King James Version

What Does Isaiah 24:13 Mean?

Isaiah 24:13 in the King James Version says “When thus it shall be in the midst of the land among the people, there shall be as the shaking of an olive tree, and as ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“When thus it shall be in the midst of the land among the people, there shall be as the shaking of an olive tree, and as the gleaning grapes when the vintage is done.”

Isaiah 24:13 · KJV

Context

11

There is a crying for wine in the streets; all joy is darkened, the mirth of the land is gone.

12

In the city is left desolation, and the gate is smitten with destruction.

13

When thus it shall be in the midst of the land among the people, there shall be as the shaking of an olive tree, and as the gleaning grapes when the vintage is done.

14

They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD, they shall cry aloud from the sea.

15

Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires, even the name of the LORD God of Israel in the isles of the sea. fires: or, valleys

Read Isaiah 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When thus it shall be in the midst of the land among the people—the phrase ki koh yihyeh (כִּי כֹה יִהְיֶה, "for thus it shall be") introduces a simile explaining judgment's scope. Be-qerev ha'aretz (בְּקֶרֶב הָאָרֶץ, "in the midst of the earth") and be-tok ha'ammim (בְּתוֹךְ הָעַמִּים, "among the peoples") indicate universal extent—the coming devastation affects all nations and lands.

There shall be as the shaking of an olive tree, and as the gleaning grapes when the vintage is done—two agricultural images depict the remnant principle. Noqeph zayit (נֹקֶף זַיִת, "beating/shaking of olive") describes harvesting olives by striking branches—most fruit falls, but a few remain. Olelot (עֹלֵלֹת, "gleanings") after kala batsir (כָּלָה בָצִיר, "vintage is finished") refers to scattered grapes missed by harvesters. Deuteronomy 24:20 required leaving olive gleanings for the poor—here judgment leaves only gleanings of humanity. Isaiah repeatedly uses remnant theology (1:9, 6:13, 10:20-22, 37:31-32), culminating in the preserved remnant that becomes the church (Rom 9:27-29, 11:5).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Olive and grape harvesting were major economic activities in ancient Israel. Olive beating involved striking branches with poles to dislodge fruit; grape harvesting involved cutting clusters, with gleaners following to collect missed grapes. Both processes left small amounts of fruit—intentionally (for the poor) and accidentally (inaccessible locations). This agricultural imagery would have been immediately comprehensible to Isaiah's audience. The remnant concept appears throughout Isaiah and the prophets—judgment purges the wicked majority but preserves a faithful minority for redemptive purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the imagery of olive beating and grape gleaning help you understand both the severity of judgment and the mercy of preservation?
  2. What does Paul's use of Isaiah's remnant theology in Romans 9:27-29 and 11:5 teach about God's faithful preservation of His people?
  3. Are you part of the 'gleanings'—the remnant preserved by grace? What evidences of genuine faith mark your life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
כִּ֣י1 of 13
H3588

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

כֹ֥ה2 of 13
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

יִהְיֶ֛ה3 of 13
H1961

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

בְּקֶ֥רֶב4 of 13

“When thus it shall be in the midst”

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

הָאָ֖רֶץ5 of 13

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בְּת֣וֹךְ6 of 13

“among”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

הָֽעַמִּ֑ים7 of 13

“the people”

H5971

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

כְּנֹ֣קֶף8 of 13

“there shall be as the shaking”

H5363

a threshing (of olives)

זַ֔יִת9 of 13

“of an olive tree”

H2132

an olive (as yielding illuminating oil), the tree, the branch or the berry

כְּעוֹלֵלֹ֖ת10 of 13

“and as the gleaning grapes”

H5955

only in plural gleanings; by extension gleaning-time

אִם11 of 13
H518

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

כָּלָ֥ה12 of 13

“is done”

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

בָצִֽיר׃13 of 13

“when the vintage”

H1210

clipped, i.e., the grape crop

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 24:13 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 24:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 1:9Micah 2:12Isaiah 17:5-6Isaiah 10:20-22Ezekiel 6:8-11Isaiah 6:13

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