King James Version

What Does Isaiah 37:31 Mean?

Isaiah 37:31 in the King James Version says “And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward: the remnant...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Isaiah 37:31 · KJV

Context

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

33

Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shields, nor cast a bank against it.

Read Isaiah 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The metaphor "the remnant that is escaped...shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward" uses agricultural imagery for spiritual reality. Deep roots represent firm foundation in God's promises; upward fruit represents visible blessing. This promise assures that despite devastation, the remnant will not just survive but thrive. The vertical metaphor emphasizes both hidden depth (relationship with God) and visible growth (observable blessing). Judah's future depends on spiritual depth, not merely escaping immediate danger.

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Historical & Cultural Context

After Assyria destroyed most of Judah, only Jerusalem and a few cities remained. God promises this remnant will become foundation for restored nation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does spiritual depth (roots) enable fruitful ministry (upward fruit)?
  2. What does it mean to be part of the remnant that survives judgment?
  3. How can we cultivate deep spiritual roots during times of upheaval?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְיָ֨סְפָ֜ה1 of 10

“shall again”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

פְּלֵיטַ֧ת2 of 10

“that is escaped”

H6413

deliverance; concretely, an escaped portion

בֵּית3 of 10

“of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוּדָ֛ה4 of 10

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

הַנִּשְׁאָרָ֖ה5 of 10

“And the remnant”

H7604

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

שֹׁ֣רֶשׁ6 of 10

“take root”

H8328

a root (literally or figuratively)

לְמָ֑טָּה7 of 10

“downward”

H4295

downward, below or beneath; often adverbially with or without prefixes

וְעָשָׂ֥ה8 of 10

“and bear”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

פְרִ֖י9 of 10

“fruit”

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

לְמָֽעְלָה׃10 of 10

“upward”

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, 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 37:31 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 37:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 27:62 Kings 19:30-31Psalms 80:9Romans 9:27Romans 11:5Jeremiah 44:28

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