Isaiah 1:30
For ye shall be as an oak whose leaf fadeth, and as a garden that hath no water.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תִֽהְי֔וּ
H1961
תִֽהְי֔וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עָלֶ֑הָ
whose leaf
H5929
עָלֶ֑הָ
whose leaf
Strong's:
H5929
Word #:
5 of 10
a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
Oaks were symbols of strength and vitality; gardens represented flourishing life. Their withering reverses the intended blessing, illustrating covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28:23-24) for idolatry.
Questions for Reflection
- What areas of our lives have become 'withered' through seeking fulfillment apart from God?
- How does recognition of spiritual barrenness drive us to the life-giving waters of Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The simile of a withered oak and waterless garden depicts spiritual barrenness resulting from idolatry. What promised life and fertility yields only death and drought—the inevitable consequence of seeking satisfaction apart from the living God. This echoes Jeremiah 2:13's imagery of broken cisterns and anticipates Jesus' teaching on fruitless branches (John 15:6). Reformed theology sees this as the outworking of sin's curse: life sought independently from God produces only death.