King James Version

What Does Isaiah 5:6 Mean?

Isaiah 5:6 in the King James Version says “And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also comm...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.”

Isaiah 5:6 · KJV

Context

4

What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?

5

And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: trodden: Heb. for a treading

6

And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.

7

For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry. his: Heb. plant of his pleasures oppression: Heb. a scab

8

Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth! they: Heb. ye

Read Isaiah 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The vineyard owner's drastic action—ceasing pruning, hoeing, allowing briars and thorns, and withholding rain—depicts divine abandonment to covenant curses (cf. Leviticus 26:19-20). The vineyard (Israel, v. 7) that produced wild grapes receives judicial neglect, becoming waste. This anticipates Jesus' parable of the unfruitful fig tree (Luke 13:6-9) and the warning that unfaithful branches are removed (John 15:2, 6). God's withdrawal of care is itself judgment, delivering rebels to consequences of rebellion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Agricultural imagery resonated in Judah's agrarian context. Vineyard abandonment meant economic ruin, symbolizing God's removal of covenant protection and blessing.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does divine 'neglect'—removing sustaining grace—function as judgment?
  2. What 'briars and thorns' overgrow our lives when God withdraws His cultivating presence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַאֲשִׁיתֵ֣הוּ1 of 15

“And I will lay”

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

בָתָ֗ה2 of 15

“it waste”

H1326

desolation

לֹ֤א3 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִזָּמֵר֙4 of 15

“it shall not be pruned”

H2168

to trim (a vine)

וְלֹ֣א5 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֵעָדֵ֔ר6 of 15

“nor digged”

H5737

to arrange, as a battle, a vineyard (to hoe); hence, to muster and so to miss (or find wanting)

וְעָלָ֥ה7 of 15

“but there shall come up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

שָׁמִ֖יר8 of 15

“briers”

H8068

a thorn; also (from its keenness for scratching) a gem, probably the diamond

וָשָׁ֑יִת9 of 15

“and thorns”

H7898

scrub or trash, i.e., wild growth of weeds or briers (as if put on the field)

וְעַ֤ל10 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הֶעָבִים֙11 of 15

“the clouds”

H5645

properly, an envelope, i.e., darkness (or density, 2 chronicles 4:17); specifically, a (scud) cloud; also a copse

אֲצַוֶּ֔ה12 of 15

“I will also command”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

מֵהַמְטִ֥יר13 of 15

“that they rain”

H4305

to rain

עָלָ֖יו14 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מָטָֽר׃15 of 15

“no rain”

H4306

rain

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 5:6 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 5:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 7:23-25Jeremiah 25:11Isaiah 24:1-3Luke 21:24Jeremiah 45:4Zechariah 14:16-17

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