Isaiah 6:13
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְע֥וֹד
H5750
וְע֥וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
עֲשִׂ֣רִיָּ֔ה
But yet in it shall be a tenth
H6224
עֲשִׂ֣רִיָּ֔ה
But yet in it shall be a tenth
Strong's:
H6224
Word #:
3 of 15
tenth; by abbreviation, tenth month or (feminine) part
וְשָׁ֖בָה
and it shall return
H7725
וְשָׁ֖בָה
and it shall return
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
4 of 15
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
וְהָיְתָ֣ה
H1961
וְהָיְתָ֣ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
5 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מַצַּבְתָּֽהּ׃
shall be the substance
H4678
מַצַּבְתָּֽהּ׃
shall be the substance
Strong's:
H4678
Word #:
11 of 15
something stationary, i.e., a monumental stone; also the stock of a tree
זֶ֥רַע
seed
H2233
זֶ֥רַע
seed
Strong's:
H2233
Word #:
13 of 15
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
Cross References
Genesis 22:18And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.Isaiah 1:9Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.Malachi 2:15And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.Ezra 9:2For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of those lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass.Mark 13:20And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.Romans 9:5Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the remnant doctrine comfort you regarding the visible church's current state?
- In what ways are you part of God's 'holy seed' carrying forward His purposes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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).