon and Ashurbanipal. The graphic imagery served as warning: opposing God's purposes leads to complete, humiliating defeat. Only alignment with divine will provides security.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the carrion imagery teach about the dishonor and completeness of judgment?
  2. How do battlefield depictions function as warning against opposing God's purposes?
  3. Why is proper burial's absence significant in ancient Near Eastern honor/shame culture?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
יֵעָזְב֤וּ1 of 14

“They shall be left”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

יַחְדָּו֙2 of 14

“together”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

הָעַ֔יִט3 of 14

“and the fowls”

H5861

a hawk or other bird of prey

הָרִ֔ים4 of 14

“of the mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

בֶּהֱמַ֥ת5 of 14

“and to the beasts”

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

הָאָ֖רֶץ6 of 14

“of the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְקָ֤ץ7 of 14

“shall summer”

H6972

to spend the harvest season

עָלָיו֙8 of 14
H5921

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

הָעַ֔יִט9 of 14

“and the fowls”

H5861

a hawk or other bird of prey

וְכָל10 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בֶּהֱמַ֥ת11 of 14

“and to the beasts”

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

הָאָ֖רֶץ12 of 14

“of the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

עָלָ֥יו13 of 14
H5921

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

תֶּחֱרָֽף׃14 of 14

“shall winter”

H2778

to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;

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 18:6 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 18:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 7:33Ezekiel 39:17-20Ezekiel 32:4-6Isaiah 56:9Jeremiah 15:3Isaiah 14:19

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