King James Version

What Does Isaiah 27:2 Mean?

Isaiah 27:2 in the King James Version says “In that day sing ye unto her, A vineyard of red wine .” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In that day sing ye unto her, A vineyard of red wine .”

Isaiah 27:2 · KJV

Context

1

In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea. piercing: or, crossing like a bar

2

In that day sing ye unto her, A vineyard of red wine .

3

I the LORD do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day.

4

Fury is not in me: who would set the briers and thorns against me in battle? I would go through them, I would burn them together. go: or, march against

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In that day sing ye unto her, A vineyard of red wine. This verse opens the Song of the Vineyard (vv.2-6), echoing but reversing Isaiah's earlier vineyard song (5:1-7) where Israel was an unproductive vineyard destined for judgment. Here in that day points to restoration after judgment. The Hebrew kerem chemer (כֶּרֶם חֶמֶר) literally means "vineyard of wine" or "pleasant vineyard"—some translations render chemer as "red wine" or "choice wine," emphasizing quality and fruitfulness.

The command sing ye unto her (annu lah, עֱנוּ־לָהּ) means "answer her" or "sing responsively to her," suggesting joyful celebration of the vineyard's restored productivity. Unlike chapter 5 where God expected grapes but got wild fruit (be'ushim), now the vineyard produces abundantly. This reversal from judgment (ch.5) to blessing (ch.27) illustrates God's redemptive purposes—discipline is not abandonment but preparation for restoration. Jesus later identifies Himself as the true vine (John 15:1-8), with His people as fruitful branches in God's vineyard.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah's original audience had heard the vineyard song of chapter 5, pronouncing doom on unfruitful Israel. Chapter 27's restoration song, likely written later, promised that beyond Assyrian/Babylonian judgment lay future blessing. For post-exilic Jews returning from Babylon, this encouraged hope that God had not finally rejected His people. New Testament writers saw the church as God's vineyard (Matthew 21:33-44, 1 Corinthians 3:9), bearing fruit through Christ the true vine.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the contrast between Isaiah 5's judgment-vineyard and chapter 27's restored vineyard illustrate God's redemptive purposes?
  2. What does it mean for believers to be fruitful branches in God's vineyard today?
  3. How does this restoration song encourage those experiencing God's discipline or feeling spiritually unproductive?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
בַּיּ֖וֹם1 of 6

“In that day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֑וּא2 of 6
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

כֶּ֥רֶם3 of 6

“ye unto her A vineyard”

H3754

a garden or vineyard

חֶ֖מֶר4 of 6
H2531

delight

עַנּוּ5 of 6

“sing”

H6031

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

לָֽהּ׃6 of 6
H0

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 27:2 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 27:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 2:21Isaiah 5:1-7Luke 20:9-18Numbers 21:17Psalms 80:8-19Matthew 21:33-46

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