King James Version

What Does Isaiah 37:32 Mean?

Isaiah 37:32 in the King James Version says “For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts sha...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Isaiah 37:32 · KJV

Context

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.

34

By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD.

Read Isaiah 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The promise "out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant" identifies the city as source of renewal. The parallel "out of mount Zion...they that escape" uses Zion (temple mount) to emphasize spiritual center of restoration. The declaration "the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this" attributes everything to divine initiative, not human effort. God's "zeal" (Hebrew qin'ah) indicates passionate commitment to His purposes. This assures that restoration isn't uncertain—God's jealous love for His people guarantees it.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Mount Zion as God's dwelling place (Psalm 132:13-14) made it the appropriate source for spiritual renewal. God's presence there guaranteed blessing would flow from Jerusalem.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's zeal for His people assure the certainty of His promises?
  2. What does it mean that renewal comes from God's initiative rather than human effort?
  3. How should God's passionate commitment to His purposes encourage our faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
כִּ֤י1 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מִירֽוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙2 of 12

“For out of Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

תֵּצֵ֣א3 of 12

“shall go forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

שְׁאֵרִ֔ית4 of 12

“a remnant”

H7611

a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion

וּפְלֵיטָ֖ה5 of 12

“and they that escape”

H6413

deliverance; concretely, an escaped portion

מֵהַ֣ר6 of 12

“out of mount”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

צִיּ֑וֹן7 of 12

“Zion”

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

קִנְאַ֛ת8 of 12

“the zeal”

H7068

jealousy or envy

יְהוָ֥ה9 of 12

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

צְבָא֖וֹת10 of 12

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

תַּֽעֲשֶׂה11 of 12

“shall do”

H6213

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

זֹּֽאת׃12 of 12
H2063

this (often used adverb)

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 37:32 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 37:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 9:72 Kings 19:31Isaiah 59:17Zechariah 1:14Joel 2:18Isaiah 37:20

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
Mount ZionHill · Modern: Mount Zion · 31.77°N, 35.23°E25 verses across 10 books
View all places in Isaiah 37 →

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