King James Version

What Does Isaiah 4:3 Mean?

Isaiah 4:3 in the King James Version says “And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem: among: or, to life”

Isaiah 4:3 · KJV

Context

1

And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach. let: Heb. let thy name be called upon us to take: or, take thou away

2

In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel. beautiful: Heb. beauty and glory them: Heb. the escaping

3

And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem: among: or, to life

4

When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.

5

And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence. upon all: or, above all defence: Heb. covering

Read Isaiah 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Those 'left in Zion' and 'remaining in Jerusalem' are designated 'holy'—set apart by divine election and purification, not inherent merit. The phrase 'written among the living' anticipates the book of life concept (Exodus 32:32; Revelation 20:12), signifying divine determination of salvation. This selective preservation reflects Reformed doctrine of particular redemption: God sovereignly preserves a remnant for Himself, purified through judgment's refining fire.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Exile served to purify Israel, removing syncretistic elements and leaving a faithful remnant. Post-exilic community, though small, demonstrated renewed covenant commitment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the concept of being 'written among the living' provide assurance of sovereign election?
  2. What does it mean to be 'left' and 'remaining'—persevering saints versus those who fall away?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְהָיָ֣ה׀1 of 12
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַנִּשְׁאָ֣ר2 of 12

“And it shall come to pass that he that is left”

H7604

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

בְּצִיּ֗וֹן3 of 12

“in Zion”

H6726

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

וְהַנּוֹתָר֙4 of 12

“and he that remaineth”

H3498

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

בִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם׃5 of 12

“in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

קָד֖וֹשׁ6 of 12

“holy”

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

יֵאָ֣מֶר7 of 12

“shall be called”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֑וֹ8 of 12
H0
כָּל9 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַכָּת֥וּב10 of 12

“even every one that is written”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

לַחַיִּ֖ים11 of 12

“among the living”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

בִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם׃12 of 12

“in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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 4:3 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 4:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 10:20Isaiah 60:21Isaiah 52:1Exodus 32:32-33Revelation 21:27Psalms 69:28

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
ZionSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E148 verses across 19 books
View all places in Isaiah 4 →

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