King James Version

What Does Isaiah 36:17 Mean?

Isaiah 36:17 in the King James Version says “Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards.” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards.”

Isaiah 36:17 · KJV

Context

15

Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us: this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.

16

Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make an agreement with me by a present, and come out to me: and eat ye every one of his vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his own cistern; Make: or, Seek my favour by a present: Heb. Make with me a blessing

17

Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards.

18

Beware lest Hezekiah persuade you, saying, The LORD will deliver us. Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria?

19

Where are the gods of Hamath and Arphad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim? and have they delivered Samaria out of my hand?

Read Isaiah 36 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Rabshakeh's offer of relocation to "a land like your own land" is dressed-up slavery. The litany of promised abundance—grain, wine, bread, vineyards—sounds appealing but ignores that these blessings are tied to the Promised Land covenant. Exchanging the land God gave for foreign territory means abandoning covenant promises. This temptation parallels Satan offering Jesus all kingdoms (Matthew 4:8-9)—trading God's promises for immediate comfort. The offer reveals that sometimes our greatest temptation is not obvious evil but comfortable compromise.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Assyrian policy was to deport conquered populations to prevent rebellion and assimilate conquered peoples. Rabshakeh honestly describes what awaits if Judah surrenders.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the enemy tempt us to trade God's promises for immediate comfort?
  2. What does it mean to value God's specific calling over apparently better opportunities?
  3. How do we recognize when "good" offers are actually compromises that forfeit God's best?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
עַד1 of 13
H5704

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

בֹּאִ֕י2 of 13

“Until I come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וְלָקַחְתִּ֥י3 of 13

“and take you away”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶתְכֶ֖ם4 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֶל5 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶ֥רֶץ6 of 13

“a land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֶ֥רֶץ7 of 13

“a land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֶ֥רֶץ8 of 13

“a land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

דָּגָן֙9 of 13

“of corn”

H1715

properly, increase, i.e., grain

וְתִיר֔וֹשׁ10 of 13

“and wine”

H8492

must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine

אֶ֥רֶץ11 of 13

“a land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לֶ֖חֶם12 of 13

“of bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

וּכְרָמִֽים׃13 of 13

“and vineyards”

H3754

a garden or vineyard

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 36:17 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 36:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 18:322 Kings 24:11Deuteronomy 11:12Job 20:17Deuteronomy 8:7-92 Kings 18:9-12

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