King James Version

What Does Isaiah 27:3 Mean?

Isaiah 27:3 in the King James Version says “I the LORD do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day.” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Isaiah 27:3 · 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

5

Or let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me.

Read Isaiah 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I the LORD do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day. God Himself becomes the vineyard's guardian, using emphatic first-person pronouns: I the LORD (ani Yahweh notserah, אֲנִי יְהוָה נֹצְרָהּ). The verb natsar (נָצַר) means to guard, watch over, preserve—the same root used for watchman. This divine watching is comprehensive: every moment (lirega'im, לִרְגָעִים, literally "at moments" or constantly), night and day (laylah vayom, לַיְלָה וָיוֹם, continuous protection).

I will water it (ashqenah, אַשְׁקֶנָּה) shows God's active nurture, not mere passive watching. He provides what the vineyard needs for growth. Lest any hurt it (pen yifqod 'aleyha, פֶּן־יִפְקֹד עָלֶיהָ) reveals protective purpose—God intervenes to prevent harm. The contrast with chapter 5 is striking: there God removed the hedge and let the vineyard be trampled (5:5); here He personally guards it constantly. This reflects the New Covenant promise where God writes His law on hearts (Jeremiah 31:33) and keeps believers through His power (1 Peter 1:5). Jesus promises that no one can snatch His sheep from the Father's hand (John 10:28-29).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient vineyards required constant care—irrigation in dry seasons, protection from wild animals, watchmen to guard against thieves. Isaiah's audience understood the intensive labor involved. God's promise to personally tend His vineyard meant Israel wouldn't depend on unfaithful shepherds/leaders but on Yahweh Himself. For the church, this assures believers of God's preserving grace—He who began the good work will complete it (Philippians 1:6).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing that God keeps you 'every moment' and 'night and day' affect your sense of security in salvation?
  2. What does God's active watering (not just watching) teach about His involvement in believers' spiritual growth?
  3. How should God's protective care ('lest any hurt it') shape our understanding of trials and spiritual warfare?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
אֲנִ֤י1 of 11
H589

i

יְהוָה֙2 of 11

“I the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶצֳּרֶֽנָּה׃3 of 11

“do keep”

H5341

to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)

לִרְגָעִ֖ים4 of 11

“it every moment”

H7281

a wink (of the eyes), i.e., a very short space of time

אַשְׁקֶ֑נָּה5 of 11

“it I will water”

H8248

to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to

פֶּ֚ן6 of 11
H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

יִפְקֹ֣ד7 of 11

“lest any hurt”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

עָלֶ֔יהָ8 of 11
H5921

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

לַ֥יְלָה9 of 11

“it night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

וָי֖וֹם10 of 11

“and 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

אֶצֳּרֶֽנָּה׃11 of 11

“do keep”

H5341

to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)

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 27:3 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 27:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 58:11John 15:1-21 Samuel 2:9Psalms 121:3-5Ezekiel 37:14Ezekiel 34:11

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