King James Version

What Does Isaiah 6:13 Mean?

Isaiah 6:13 in the King James Version says “But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof. and it: or, when it is returned, and hath been broused substance: or, stock, or, stem”

Isaiah 6:13 · KJV

Context

11

Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, utterly: Heb. desolate with desolation

12

And the LORD have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land.

13

But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof. and it: or, when it is returned, and hath been broused substance: or, stock, or, stem

Read Isaiah 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Though a tenth remains (the remnant), even this will face further judgment, 'and shall return, and shall be eaten.' The analogy to felled trees (teil tree and oak) whose stump remains introduces hope: 'the holy seed shall be the substance thereof.' The stump produces new growth—from the decimated remnant, God will bring forth His purposes. This 'holy seed' ultimately points to Christ (Isaiah 11:1, the Branch from Jesse's roots).

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Historical & Cultural Context

After Babylon's exile, a remnant returned (Ezra-Nehemiah). From this small group came the lineage preserving Messianic hope, demonstrating God's faithfulness to preserve a remnant through which He accomplishes redemption.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the remnant doctrine comfort you regarding the visible church's current state?
  2. In what ways are you part of God's 'holy seed' carrying forward His purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְע֥וֹד1 of 15
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

בָּהּ֙2 of 15
H0
עֲשִׂ֣רִיָּ֔ה3 of 15

“But yet in it shall be a tenth”

H6224

tenth; by abbreviation, tenth month or (feminine) part

וְשָׁ֖בָה4 of 15

“and it shall return”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וְהָיְתָ֣ה5 of 15
H1961

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

לְבָעֵ֑ר6 of 15

“and shall be eaten”

H1197

to be(-come) brutish

כָּאֵלָ֣ה7 of 15

“as a teil tree”

H424

an oak or other strong tree

וְכָאַלּ֗וֹן8 of 15

“and as an oak”

H437

oak tree

אֲשֶׁ֤ר9 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בְּשַׁלֶּ֙כֶת֙10 of 15

“is in them when they cast”

H7995

a felling (of trees)

מַצַּבְתָּֽהּ׃11 of 15

“shall be the substance”

H4678

something stationary, i.e., a monumental stone; also the stock of a tree

בָּ֔ם12 of 15
H0
זֶ֥רַע13 of 15

“seed”

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

קֹ֖דֶשׁ14 of 15

“their leaves so the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

מַצַּבְתָּֽהּ׃15 of 15

“shall be the substance”

H4678

something stationary, i.e., a monumental stone; also the stock of a tree

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 6:13 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 6:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 14:7-9Romans 11:5-6Genesis 22:18Isaiah 65:8-9Romans 11:16-29Galatians 3:28-29

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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