King James Version

What Does Isaiah 34:17 Mean?

Isaiah 34:17 in the King James Version says “And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.

Isaiah 34:17 · KJV


Context

15

There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate.

16

Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.

17

And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God casting the lot and measuring with His hand demonstrates divine sovereignty in judgment—nothing is random or arbitrary. The "perpetual possession" and dwelling "from generation to generation" emphasizes eternal judgment. This ironic inheritance contrasts with Israel's promised land; Edom's "inheritance" is permanent desolation. The language of lot-casting recalls Joshua's land distribution, but here God distributes judgment rather than blessing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Lot-casting was used for dividing the Promised Land (Joshua 14-19). Isaiah uses this imagery ironically—God divides desolation with the same sovereignty He divided blessing.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's sovereignty in judgment demonstrate His perfect justice?
  2. What does the permanence of this judgment teach about the eternal consequences of rejecting God?
  3. How should the contrast between judgment and blessing motivate our gratitude for grace?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְהֽוּא1 of 15
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

הִפִּ֤יל2 of 15

And he hath cast

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

לָהֶן֙3 of 15
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

גּוֹרָ֔ל4 of 15

the lot

H1486

properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)

וְיָד֛וֹ5 of 15

for them and his hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

חִלְּקַ֥תָּה6 of 15

hath divided

H2505

to be smooth (figuratively)

לָהֶ֖ם7 of 15
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

בַּקָּ֑ו8 of 15

it unto them by line

H6957

a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord

עַד9 of 15

it for

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עוֹלָם֙10 of 15

ever

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

יִֽירָשׁ֔וּהָ11 of 15

they shall possess

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

וָד֖וֹר12 of 15

from generation

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

וָד֖וֹר13 of 15

from generation

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

יִשְׁכְּנוּ14 of 15

shall they dwell

H7931

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

בָֽהּ׃15 of 15
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 34:17 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 34:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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