Isaiah 5:2
And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיְסַקְּלֵ֗הוּ
it and gathered out the stones
H5619
וַֽיְסַקְּלֵ֗הוּ
it and gathered out the stones
Strong's:
H5619
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, to be weighty; but used only in the sense of lapidation or its contrary (as if a delapidation)
וַיִּטָּעֵ֙הוּ֙
thereof and planted
H5193
וַיִּטָּעֵ֙הוּ֙
thereof and planted
Strong's:
H5193
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)
שֹׂרֵ֔ק
it with the choicest vine
H8321
שֹׂרֵ֔ק
it with the choicest vine
Strong's:
H8321
Word #:
4 of 16
a vine stock (properly, one yielding purple grapes, the richest variety)
מִגְדָּל֙
a tower
H4026
מִגְדָּל֙
a tower
Strong's:
H4026
Word #:
6 of 16
a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers
בְּתוֹכ֔וֹ
in the midst
H8432
בְּתוֹכ֔וֹ
in the midst
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
7 of 16
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
וְגַם
H1571
וְגַם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
יֶ֖קֶב
a winepress
H3342
יֶ֖קֶב
a winepress
Strong's:
H3342
Word #:
9 of 16
a trough (as dug out); specifically, a wine-vat (whether the lower one, into which the juice drains; or the upper, in which the grapes are crushed)
חָצֵ֣ב
of it and also made
H2672
חָצֵ֣ב
of it and also made
Strong's:
H2672
Word #:
10 of 16
to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave
וַיְקַ֛ו
therein and he looked
H6960
וַיְקַ֛ו
therein and he looked
Strong's:
H6960
Word #:
12 of 16
to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
and it brought forth
H6213
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
and it brought forth
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
13 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
Jeremiah 2:21Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?1 Corinthians 9:7Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?Mark 11:13And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.
Historical Context
Jesus later uses similar vineyard imagery (Matthew 21:33-41), showing continuity in God's prophetic metaphors. The detailed care mirrors God's covenant faithfulness providing law, land, priesthood, and prophets.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God 'prepared your soil' through circumstances, teaching, and relationships?
- What 'wild grapes' of sinful habits are you producing despite God's careful cultivation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The parable details God's exhaustive preparation: fencing (protecting), gathering out stones (removing obstacles), planting choice vines (selecting the best), building a tower (providing security), and making a winepress (preparing for harvest). Despite perfect conditions, the vineyard produced 'wild grapes' (be'ushim, stinking or worthless fruit). The Hebrew wordplay contrasts expected grapes (anavim) with worthless grapes (be'ushim).