King James Version

What Does Isaiah 37:30 Mean?

Isaiah 37:30 in the King James Version says “And this shall be a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat this year such as groweth of itself; and the second year that which spr... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And this shall be a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat this year such as groweth of itself; and the second year that which springeth of the same: and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruit thereof.

Isaiah 37:30 · KJV


Context

28

But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against me. abode: or, sitting

29

Because thy rage against me, and thy tumult, is come up into mine ears, therefore will I put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.

30

And this shall be a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat this year such as groweth of itself; and the second year that which springeth of the same: and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruit thereof.

31

And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward: the remnant: Heb. the escaping of the house of Judah that remaineth

32

For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this. they: Heb. the escaping


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The "sign" given to Hezekiah provides tangible evidence of God's promise. "Ye shall eat this year such as groweth of itself" and next year "that which springeth of the same" describes two years without normal planting due to Assyrian invasion's disruption. "In the third year sow ye" promises return to normalcy, indicating Assyria will be gone. This sign requires faith—waiting two years for fulfillment tests trust. The agricultural timeline demonstrates God's promise extends beyond immediate crisis to long-term restoration.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Assyrian invasions disrupted agricultural cycles. Soldiers trampled fields, preventing normal planting and harvest. The sign's multi-year timeline showed God's comprehensive restoration plan.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God provide tangible signs to strengthen faith during waiting periods?
  2. What does the multi-year timeline teach about trusting God's promises beyond immediate relief?
  3. How do we maintain faith when God's timeline extends longer than we prefer?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְזֶה1 of 17
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

לְּךָ֣2 of 17
H0
הָא֔וֹת3 of 17

And this shall be a sign

H226

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

וְאִכְו֥לּ4 of 17

and eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וּבַשָּׁנָ֣ה5 of 17

this year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

סָפִ֔יחַ6 of 17

such as groweth

H5599

something (spontaneously) falling off, i.e., a self-sown crop; figuratively, a freshet

וּבַשָּׁנָ֣ה7 of 17

this year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית8 of 17

of itself and the second

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

שָׁחִ֑יס9 of 17

that which springeth

H7823

aftergrowth

וּבַשָּׁנָ֣ה10 of 17

this year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֗ית11 of 17

of the same and in the third

H7992

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

זִרְע֧וּ12 of 17

sow

H2232

to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify

וְקִצְר֛וּ13 of 17

ye and reap

H7114

to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)

וְנִטְע֥וּ14 of 17

and plant

H5193

properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)

כְרָמִ֖ים15 of 17

vineyards

H3754

a garden or vineyard

וְאִכְו֥לּ16 of 17

and eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

פִרְיָֽם׃17 of 17

the fruit

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)


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 37:30 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 37:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study