King James Version
What Does Isaiah 37:32 Mean?
“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.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe 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.
KJV Study — Public Domain
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
- How does God's zeal for His people assure the certainty of His promises?
- What does it mean that renewal comes from God's initiative rather than human effort?
- How should God's passionate commitment to His purposes encourage our faith?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 12 wordsכִּ֤י1 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”
H3389jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
תֵּצֵ֣א3 of 12
“shall go forth”
H3318to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
יְהוָ֥ה9 of 12
“of the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֖וֹת10 of 12
“of hosts”
H6635a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
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