Isaiah 5:4
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?
Original Language Analysis
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
What could have been done
H6213
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
What could have been done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עוֹד֙
H5750
עוֹד֙
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
What could have been done
H6213
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
What could have been done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מַדּ֧וּעַ
in it wherefore
H4069
מַדּ֧וּעַ
in it wherefore
Strong's:
H4069
Word #:
8 of 13
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
קִוֵּ֛יתִי
when I looked
H6960
קִוֵּ֛יתִי
when I looked
Strong's:
H6960
Word #:
9 of 13
to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
What could have been done
H6213
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
What could have been done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
10 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
Matthew 23:37O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!Jeremiah 2:5Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain?Isaiah 1:5Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.Ezekiel 24:13In thy filthiness is lewdness: because I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee.
Historical Context
Israel had received the law, prophets, temple worship, deliverance from Egypt, conquest of Canaan, and establishment as a kingdom—every covenant provision. Their failure was inexcusable.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage answer those who claim God hasn't given them enough to believe?
- What does Christ's incarnation add to the vineyard parable regarding God's exhaustive provision?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God's rhetorical question challenges anyone to identify anything more He could have done for Israel. The implied answer—nothing—establishes His complete faithfulness to covenant obligations. The question 'wherefore...brought it forth wild grapes?' expresses divine grief and bewilderment at Israel's perverse response to perfect care. This demonstrates that salvation's failure never lies with God's insufficient grace.