King James Version

What Does Isaiah 55:13 Mean?

Isaiah 55:13 in the King James Version says “Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 55 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

Isaiah 55:13 · KJV


Context

11

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

12

For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

13

Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. This verse promises reversal of the curse. Thorns (na'atsuts, נַעֲצוּץ) and briers (sirpad, סִרְפַּד) recall Genesis 3:18's curse on the ground. Fir tree (berosh, בְּרוֹשׁ, possibly cypress) and myrtle (hadas, הֲדַס) represent beauty, usefulness, and blessing. The transformation from cursed vegetation to valuable trees symbolizes comprehensive restoration.

The purpose: "it shall be to the LORD for a name"—creation itself becomes testimony to God's character. "Everlasting sign" (le'ot 'olam, לְאוֹת עוֹלָם) provides permanent memorial. "That shall not be cut off" (lo yikkaret, לֹא יִכָּרֵת) guarantees perpetuity. The restoration serves pedagogical purpose—witnessing to future generations of God's redemptive power and covenant faithfulness.

From a Reformed perspective, this prophesies new creation through Christ. Romans 8:20-21 describes creation's liberation from corruption. Revelation 22:3 promises, "there shall be no more curse"—the thorn-brier curse reversed. The everlasting sign points to Christ's eternal covenant (Hebrews 13:20). This verse teaches that redemption restores created order, removing the curse and establishing permanent testimony to God's gracious character.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Genesis curse brought thorns, thistles, and toil (Genesis 3:17-19). Israel's unfaithfulness resulted in land becoming wasteland (Isaiah 5:6, 7:23-25, 32:13). The exile physically devastated the land; Isaiah promises not merely restoration but transformation—better than original state. Post-exilic prophets addressed land restoration (Haggai, Zechariah).

Yet complete fulfillment awaits Christ's return. Revelation 21-22 describes new heavens and new earth with no curse, where the tree of life provides perpetual healing. Church history shows partial fulfillments—transformed lives becoming testimonies, communities renewed through gospel—all pointing toward ultimate restoration when Christ makes all things new (Revelation 21:5). The everlasting sign assures that God's redemptive work is permanent, irreversible, and self-authenticating.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'thorns and briers' in your life need God's transforming into 'fir and myrtle'?
  2. How does your transformed life serve as 'a name' for the LORD and everlasting sign?
  3. How should the promise of curse-reversal affect your hope for creation's future?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
תַּ֤חַת1 of 15
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

הַֽנַּעֲצוּץ֙2 of 15

Instead of the thorn

H5285

probably a brier; by implication, a thicket of thorny bushes

יַעֲלֶ֣ה3 of 15

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

בְר֔וֹשׁ4 of 15

the fir tree

H1265

a cypress (?) tree; hence, a lance or a musical instrument (as made of that wood)

תַ֥חַת5 of 15
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

הַסִּרְפַּ֖ד6 of 15

and instead of the brier

H5636

a nettle (as stinging like a burn)

יַעֲלֶ֣ה7 of 15

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

הֲדַ֑ס8 of 15

the myrtle tree

H1918

the myrtle

וְהָיָ֤ה9 of 15
H1961

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

לַֽיהוָה֙10 of 15

and it shall be to the LORD

H3068

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

לְשֵׁ֔ם11 of 15

for a name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

לְא֥וֹת12 of 15

sign

H226

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

עוֹלָ֖ם13 of 15

for an everlasting

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

לֹ֥א14 of 15
H3808

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

יִכָּרֵֽת׃15 of 15

that shall not be cut off

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt


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 55:13 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 55:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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