Isaiah 4
Chapter 4 Resources
Overview
Isaiah 4 contrasts the devastation in previous chapters with a vision of hope for the future. After judgment, only a faithful remnant of the covenant people will remain, purified and ready to inherit the blessings of Zion. The "Branch of the Lord," a messianic figure, will bring renewal and righteousness, offering protection and refuge to those who are faithful. Zion will be cleansed, and God's presence will once again dwell with His people.
The chapter emphasizes that God's people will be purified from sin and idolatry, leading to a renewed covenant relationship with Him. Despite the judgment to come, God promises to preserve a faithful remnant who will experience His blessings and His presence in the land of promise, fulfilling His covenant and bringing about a time of restoration and peace.
Historical Context
Isaiah 4 emerges as a message of hope and restoration following the severe judgments outlined in chapters 2 and 3. While the earlier chapters describe the collapse of Judah’s society due to pride, idolatry, and injustice, chapter 4 turns to those who survive God's refining judgment. This passage likely reflects the aftermath of the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem in 701 BCE, during the reign of Hezekiah, when the city was miraculously delivered after a divine intervention (Isaiah 37:36). The Assyrians had already devastated much of Judah, and only a small remnant remained in Zion. These, the humble and faithful, are portrayed as the "branch of the Lord" and "those who are recorded among the living in Jerusalem."
Breakdown
Overview
(Isaiah 4:1) Aftermath of Judgment — Social Disgrace
(Isaiah 4:2–3) The Branch of the Lord and the Redeemed Remnant
(Isaiah 4:4) Cleansing Through Judgment
(Isaiah 4:5–6) Restoration and Divine Protection Over Zion
Breakdown of Isaiah Chapter 4
(Isaiah 4:1) Aftermath of Judgment — Social Disgrace
(v1) Following the desolation described in chapter 3, seven women will plead with one man to take away their reproach by allowing them to be called by his name, revealing the depth of societal collapse and the loss of male leadership after war and judgment.
(Isaiah 4:2–3) The Branch of the Lord and the Redeemed Remnant
(v2) In contrast to the disgrace of verse 1, a new era begins: the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious. Survivors of God’s covenant people will enjoy fruitfulness and honor.
(v3) Those who remain in Zion and are recorded among the living are called holy — a clear indication of a purified, sanctified remnant that emerges after judgment.
(Isaiah 4:4) Cleansing Through Judgment
(v4) The Lord will wash away the filth of the daughters of Zion and purge the bloodshed of Jerusalem — not gently, but through the spirit of judgment and burning. This is divine refinement, not mere correction.
(Isaiah 4:5–6) Restoration and Divine Protection Over Zion
(v5) God will create a new covering over Mount Zion — a cloud by day and a flaming fire by night — echoing the wilderness tabernacle and symbolizing His presence and protection.
(v6) Zion will become a shelter and refuge, a canopy from storm and heat — a symbol of the renewed covenant and restored security under God’s reign.
Themes
Here is a list of themes from Isaiah Chapter 1:
1. Social Reproach and the Consequences of Judgment
Aftermath of Judgment: The opening verse reflects the devastating impact of war and divine judgment — societal imbalance and the desperation for restoration (Isaiah 4:1).
Loss of Covering: The shame of the women seeking to be called by a man's name illustrates the collapse of traditional structures and protection, symbolizing covenant disgrace.
2. The Branch of the Lord
Messianic Hope: “The Branch of the Lord” (Isaiah 4:2) is a prophetic image pointing to the Messiah — a symbol of new life, divine beauty, and restored glory following destruction.
Spiritual Fruitfulness: The land becomes fruitful again, a reversal of the previous desolation, signifying blessing for those who endure.
3. The Holy Remnant
Refined Survivors: Those who remain after judgment are described as “holy,” indicating that only the faithful and purified will be preserved (Isaiah 4:3).
Book of Life Allusion: The idea of being “written among the living” points to divine selection and preservation, connecting with broader scriptural themes of covenant remnant theology.
4. Purification Through Divine Fire
Cleansing Judgment: God will wash away filth and bloodguilt through a “spirit of judgment and burning” (Isaiah 4:4), a powerful image of refinement through trial rather than annihilation.
Spiritual Renewal: This is not just punishment — it is sanctification. The purpose of judgment is to cleanse and restore.
5. God’s Presence and Protection
Divine Covering: Echoing the Exodus narrative, God will create a cloud by day and fire by night over Mount Zion (Isaiah 4:5), symbolizing His return to dwell among His people.
Shelter and Refuge: The renewed Zion will be a place of protection, peace, and divine glory — a sanctuary from all forms of affliction (Isaiah 4:6).
Literary Structure
Literary Chiasmus for Isaiah Chapter 4
A. Social collapse and disgrace after judgment (v1)
B. The Branch of the Lord brings beauty and fruitfulness (v2)
C. The survivors are called holy — the remnant is refined (v3)
D. Central Pivot: The Lord cleanses Zion by a spirit of judgment and burning (v4)
C'. Over every dwelling — God’s glory returns to the remnant (v5)
B'. Divine presence becomes a canopy and protection — beauty restored (v5)
A'. Shelter from storm and heat — reversal of disgrace (v6)
Unit
Isaiah 1–39: Trouble at Home (Macro Unit)
Isaiah 4 offers a brief but powerful transition within the broader "Book of Judgment" (Isaiah 1–39), moving from the collapse of God’s covenant people to a glimpse of their future purification and restoration. After exposing the social and moral breakdown of His people in chapter 3, this chapter introduces the redemptive aftermath: a cleansed remnant, a sanctified Zion, and the visible presence of God returning to dwell among them.
Although judgment remains the dominant theme in this macro unit, Isaiah 4 shows that divine wrath is not the end of the story. For those who endure and are refined, there is hope of glory. The chapter reinforces the prophetic rhythm throughout this section: purging precedes renewal, and only those who remain faithful will inhabit the holy city in its restored state.
Isaiah 1–5: Judgment and Promise (Micro Unit)
Within the opening thematic arc of chapters 1–5, Isaiah 4 serves as a pivot between the judgment-heavy chapters that surround it. Chapter 3 described the societal collapse and humiliation of God’s people; chapter 4 now lifts the vision to what remains after the fire of judgment — “those who are left in Zion.” These survivors are called holy, not because of merit, but because the spirit of judgment and burning has washed them.
This brief chapter also includes a vision of divine protection — a cloud by day and fire by night — echoing the imagery of the Exodus. It signals that once again, God will dwell with His people and shield them in their appointed gatherings. Isaiah 4 reinforces the deeper theme of this micro unit: even in judgment, God is preserving a remnant, and the ultimate goal is not destruction but sanctification and covenant renewal.
Chapter 1
Verse by Verse
Isaiah 4:1
1 And seven women shall take hold of one man in that day, saying:
“Our own bread we will eat,
and our own clothing we will wear,
just let your name be called upon us,
take away our reproach.”
Hebrew
Hebrew (MT)
וְהֶחֱזִיקוּ שֶׁבַע נָשִׁים בְּאִישׁ אֶחָד בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא לֵאמֹר לַחְמֵנוּ נֹאכֵל וְשִׂמְלָתֵנוּ נִלְבָּשׁ רַק יִקָּרֵא שִׁמְךָ עָלֵינוּ אֱסֹף חֶרְפָּתֵנוּ ס
Transliteration
w'hëchéziyqûAnd shall take holdוְהֶחֱזִיקוּ = and they shall take hold. Root: חָזַק (chazaq), to grasp firmly or cling—often used for desperate or decisive action. shéväSevenשֶׁבַע = seven. Symbolic of completeness, covenant, or oath. nashiyimWomenנָשִׁים = women. Plural of אִשָּׁה (ishah)—can symbolize nations or collective identity. b'iysh echädIn one manבְּאִישׁ אֶחָד = in one man. Indicates desire for association or covering—often symbolic of covenantal union. bayyôm hahûIn that dayבַּיּוֹם הַהוּא = in that day. Prophetic phrase pointing to a future climactic time—often eschatological. lë·môrSayingלֵאמֹר = saying. From אָמַר (amar)—used to introduce speech or a plea. läch'mëynuOur own breadלַחְמֵנוּ = our bread. Root: לֶחֶם (lechem), bread or food—symbol of sustenance. nôkhëlWe will eatנֹאכֵל = we will eat. Root: אָכַל (akal), to consume—indicates self-sufficiency. w'sim'läteynuOur clothingוְשִׂמְלָתֵנוּ = and our clothing. Root: שִׂמְלָה (simlah), garment—represents identity or covering. nilbäshWe will wearנִלְבָּשׁ = we will wear. Root: לָבַשׁ (lavash), to put on clothing—often symbolic of roles or righteousness. raq yiqqärë shimkhä alëynuOnly let your name be called over usרַק יִקָּרֵא שִׁמְךָ עָלֵינוּ = only let your name be called over us. A plea for identity, covering, or legitimacy. ësóf cherpäteynuTake away our reproachאֱסֹף חֶרְפָּתֵנוּ = take away our reproach. Root: חֶרְפָּה (cherpah), disgrace or shame—implying social or covenantal rejection.
Strong's Concordance
On that
הַהוּא֙ (ha·hū)
Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are
day
בַּיּ֤וֹם (bay·yō·wm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day
seven
שֶׁ֨בַע (še·ḇa‘)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number
women
נָשִׁ֜ים (nā·šîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female
will take hold
וְהֶחֱזִיקוּ֩ (wə·he·ḥĕ·zî·qū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer
of one
אֶחָ֗ד (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first
man
בְּאִ֣ישׁ (bə·’îš)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person
and say,
לֵאמֹ֔ר (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say
“We will eat
נֹאכֵ֔ל (nō·ḵêl)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 398: To eat
our own bread
לַחְמֵ֣נוּ (laḥ·mê·nū)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain
and provide
נִלְבָּ֑שׁ (nil·bāš)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 3847: Wrap around, to put on a, garment, clothe
our own clothes.
וְשִׂמְלָתֵ֖נוּ (wə·śim·lā·ṯê·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 8071: A dress, a mantle
Just
רַ֗ק (raq)
Adverb
Strong's 7535: But, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless
let us be called
יִקָּרֵ֤א (yiq·qā·rê)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read
by your name.
שִׁמְךָ֙ (šim·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8034: A name
Take away
אֱסֹ֖ף (’ĕ·sōp̄)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 622: To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, remove
our disgrace!”
חֶרְפָּתֵֽנוּ׃ (ḥer·pā·ṯê·nū)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 2781: Contumely, disgrace, the pudenda
Translations
KJV – And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.
2 Nephi – And in that day, seven women shall take hold of one man, saying: We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel; only let us be called by thy name to take away our reproach.
BSB – In that day seven women will take hold of one man and say, “We will eat our own bread and provide our own clothes. Just let us be called by your name. Take away our disgrace!”
ESV – And seven women shall take hold of one man in that day, saying, “We will eat our own bread and wear our own clothes, only let us be called by your name; take away our reproach.”
NIV – In that day seven women will take hold of one man and say, “We will eat our own food and provide our own clothes; only let us be called by your name. Take away our disgrace!”
NASB – For seven women will take hold of one man on that day, saying, “We will eat our own bread and wear our own clothes, only let us be called by your name; take away our disgrace!”
BST – And seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own raiment: only let thy name be called upon us, and take away our reproach.
YLT – And taken hold have seven women on one man, In that day, saying, `Our own bread we do eat, And our own raiment we put on, Only, let thy name be called over us, Remove thou our reproach.'
Chabad – Now seven women shall take hold of one man on that day, saying, "Our bread we will eat, and our clothing we will wear. Only let your name be called on us; take away our reproach."
Alter – And seven women shall take hold of one man on that day, saying, “We shall eat our own bread, we shall wear our own cloak. Only let your name be called upon us. Gather in our shame.”
Wordlinks
Parallelism
A. Eat our own bread – wear our own apparel
B. Let us be called by your name – take away our reproach
Synonymous Parallelism
Eat our own bread / wear our own apparel:
These phrases emphasize independence and self-sufficiency. The women are saying they will not be a financial burden. In Hebrew poetry, this pair intensifies the seriousness of their plea by showing they’re willing to give up traditional expectations of provision.
Be called by your name / take away our reproach:
This pair conveys the desire for restoration of social status through marriage. “Being called by your name” is a Hebrew idiom for taking a husband’s name—seeking legal or covenantal covering. “Reproach” refers to the shame of being unmarried or childless, especially post-war.
Synthetic Parallelism
The women’s request builds logically: we’ll provide for ourselves → just let us be under your name. It’s a conditional appeal: they offer one thing in exchange for another.
Literary Devices
Hyperbole – “Seven women to one man”:
A dramatic image expressing extreme scarcity of men, likely after war or judgment. This is not a literal ratio but a symbol of desolation and societal imbalance.
Irony:
Normally, women would seek provision from men in ancient society, but here they’re reversing roles—offering to provide for themselves just to remove their disgrace.
Metonymy – “Your name”:
Refers to identity, status, and protection. To be “called by a name” implies inclusion under a man’s authority or covenant.
Euphemism – “Reproach”:
Likely points to widowhood, singleness, or barrenness, which were considered shameful in ancient Israelite society. The word softens the emotional blow.
Thematic Significance
Aftermath of Judgment:
This verse is a transitional bridge from Isaiah 3’s judgment to Isaiah 4’s promise of restoration. It shows the sorrowful consequence of earlier sins—social breakdown and reversal of blessings.
Covenantal Desperation:
The women’s plea reflects desperation to reenter covenantal status, even if it means forfeiting traditional roles. There’s an implicit cry for identity, belonging, and honor.
Prophetic Reversal:
Isaiah uses this striking image to shock the reader, then pivot in 4:2 to a vision of hope, holiness, and renewal. The structure of the chapter depends on this dismal verse setting up the need for the Branch of the Lord to appear.
Parallelism
Take hold — וְהֶחֱזִיקוּ (wəheḥĕzîqû)
Root: חזק — ḥ-z-q — to grasp, strengthen, cling to
This verb connotes urgent clinging or laying hold, often for security or covenantal alignment.
Isaiah 27:5 – "Let him take hold of My strength"
Isaiah 41:13 – "I am the Lord who holds your right hand"
Isaiah 56:6 – "Who hold fast to My covenant"
Seven — שֶׁבַע (shevaʿ)
Root: שבע — š-b-ʿ — seven, completeness, covenantal fullness
Symbolic of wholeness or fulfillment, especially in judgment or restoration contexts.
Isaiah 11:15 – "Smite it into seven streams"
Isaiah 30:26 – "The light of the sun shall be sevenfold"
One man — אִישׁ אֶחָד (ʾîš ʾeḥād)
Root: אישׁ — man, individual
Root: אחד — one, singular, unified
This pairing implies a scarcity or desperation—a single man sought by many, likely due to the aftermath of war or judgment.
Isaiah 13:12 – "A man more rare than fine gold"
Isaiah 41:28 – "I looked, but there was no man"
In that day — בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא (bayyôm hahûʾ)
Root: יום — day
Standard prophetic formula introducing a day of reckoning, transformation, or deliverance.
Isaiah 2:11, 17, 20 – Day of the Lord’s exaltation
Isaiah 4:2 – Day of the Branch’s beauty
Isaiah 10:20 – Remnant of Israel returns
Be called — יִקָּרֵא (yiqqārēʾ)
Root: קרא — q-r-ʾ — to call, proclaim, be named
Often associated with covenantal naming or belonging.
Isaiah 43:1 – "I have called you by your name; you are Mine"
Isaiah 62:2 – "You shall be called by a new name"
By your name — בְּשִׁמְךָ (bəšimkā)
Root: שם — š-m — name, reputation, identity
To be "called by a name" signifies possession, covenant identity, or protection.
Isaiah 30:27 – "The name of the Lord comes from afar"
Isaiah 63:16 – "You, O Lord, are our Father… Your name is from of old"
Take away — אָסֵף (ʾāsēp̄)
Root: אסף — ʾ-s-p̄ — to gather, take away, remove
Here it expresses the desire to remove or erase shame and social rejection.
Isaiah 4:4 – "When the Lord has washed away the filth"
Isaiah 57:1 – "The righteous are taken away"
Our disgrace — חֶרְפָּתֵנוּ (ḥerpātenû)
Root: חרף — ḥ-r-p̄ — to reproach, shame, taunt
A term loaded with covenant failure, humiliation, or societal dishonor—often tied to childlessness or desolation.
Isaiah 25:8 – "He will take away the reproach of His people"
Isaiah 54:4 – "You shall not remember the reproach of your widowhood"
Isaiah 4:2
2 In that day the branch of YHWH shall be
for beauty and for glory,
and the fruit of the land
for pride and for splendor
to the remnant of Israel.
Hebrew
Hebrew MT
בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא יִהְיֶה צֶמַח יְהוָה לִצְבִי וּלְכָבוֹד וּפְרִי הָאָרֶץ לְגָאוֹן וּלְתִפְאֶרֶת לִפְלֵיטַת יִשְׂרָאֵל
Transliteration
bayyôm hahûIn that dayבַּיּוֹם הַהוּא = in that day. A prophetic phrase pointing to a climactic or eschatological event. yih’yehShall beיִהְיֶה = he/it shall be. From היה (hayah), to be or come to pass. tzemach YHWHBranch of Yahwehצֶמַח יְהוָה = Branch of Yahweh. צֶמַח (tsemach) means sprout, shoot—messianic symbol of renewal or righteous leadership. litzviFor beautyלִצְבִי = for beauty. Root: צֶבִי (tzvi), beauty or glory—often used to describe the land or divine favor. ul’kavôdAnd for gloryוּלְכָבוֹד = and for glory. Root: כָּבוֹד (kavod), weight, honor, divine presence. ufri ha’äretzAnd the fruit of the landוּפְרִי הָאָרֶץ = and the fruit of the land. Often symbolizing righteousness, abundance, or restored blessing. l’gaônFor prideלְגָאוֹן = for pride. Root: גָּאוֹן (gaon), exaltation or majesty—can imply nobility or elevation. ul’tif’eretAnd for adornmentוּלְתִפְאֶרֶת = and for adornment. Root: תִּפְאֶרֶת (tiferet), splendor, beauty, often in a divine or royal sense. lifleitát YisräëlTo the survivors of Israelלִפְלֵיטַת יִשְׂרָאֵל = to the survivors of Israel. Root: פָּלֵט (palet), to escape—refers to the remnant who remain faithful.
Strong's Concordance
On that
הַה֗וּא (ha·hū)
Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are
day
בַּיּ֣וֹם (bay·yō·wm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day
the Branch
צֶ֣מַח (ṣe·maḥ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6780: A sprout, growth
of the LORD
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
will be
יִֽהְיֶה֙ (yih·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be
beautiful
לִצְבִ֖י (liṣ·ḇî)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6643: Splendor, a gazelle
and glorious,
וּלְכָב֑וֹד (ū·lə·ḵā·ḇō·wḏ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3519: Weight, splendor, copiousness
and the fruit
וּפְרִ֤י (ū·p̄ə·rî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6529: Fruit
of the land
הָאָ֙רֶץ֙ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land
will be the pride
לְגָא֣וֹן (lə·ḡā·’ō·wn)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1347: Arrogance, majesty, ornament
and glory
וּלְתִפְאֶ֔רֶת (ū·lə·ṯip̄·’e·reṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8597: Beauty, glory
of Israel’s
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc
survivors.
לִפְלֵיטַ֖ת (lip̄·lê·ṭaṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6413: Deliverance, an escaped portion
Translations
KJV – In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.
2 Nephi – In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious; the fruit of the earth excellent and comely to them that are escaped of Israel.
BSB – On that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of Israel’s survivors.
ESV – In that day the branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be the pride and honor of the survivors of Israel.
NIV – In that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel.
NASB – On that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth will be the pride and the beauty of the survivors of Israel.
BST – And in that day God shall shine gloriously in counsel on the earth, to exalt and glorify the remnant of Israel.
YLT – In that day is the Shoot of Jehovah for desire and for honour, And the fruit of the earth For excellence and for beauty to the escaped of Israel.
Chabad – On that day, the sprout of the Lord shall be for beauty and for honor, and the fruit of the land for greatness and for glory for the survivors of Israel.
Alter – On that day the LORD’s shoot shall become beauty and glory, and the fruit of the land pride and splendor for the remnant of Israel.
Parallelism
Parallelism
A. Branch of the LORD – fruit of the land
B. Beautiful and glorious – pride and honor
C. Branch/fruit → of the LORD / of the land
Synonymous Parallelism
Beautiful and glorious / pride and honor:
These pairs share a semantic field—aesthetic beauty paired with status or esteem. “Beautiful” (צְבִי – tsevi) and “glorious” (כָּבוֹד – kavod) relate to divine splendor. “Pride” and “honor” reflect value and identity restored to a once-shamed people.
Branch/fruit:
Though different metaphors, they both symbolize life, growth, and divine provision. The pairing also represents a subtle blend of Messianic hope (the “Branch”) and covenantal blessing (the “fruit”).
Synthetic Parallelism
The verse presents a cause-and-effect relationship.
“In that day” points forward to a time of restoration—and in that context, the appearance of the “Branch” and abundance of the land lead to restored identity and esteem for the remnant.
Literary Devices
Messianic Metaphor – “Branch of the LORD”:
A classic Messianic title (cf. Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 3:8), it represents the Davidic shoot or sprout—an anointed figure arising after devastation. It connects judgment with new beginnings.
Metaphor – “Fruit of the land”:
Often used to symbolize blessing, provision, and covenant renewal (cf. Deut. 28:4). It's both literal and figurative—physical abundance as well as spiritual fruitfulness.
Inclusio (bracketing device):
The structure of “Branch” and “fruit” (both plant metaphors), paired with “beautiful/glorious” and “pride/honor,” creates a poetic symmetry.
Thematic Significance
From Judgment to Restoration:
Following the humiliation of Zion (Isaiah 3, 4:1), this verse marks a pivot point: God’s redemptive purposes emerge. Out of desolation, beauty grows—a common prophetic motif.
Hope for the Remnant:
The focus is on “the survivors of Israel,” reinforcing Isaiah’s theme of a holy remnant preserved through judgment (cf. Isaiah 1:9, 10:20–22). These are the ones who will experience the true glory of the LORD’s covenant.
Covenantal Renewal and Messianic Expectation:
The verse draws together two major prophetic threads—God’s land blessing (fruit) and His Messianic servant (Branch)—and joins them into a single image of end-time restoration and exaltation.
Wordlinks
Branch (צֶמַח – tsemaḥ)
Root: צמח – to sprout, grow, branch out (used often in prophetic and messianic contexts)
Isaiah 4:2 – In that day the Branch (צֶמַח) of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious…
Isaiah 11:1 – A shoot will come forth from the stump of Jesse, and a Branch (וְנֵצֶר) will grow from his roots.
Jeremiah 23:5 – I will raise up for David a righteous Branch (צֶמַח)…
Jeremiah 33:15 – I will cause a righteous Branch (צֶמַח) to spring up for David…
Zechariah 3:8 – Behold, I will bring forth My servant the Branch (צֶמַח)…
Zechariah 6:12 – Behold the man whose name is the Branch (צֶמַח), he shall grow up out of his place…
Beautiful (צְבִי – tzevî)
Root: צבי – beauty, splendor, glory (also used for desirable or glorious land or people)
Isaiah 4:2 – The Branch of the LORD will be beautiful (צְבִי) and glorious…
Isaiah 13:19 – …Babylon, the glory (צְבִי) of kingdoms…
Isaiah 23:9 – …to bring to contempt all the glory (צְבִי) of pride…
Isaiah 28:1 – …the glorious beauty (צְבִי תִפְאַרְתּוֹ) of Ephraim…
Daniel 11:16 – …he will stand in the Beautiful Land (צְבִי)…
Ezekiel 20:6 – …a land flowing with milk and honey, the glory (צְבִי) of all lands…
Glorious (כָּבוֹד – kāvôd)
Root: כבד – to be heavy, weighty, honorable, glorious
Isaiah 4:2 – The Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious (לְכָבוֹד)…
Isaiah 6:3 – The whole earth is full of His glory (כְבוֹדוֹ)…
Isaiah 24:23 – Then the LORD of Hosts will reign… before His elders with glory (כָבוֹד)…
Isaiah 35:2 – …They will see the glory (כְבוֹד) of the LORD…
Isaiah 40:5 – The glory (כְבוֹד) of the LORD will be revealed…
Isaiah 60:1 – Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory (כְבוֹד) of the LORD has risen upon you.
Fruit (פְּרִי – perî)
Root: פרי – fruit, produce, result, offspring
Isaiah 4:2 – …and the fruit (פְּרִי) of the land will be pride and glory…
Isaiah 3:10 – They will eat the fruit (פְּרִי) of their deeds.
Isaiah 10:12 – …I will punish the fruit (פְּרִי) of the arrogant heart…
Isaiah 27:6 – …Israel will blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit (פְּרִי).
Isaiah 37:30 – You will eat fruit (פְּרִי) that grows of itself this year…
Isaiah 57:19 – I create the fruit (נִיב) of the lips: Peace, peace…
Escaped/Survivors (פְּלֵיטָה – peleitāh)
Root: פלט – to escape, survive, be delivered
Isaiah 4:2 – …for the survivors (פְּלֵיטָה) of Israel.
Isaiah 10:20 – The remnant (שְׁאָר) of Israel and the survivors (פְּלֵיטֵי) of the house of Jacob…
Isaiah 15:9 – …I will bring more upon Dimon, a lion upon the fugitives (פְּלֵיטָה)…
Joel 2:32 – There shall be deliverance (פְּלֵיטָה), as the LORD has said, and among the remnant whom the LORD calls.
Obadiah 1:17 – But on Mount Zion there will be those who escape (פְּלֵיטָה), and it will be holy…
Ezra 9:13 – …You have given us such a remnant (פְּלֵיטָה) as this…
Isaiah 4:3
3 And it shall be:
the one left in Zion
and the one who remains in Jerusalem,
holy shall be called to him,
everyone who is written for life in Jerusalem.
Hebrew
Hebrew MT
וְהָיָה הַנִּשְׁאָר בְּצִיּוֹן וְהַנּוֹתָר בִּירוּשָׁלִַם קָדוֹשׁ יֵאָמֶר לוֹ כָּל־הַכָּתוּב לַחַיִּים בִּירוּשָׁלִָם
Transliteration
w'häyähAnd it shall beוְהָיָה = and it shall be. From היה (hayah), indicating future fulfillment or unfolding. hannish’ärThe one who remainsהַנִּשְׁאָר = the one who remains. Root: שָׁאַר (sha'ar), to remain or survive—refers to the faithful remnant. b’tziyonIn Zionבְּצִיּוֹן = in Zion. Refers to the holy city or the covenant people as a spiritual center. w’hanotärAnd the one leftוְהַנּוֹתָר = and the one left. Root: יָתַר (yatar), to be left over—another reference to the remnant. b’Y’rushaläyimIn Jerusalemבִּירוּשָׁלִַם = in Jerusalem. The literal city, often symbolic of the redeemed community or holy order. qädôshHolyקָדוֹשׁ = holy. Root: קָדַשׁ (qadash), to be set apart or sanctified—indicating sacred status. yëämer lôShall be calledיֵאָמֵר לוֹ = shall be called to him. From אָמַר (amar), to speak or declare—used here as a prophetic designation. käl-hakkatûvAll who are writtenכָּל-הַכָּתוּב = all who are written. Refers to those inscribed or registered—often with covenantal significance. lachayyimFor lifeלַחַיִּים = for life. Root: חַי (chai), life—implies survival, eternal life, or covenant blessings. b’Y’rushaläyimIn Jerusalemבִּירוּשָׁלָיִם = in Jerusalem. Repeated for emphasis—location of divine presence and covenant fulfillment.
Strong's Concordance
Whoever remains
הַנִּשְׁאָ֣ר (han·niš·’ār)
Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7604: To swell up, be, redundant
in Zion
בְּצִיּ֗וֹן (bə·ṣî·yō·wn)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6726: Zion -- a mountain in Jerusalem, also a name for Jerusalem
and whoever is left
וְהַנּוֹתָר֙ (wə·han·nō·w·ṯār)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3498: To jut over, exceed, to excel, to remain, be left, to leave, cause to abound, preserve
in Jerusalem
בִּיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם (bî·rū·šā·lim)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel
will be called
יֵאָ֣מֶר (yê·’ā·mer)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say
holy—
קָד֖וֹשׁ (qā·ḏō·wōš)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6918: Sacred, God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every
in Jerusalem
בִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם׃ (bî·rū·šā·lim)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel
who are recorded
הַכָּת֥וּב (hak·kā·ṯūḇ)
Article | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 3789: To grave, to write
among the living—
לַחַיִּ֖ים (la·ḥay·yîm)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life
Translations
KJV – And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem:
2 Nephi – And it shall come to pass, they that are left in Zion and remain in Jerusalem shall be called holy, every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem—
BSB – Whoever remains in Zion and whoever is left in Jerusalem will be called holy—all in Jerusalem who are recorded among the living—
ESV – And he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy, everyone who has been recorded for life in Jerusalem,
NIV – Those who are left in Zion, who remain in Jerusalem, will be called holy, all who are recorded among the living in Jerusalem.
NASB – And it will come about that the one who is left in Zion and remains behind in Jerusalem will be called holy—everyone who is recorded for life in Jerusalem.
BST – And it shall be, that the remnant left in Sion, and the remnant left in Jerusalem, even all that are appointed to life in Jerusalem, shall be called holy.
YLT – And it hath been, he who is left in Zion, And he who is remaining in Jerusalem, `Holy' is said of him, Of every one who is written for life in Jerusalem.
Chabad – And it shall come to pass that every survivor shall be in Zion, and everyone who is left, in Jerusalem; "holy" shall be said of him, everyone inscribed for life in Jerusalem.
Alter – And who remains in Zion and who is left in Jerusalem, “holy” shall be said of him, each who is written for life in Jerusalem.
Parallelism
Parallelism
A. He who is left in Zion – he who remains in Jerusalem
B. Will be called holy – recorded among the living
C. Zion – Jerusalem – Jerusalem (repetition reinforces place and covenant identity)
Synonymous Parallelism
He who is left / he who remains:
Both phrases describe the preserved remnant—those who survived judgment. This repetition emphasizes that the remnant is not forgotten but is central to God's redemptive plan.
Will be called holy / recorded among the living:
These lines reinforce identity: those preserved are not just alive, but sanctified. “Holy” refers to covenantal purity; “recorded among the living” implies being written in a divine register, i.e., the Book of Life (cf. Exodus 32:32, Daniel 12:1).
Synthetic Parallelism
The verse develops from location (Zion/Jerusalem) → identity (holy) → status (recorded among the living).
It describes not just survival, but transformation and divine recognition.
Literary Devices
Repetition – Zion / Jerusalem / Jerusalem:
Anchors the prophecy in covenant geography, highlighting the centrality of Jerusalem in redemption.
Metonymy – “Zion” and “Jerusalem”:
Not merely geographical terms, but symbols of God’s covenant people and His chosen habitation.
Divine Passive – “Will be called holy”:
The passive form implies God is the one declaring them holy, aligning with prophetic themes of divine designation and approval.
Allusion – “Recorded among the living”:
Echoes biblical motifs of divine books, where the righteous are written and remembered (see also Malachi 3:16; Revelation 20:12).
Thematic Significance
Remnant Theology:
This verse continues Isaiah’s key theme: a faithful few are preserved through judgment, and these become the foundation for renewal (cf. Isaiah 1:9, 10:22).
Holiness Through Refinement:
Being “left” or “remaining” is not merely about escaping destruction, but about being made holy through that process. Holiness is both a status and a destiny.
Divine Recognition:
The emphasis on being “recorded” shows that God remembers and marks His own. In a world where people perish, these individuals are set apart and acknowledged.
Wordlinks
Called (יִקָּרֵא – yiqqārēʾ)
Root: קרא – to call, proclaim, name, summon
Isaiah 4:3 – He who is left in Zion… shall be called (יִקָּרֵא) holy…
Isaiah 1:26 – You shall be called the City of Righteousness…
Isaiah 9:6 – And His name shall be called (וַיִּקְרָא שְׁמוֹ)…
Isaiah 19:18 – One shall be called the City of Destruction…
Isaiah 32:5 – The vile person shall no more be called noble…
Isaiah 62:4 – You shall no more be called Forsaken…
Isaiah 62:12 – And they shall call them The Holy People…
Holy (קָדוֹשׁ – qādôsh)
Root: קדש – to be set apart, sacred, holy
Isaiah 4:3 – …will be called holy (קָדוֹשׁ)…
Isaiah 6:3 – Holy, holy, holy (קָדוֹשׁ קָדוֹשׁ קָדוֹשׁ) is the LORD of Hosts…
Isaiah 10:17 – The Holy One (קְדוֹשׁ) of Israel shall be a flame…
Isaiah 30:15 – For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel…
Isaiah 57:15 – I dwell in the high and holy (קָדוֹשׁ) place…
Isaiah 63:10 – They rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit…
Written (הַכָּתוּב – hakkātûv)
Root: כתב – to write, record, inscribe
Isaiah 4:3 – …everyone who is written (הַכָּתוּב) for life in Jerusalem.
Isaiah 8:1 – Take a large scroll and write (כְּתֹב) on it…
Isaiah 30:8 – Now go, write it before them on a tablet…
Isaiah 34:16 – Seek and read from the book of the LORD: not one of these shall be missing; none shall be without her mate. For My mouth has commanded it, and His Spirit has gathered them. (contextual: written in book)
Isaiah 65:6 – Behold, it is written before Me…
Life (חַיִּים – ḥayyîm)
Root: חיה – to live, life, alive
Isaiah 4:3 – …everyone who is written for life (חַיִּים) in Jerusalem.
Isaiah 38:16 – O Lord, by these things men live, and in all these is the life (חַיִּים) of my spirit…
Isaiah 38:20 – The LORD was ready to save me… all the days of our life (חַיַּי) we will sing…
Isaiah 38:1 – Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live (חָיֶה)…
Isaiah 55:3 – Hear, that your soul may live (וּתְחִי)…
Remains / Is Left (הַנִּשְׁאָר – hannishʾār)
Root: שׁאר – to remain, be left, survive
Isaiah 4:3 – He who is left (הַנִּשְׁאָר) in Zion…
Isaiah 1:9 – Unless the LORD had left us a remnant (שְׂרִיד)…
Isaiah 10:20 – The remnant (שְׁאָר) of Israel and those who escaped (פְּלֵיטֵי) of the house of Jacob…
Isaiah 11:11 – The Lord will set His hand again to recover the remnant (שְׁאָר)…
Isaiah 37:31 – The surviving remnant (שְׁאֵרִית) of the house of Judah shall again take root…
Isaiah 37:32 – For out of Jerusalem shall go a remnant (שְׁאֵרִית)…
Isaiah 4:4
4 When the Lord will wash away
the filth of the daughters of Zion
and will rinse
the blood of Jerusalem from within her,
by a spirit of judgment
and by a spirit of burning.
Hebrew
Hebrew MT
אִם רָחַץ אֲדֹנָי אֵת צֹאַת בְּנוֹת־צִיּוֹן וְאֶת־דְּמֵי יְרוּשָׁלִַם יָדִיחַ מִקִּרְבָּהּ בְּרוּחַ מִשְׁפָּט וּבְרוּחַ בָּעֵר
Transliteration
im rächatzIf has washedאִם רָחַץ = if (He) has washed. Root: רָחַץ (rachatz), to wash or cleanse—often used in ritual or moral purification. adonäyThe Lordאֲדֹנָי = the Lord. Title denoting authority—often substituted for the divine name in reverence. et tzo'atThe filthאֵת צֹאַת = the filth. Root: צוֹאָה (tzo'ah), excrement or defilement—strong image for moral/spiritual corruption. b’nôt TziyonOf the daughters of Zionבְּנוֹת-צִיּוֹן = daughters of Zion. Symbolic of the people of God, often portraying spiritual condition. w’et-d’mëyAnd the bloodוְאֵת-דְּמֵי = and the blood. Root: דָּם (dam), blood—here likely representing guilt or violence. Y’rushaläyimOf Jerusalemיְרוּשָׁלִַם = Jerusalem. Represents the covenant city—both literal and spiritual dwelling of God’s people. yädiyachHe will rinse awayיָדִיחַ = he will rinse away. Root: דָּחָה (dachah), to wash away or drive off—symbol of thorough cleansing. miqqirbähFrom her midstמִקִּרְבָּהּ = from her midst. Root: קֶרֶב (qerev), inward part, center—refers to inner life or community core. b’rûach mishpätBy a spirit of judgmentבְּרוּחַ מִשְׁפָּט = by a spirit of judgment. Root: רוּחַ (ruach), spirit or wind; מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat), judgment—divine purging or justice. ûv’rûach ba’êrAnd by a spirit of burningוּבְרוּחַ בָּעֵר = and by a spirit of burning. Root: בָּעַר (ba’ar), to burn—often representing purification through fire.
Strong's Concordance
when
אִ֣ם ׀ (’im)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not
the Lord
אֲדֹנָ֗י (’ă·ḏō·nāy)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 136: The Lord
has washed away
רָחַ֣ץ (rā·ḥaṣ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7364: To wash, wash off or away, bathe
the filth
צֹאַ֣ת (ṣō·’aṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6675: Excrement, dirt, pollution
of the daughters
בְּנוֹת־ (bə·nō·wṯ-)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 1323: A daughter
of Zion
צִיּ֔וֹן (ṣî·yō·wn)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6726: Zion -- a mountain in Jerusalem, also a name for Jerusalem
and cleansed
יָדִ֣יחַ (yā·ḏî·aḥ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1740: To rinse, cleanse away by rinsing or washing
the bloodstains
דְּמֵ֥י (də·mê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed
from the heart
מִקִּרְבָּ֑הּ (miq·qir·bāh)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7130: The nearest part, the center
of Jerusalem
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם (yə·rū·šā·lim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel
by a spirit
בְּר֥וּחַ (bə·rū·aḥ)
Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit
of judgment
מִשְׁפָּ֖ט (miš·pāṭ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style
and a spirit
וּבְר֥וּחַ (ū·ḇə·rū·aḥ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - common singular
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit
of fire.
בָּעֵֽר׃ (bā·‘êr)
Verb - Piel - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 1197: To kindle, consume, to be, brutish
Translations
KJV – When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.
2 Nephi – When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment and by the spirit of burning.
BSB – when the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and cleansed the bloodstains from the heart of Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire.
ESV – when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and cleansed the bloodstains of Jerusalem from its midst by a spirit of judgment and by a spirit of burning.
NIV – The Lord will wash away the filth of the women of Zion; he will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire.
NASB – When the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and purged the bloodshed of Jerusalem from her midst, by the spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning.
BST – For the Lord shall wash away the filth of the sons and daughters of Sion, and shall purge out the blood from the midst of them, with the spirit of judgement, and the spirit of burning.
YLT – If the Lord hath washed away The filth of daughters of Zion, And the blood of Jerusalem purgeth from her midst, By the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.
Chabad – When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and the blood of Jerusalem He shall rinse from its midst, with a spirit of judgment and with a spirit of purging.
Alter – The Master shall surely wash the filth of the daughters of Zion, and Jerusalem’s bloodguilt He shall cleanse from its midst with a wind of justice and a wind of rooting-out.
Parallelism
Parallelism
A. Washed away the filth – purged the blood
B. Daughters of Zion – Jerusalem
C. By a spirit of judgment – by a spirit of burning
Synonymous Parallelism
Washed away / purged:
These verbs both describe acts of cleansing, one metaphorically through water, the other through fire—together conveying thorough purification.
Filth/blood:
“Filth” represents moral impurity, while “blood” may signify violence, injustice, or guilt (cf. Isaiah 1:15, “your hands are full of blood”). Both are removed to restore holiness.
Daughters of Zion / Jerusalem:
As often in Isaiah, Zion’s daughters personify the community, while “Jerusalem” represents the collective covenant body. The parallel shows personal and corporate cleansing.
Synthetic Parallelism
The cleansing acts (washing and purging) are explained or intensified by the means: “by a spirit of judgment and burning.” This builds intensity from the what to the how.
Literary Devices
Metaphor – Washing and Burning:
“Washing” represents purification from uncleanness; “burning” evokes the idea of refinement through fire, similar to smelting metals (cf. Isaiah 1:25). The cleansing is not gentle—it’s transformative.
Personification – Daughters of Zion / Jerusalem:
These cities and people are described as moral agents capable of guilt and renewal, reinforcing their covenant role.
Dual Instrument – Spirit of Judgment / Spirit of Burning:
A poetic device showing that God’s Spirit manifests in multiple forms—both just and consuming. It foreshadows the Holy Spirit as both purifier and judge.
Thematic Significance
Cleansing Precedes Glory:
This verse answers how the people in verse 3 become “holy.” Before restoration, there must be refinement. Holiness follows judgment.
Divine Agency:
The Spirit of the LORD is the active force behind the purification. It is not mere moral correction—it is divine intervention.
Isaian Pattern of Judgment-to-Renewal:
This is a hallmark of Isaiah’s theology: God first cleanses through judgment, then restores to glory. Isaiah 4:4 anchors this transformation in the spiritual realm.
Wordlinks
Washed away (רָחַץ – rāḥaṣ)
Root: רחץ – to wash, cleanse
Isaiah 4:4 – When the Lord has washed away (רָחַץ) the filth of the daughters of Zion…
Isaiah 1:16 – Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean… (רַחֲצוּ)
Isaiah 36:12 – …that they may eat their own dung and drink their own urine? (וְשָׁתוֹ מֵי רַגְלֵיהֶם) – context of bodily functions, related to cleansing
Isaiah 66:17 – Those who sanctify and purify themselves (וְהַמִּטַּהֲרִים) – related purification root but not exact word
Filth (צֹאָה – ṣōʾāh)
Root: צוֹא – filth, excrement, pollution (rare word in the Tanakh)
Isaiah 4:4 – Filth (צֹאָה) of the daughters of Zion
Only use in Isaiah – same root seen in Malachi 2:3 – "and spread dung (פֶּרֶשׁ) on your faces" (conceptually similar in prophetic rebuke)
Daughters (בְּנוֹת – bənôt)
Root: בת – daughter
Isaiah 4:4 – Daughters of Zion (בְּנוֹת צִיּוֹן)
Isaiah 3:16 – Moreover, the LORD says: “Because the daughters of Zion are haughty…”
Isaiah 10:30 – Cry aloud, O daughter of Gallim…
Isaiah 23:10 – Pass through your land like a river, O daughter of Tarshish…
Isaiah 37:22 – The virgin daughter of Zion has despised you…
Isaiah 62:11 – Say to the daughter of Zion, “Behold, your salvation comes…”
Purged (כִּפָּה – kippāh)
Root: כפר – to cover, atone, purge
Isaiah 4:4 – …and shall have purged (כִּפָּה) the blood of Jerusalem…
Isaiah 6:7 – …your iniquity is taken away and your sin purged (וְכֻפַּר)…
Isaiah 22:14 – This iniquity shall not be atoned for (יְכֻפַּר) until you die…
Isaiah 27:9 – By this the iniquity of Jacob will be atoned for (יְכֻפַּר)…
Isaiah 43:25 – I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions… (not כפר but parallel idea)
Blood (דָּם – dām)
Root: דם – blood, bloodshed
Isaiah 4:4 – …the blood of Jerusalem
Isaiah 1:15 – …your hands are full of blood (דָּמִים)
Isaiah 26:21 – …the earth shall disclose her blood
Isaiah 59:3 – …your fingers with iniquity, your lips have spoken lies, your tongue has muttered perverseness – contextually violent
Isaiah 63:3 – …their blood is sprinkled upon My garments
Spirit of judgment (רוּחַ מִשְׁפָּט – rūaḥ mišpāṭ)
Root: רוּחַ – spirit, wind; מִשְׁפָּט – judgment, justice
Isaiah 4:4 – by a spirit of judgment
Isaiah 11:2 – The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him… the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge…
Isaiah 28:6 – a spirit of justice (רוּחַ מִשְׁפָּט) to him who sits in judgment
Isaiah 30:28 – His breath, as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck…
Spirit of burning (רוּחַ בְּעֵר – rūaḥ bəʿēr)
Root: בער – to burn, kindle
Isaiah 4:4 – by a spirit of burning
Isaiah 10:17 – The Light of Israel will become a fire, and his Holy One a flame… it will burn and devour…
Isaiah 30:27 – Behold, the name of the LORD comes from afar, burning with His anger…
Isaiah 33:14 – Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire?
Isaiah 66:15 – For behold, the LORD will come in fire…
Isaiah 4:5
5 And YHWH will create
over the whole site of Mount Zion
and over her assemblies
a cloud by day and smoke,
and the brightness of flaming fire by night;
for over all the glory
a canopy.
Hebrew
Hebrew (MT)
עַל מֶה תֻכּוּ עוֹד תּוֹסִיפוּ סָרָה כָּל־רֹאשׁ לָחֳלִי וְכָל־לֵבָב דַּוָּי
Transliteration
uväräAnd will createוּבָרָא = and will create. Root: בָּרָא (bara), to create—used in contexts of divine origination or formation. YHWHYahwehיְהוָה = Yahweh, the divine name of God—often associated with covenant and redemptive acts. al-kol m’khônUpon every stationעַל כָּל-מְכוֹן = upon every station. Root: מָכוֹן (makhon), a fixed place, foundation, or dwelling site. har-TziyonOf Mount Zionהַר-צִיּוֹן = Mount Zion. Symbol of God's dwelling, covenant people, and ultimate redemption. v’al-miqrâéhäAnd upon her assembliesוְעַל-מִקְרָאֶהָ = and upon her assemblies. Root: מִקְרָא (mikra), convocation or gathering—often for worship or judgment. anän yomämA cloud by dayעָנָן יוֹמָם = a cloud by day. Symbol of divine guidance and covering (Exodus imagery). v’äshänAnd smokeוְעָשָׁן = and smoke. Symbol of God’s presence, awe, or judgment. v’nogah ësh lehävähAnd the brightness of flaming fireוְנֹגַהּ אֵשׁ לֶהָבָה = and brightness of flaming fire. נֹגַהּ (nogah) = radiance, flame. Symbol of divine glory and purification. layläBy nightלַיְלָה = by night. Often contrasts divine light against darkness—represents constant protection. ki al-kol-kavôdFor over all the gloryכִּי עַל-כָּל-כָּבוֹד = for over all the glory. Root: כָּבוֹד (kavod), glory, honor—divine presence or splendor. chuppähThere will be a canopyחֻפָּה = a canopy or covering—symbol of shelter, protection, and covenant (e.g., wedding imagery).
Strong's Concordance
Then the LORD
יְהוָ֡ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH
will create
וּבָרָ֣א (ū·ḇā·rā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1254: To create, to cut down, select, feed
over
עַל֩ (‘al)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against
all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every
of Mount
הַר־ (har-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country
Zion
צִיּ֜וֹן (ṣî·yō·wn)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6726: Zion -- a mountain in Jerusalem, also a name for Jerusalem
and over
וְעַל־ (wə·‘al-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against
her assemblies
מִקְרָאֶ֗הָ (miq·rā·’e·hā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 4744: Something called out, a public meeting, a rehearsal
a cloud
עָנָ֤ן ׀ (‘ā·nān)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6051: A cloud, the nimbus, thunder-cloud
of smoke
וְעָשָׁ֔ן (wə·‘ā·šān)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6227: Smoke
by day
יוֹמָם֙ (yō·w·mām)
Adverb
Strong's 3119: Daytime, by day
and a glowing
וְנֹ֛גַהּ (wə·nō·ḡah)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5051: Brilliancy
flame
לֶהָבָ֖ה (le·hā·ḇāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3852: A flash, a sharply polished blade, point of a, weapon
of fire
אֵ֥שׁ (’êš)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 784: A fire
by night.
לָ֑יְלָה (lā·yə·lāh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity
For
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction
over
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against
all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every
the glory
כָּב֖וֹד (kā·ḇō·wḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3519: Weight, splendor, copiousness
there will be a canopy,
חֻפָּֽה׃ (ḥup·pāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2646: A canopy, chamber
Translations
KJV – And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence.
2 Nephi – And the Lord will create upon every dwelling-place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for upon all the glory of Zion shall be a defence.
BSB – Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and a glowing flame of fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a canopy,
ESV – Then the Lord will create over the whole site of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud by day, and smoke and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory there will be a canopy.
NIV – Then the Lord will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything the glory will be a canopy.
NASB – Then the Lord will create over the entire area of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud by day, and smoke, and the brightness of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory will be a canopy.
BST – And he shall come, and it shall be with regard to every place of mount Sion, yea, all the region round about it shall a cloud overshadow by day, and there shall be as it were the smoke and light of fire burning by night: and upon all the glory shall be a defence.
YLT – Then hath Jehovah prepared Over every fixed place of Mount Zion, And over her convocations, A cloud by day, and smoke, And the shining of a flaming fire by night, That, over all honour a safe-guard,
Chabad – And the Lord shall create over every dwelling of Mount Zion and over all those summoned therein, a cloud by day and smoke, and splendor of a flaming fire at night, for, in addition to every honor, there will be a shelter.
Alter – And the LORD shall create over all the sanctuary of Mount Zion and over its solemn assemblies a cloud by day and an effulgence of flaming fire by night, for over all the glory there shall be a canopy.
Parallelism
Parallelism
A. Cloud by day – flaming fire by night
B. Dwelling places of Mount Zion – her assemblies
C. Over all the glory – there will be a canopy
Synonymous & Climactic Parallelism
Cloud/smoke / flaming fire:
These are synonymous and climactic symbols of God’s manifest presence, echoing the Exodus motif (Exodus 13:21–22). The progression from cloud to fire suggests fullness of divine protection, guidance, and glory—day and night.
Dwelling places/assemblies:
This pairing implies both personal and communal aspects of Zion—each home and each gathering benefits from God’s covering presence.
Over all the glory – a canopy:
“Glory” here likely refers to Zion’s purified state or God’s restored presence, and the “canopy” (Hebrew ḥuppāh) is a bridal or protective covering, symbolizing divine shelter and sanctity.
Literary Devices
Allusion – Exodus Theophany:
The cloud and fire imagery directly allude to God’s guidance and protection in the wilderness (cf. Exodus 40:34–38), suggesting that God will again be visibly present with His people.
Imagery – Canopy over Glory:
The “canopy” is a vivid visual metaphor for protection, bridal intimacy, and consecration. It signals that God is re-establishing covenantal dwelling with His purified people.
Divine Creation Motif – “Yahweh will create”:
The use of create (Hebrew bara) echoes Genesis 1, emphasizing new creation, order, and blessing after judgment.
Thematic Significance
Reversal of Judgment:
After fire and judgment (v.4), now fire symbolizes God’s presence and protection. What once consumed now preserves. This is a redemptive inversion.
Restoration of the Divine Presence:
God’s visible glory returns—not to the temple only, but over every dwelling and assembly, fulfilling Isaiah’s vision of a transformed, holy society.
Covenant Renewal:
The ḥuppāh (canopy) also has bridal connotations, hinting at a restored marriage covenant between Yahweh and Zion (cf. Isaiah 62:4–5).
Wordlinks
Create (וּבָרָא – ûvārāʾ)
Root: ברא – to create (used exclusively of divine creation)
Isaiah 4:5 – Then Yahweh will create (וּבָרָא) over the whole dwelling place of Mount Zion…
Isaiah 41:20 – …that they may see and know… that the hand of the LORD has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it.
Isaiah 42:5 – Thus says God the LORD, who created the heavens…
Isaiah 45:7 – I form the light and create darkness…
Isaiah 45:12 – I have made the earth and created man upon it…
Isaiah 65:17 – For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth…
Dwelling place (כָּל־מְכ֣וֹן – kol-məkhôn)
Root: כון – to be firm, established, a fixed place
Isaiah 4:5 – …over every dwelling place of Mount Zion
Psalm 89:14 – Righteousness and justice are the foundation (מְכ֣וֹן) of Your throne
1 Kings 8:13 – I have surely built You a dwelling place (בֵּית זְבֻל) – similar concept
Mount Zion (הַר־צִיּוֹן – har-Tsiyyôn)
Root: ציון – Zion (a poetic name for Jerusalem and the holy remnant)
Isaiah 4:5 – …of Mount Zion
Isaiah 1:27 – Zion will be redeemed with justice…
Isaiah 2:3 – …For out of Zion shall go forth the law…
Isaiah 10:12 – …punish the fruit of the arrogant heart… against Mount Zion
Isaiah 24:23 – Then the LORD of Hosts will reign in Mount Zion…
Isaiah 31:4 – …so shall the LORD of Hosts come down to fight for Mount Zion…
Assemblies (וְעַל־מִקְרָאֶהָ – wəʿal-miqrāʾeha)
Root: קרא – to call, summon, convocation
Isaiah 4:5 – …and over her assemblies
Leviticus 23:2 – …These are My appointed feasts, the holy convocations (מִקְרָאֵי קֹדֶשׁ)
Isaiah 1:13 – …I cannot endure iniquity and the solemn assembly (עֲצָרָה) – related in function
Nehemiah 8:8 – They read from the book… and gave the sense – context of gathered assembly
Isaiah 65:25 – Though not the same word, reflects the harmony expected in true worship gatherings
Cloud and smoke by day (עָנָ֤ן יוֹמָם֙ וְעָשָׁ֔ן – ʿānān yômām wəʿāshān)
Roots: ענן – cloud; עשן – smoke
Isaiah 4:5 – …a cloud by day and smoke
Exodus 13:21 – The LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud…
Exodus 19:18 – Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the LORD had descended…
Isaiah 6:4 – …and the house was filled with smoke
Shining of a flaming fire by night (נֹ֣גַהּ אֵ֤שׁ לֶהָבָה֙ – nōgaʿ ʾēsh lehāvāh)
Roots: נגה – brightness, shining; אש – fire; להב – flame
Isaiah 4:5 – …and the shining of a flaming fire by night
Exodus 13:21 – …by night in a pillar of fire to give them light
Isaiah 10:17 – The Light of Israel will be a fire, and his Holy One a flame
Isaiah 50:11 – …you who kindle a fire, who encircle yourselves with flames
Glory (כָּבוֹד – kāvôd)
Root: כבד – glory, weight, honor
Isaiah 4:5 – …for over all the glory there will be a canopy
Isaiah 2:10 – …from the terror of the LORD and the splendor (גָאוֹן) of His majesty (similar context)
Isaiah 6:3 – …the whole earth is full of His glory
Isaiah 35:2 – …they shall see the glory of the LORD
Isaiah 60:1 – Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you
Canopy (חֻפָּה – ḥuppāh)
Root: חפה – to cover (used for wedding canopy or divine protection)
Isaiah 4:5 – …a canopy (חֻפָּה)
Psalm 19:5 – …like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber (חֻפָּתוֹ)
Joel 2:16 – …let the bridegroom come out from his chamber, and the bride from her canopy
Isaiah 25:4 – …a shelter from the storm – parallel image of divine covering
Song of Songs 3:11 – …on the day of his wedding, the day of the gladness of his heart (bridal context)
Isaiah 4:6
6 And a booth shall be
for shade by day from the heat,
and for a refuge and a shelter
from storm and from rain.
Hebrew
Hebrew (MT)
וְסֻכָּה תִּהְיֶה לְצֵל־יוֹמָם מֵחֹרֶב וּלְמַחְסֶה וּלְמִסְתּוֹר מִזֶּרֶם וּמִמָּטָר פ
Transliteration
v'sukkähAnd there shall be a shelterוְסֻכָּה = and a shelter. Root: סֻכָּה (sukkah), a booth or canopy—symbolic of divine protection and temporary dwelling. tih'yëhWill beתִּהְיֶה = will be. Verb form of הָיָה (hayah), to be or to exist. l'tzel-yômämFor shade by dayלְצֵל-יוֹמָם = for shade by day. צֵל (tzel) = shadow, protection from heat; יוֹמָם (yomam) = in the daytime. mei-chórevFrom the heatמֵחֹרֶב = from heat or burning. Root: חֹרֶב (chorev), intense dryness or scorching heat—metaphor for trial or judgment. ul'mach'sehAnd for a refugeוּלְמַחְסֶה = and for a refuge. Root: מַחְסֶה (machseh), a place of shelter or safety. ul'mistôrAnd for a hiding placeוּלְמִסְתּוֹר = and for a hiding place. Root: מִסְתּוֹר (mistor), secret or covered place—emphasizes divine concealment or protection. mi-zeremFrom stormמִזֶּרֶם = from storm or tempest. Root: זֶרֶם (zerem), torrential downpour or divine wrath. u-mimmätarAnd from rainוּמִמָּטָר = and from rain. מָטָר (matar) = rain—can signify blessing or judgment depending on context.
Strong's Concordance
a shelter
וְסֻכָּ֛ה (wə·suk·kāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5521: A thicket, booth
to [give] shade
לְצֵל־ (lə·ṣêl-)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6738: A shadow
from the heat
מֵחֹ֑רֶב (mê·ḥō·reḇ)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2721: Dryness, drought, heat
by day,
יוֹמָ֖ם (yō·w·mām)
Adverb
Strong's 3119: Daytime, by day
and a refuge
וּלְמַחְסֶה֙ (ū·lə·maḥ·seh)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4268: Refuge, shelter
and hiding place
וּלְמִסְתּ֔וֹר (ū·lə·mis·tō·wr)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4563: Place of shelter
from the storm
מִזֶּ֖רֶם (miz·ze·rem)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2230: A flood of rain, rainstorm, downpour
and the rain.
וּמִמָּטָֽר׃ (ū·mim·mā·ṭār)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4306: Rain
Translations
KJV – And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.
2 Nephi – And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and a covert from storm and from rain.
BSB – a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and the rain.
ESV – There will be a booth for shade by day from the heat, and for a refuge and a shelter from the storm and rain.
NIV – It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.
NASB – And there will be a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and refuge and protection from the storm and the rain.
BST – And it shall be for a shadow from the heat, and as a shelter and a hiding place from inclemency of weather and from rain.
YLT – And a covering may be, For a shadow by day from drought, And for a refuge, and for a hiding place, From inundation and from rain!
Chabad – And a tabernacle shall be for shade by day from the heat, and for a shelter and for a covert from stream and from rain.
Alter – And a shelter it shall be as a shade by day from heat and a covert and refuge from pelting rain.
Parallelism
Parallelism
A. Shelter – refuge – cover
B. Shade by day – from storm and rain
Synonymous & Synthetic Parallelism
Shelter/refuge/cover:
These terms amplify one another, building a threefold picture of protection. The progression enhances the sense of security, expanding from basic shade to full protection from all external threats.
Heat/storm / rain:
These natural forces represent both literal hardship and symbolic threats (e.g., judgment, chaos, oppression). Their pairing with protection terms underscores comprehensive divine safeguarding.
Shade by day – storm and rain:
These contrasts present full-spectrum coverage: day and night, heat and storm, suggesting God’s presence is constant and holistic.
Literary Devices
Metaphor – Shelter from elements:
The shelter represents God’s protective presence, not just physically, but spiritually and covenantally. The imagery of protection from sun and rain evokes peace, stability, and rest.
Inclusio (with v.5):
This verse closes the literary unit begun in v.5, forming a protective frame: the glory of God as a canopy (v.5), and now the shelter as covering (v.6). Together they form a poetic enclosure signaling complete restoration.
Symbolism – Elements of judgment tamed:
Heat, storm, and rain can be symbols of God’s wrath (cf. Isaiah 25:4, Psalm 91). Here, they are rendered powerless, showing that Zion has entered divine favor.
Thematic Significance
Divine Protection Restored:
After judgment and purging (v.4), and God’s glory re-established (v.5), this verse portrays the peaceful conditions of the new Zion: every threat neutralized, every household sheltered.
Re-Creation Theme:
Just as Eden provided protection and peace, so now Zion is a new sanctuary—a microcosm of divine order and peace in a once-chaotic world.
Fulfillment of Covenant Promises:
The language of refuge and covering echoes God’s promises to be a shield and shelter (cf. Psalm 91, Isaiah 25:4). This verse affirms God’s faithfulness to His purified remnant.
Wordlinks
Shelter / Booth (סֻכָּה – sukkāh)
Root: סכך – to cover, shelter
Isaiah 4:6 – And there will be a shelter (סֻכָּה) for shade by day…
Leviticus 23:42 – You shall dwell in booths (סֻכּוֹת) seven days…
Psalm 27:5 – For He will hide me in His shelter (סֻכּוֹ) in the day of trouble
Jonah 4:5 – Jonah made a booth (סֻכָּה) and sat under it for shade
Amos 9:11 – I will raise up the fallen booth (סֻכַּת) of David
Shade / Shadow (צֵל – tsēl)
Root: צלל – to shade, grow dark
Isaiah 4:6 – …for shade (צֵל) by day from the heat
Psalm 91:1 – He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty
Isaiah 25:4 – …a shade from the heat
Isaiah 30:2 – …to seek shelter in the shadow of Egypt
Jonah 4:6 – …a plant grew to provide shade for Jonah’s head
Heat / Scorching (חֹרֶב – ḥōrev)
Root: חרב – to be dry, scorched
Isaiah 4:6 – …from the scorching heat
Deuteronomy 32:24 – They shall be wasted with hunger and devoured by burning heat (חֵמֶה)
Psalm 121:6 – The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night
Jonah 4:8 – The sun beat down on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint
Refuge / Shelter (מַחְסֶה – maḥseh)
Root: חסה – to seek refuge
Isaiah 4:6 – …and for a refuge (מַחְסֶה) and a hiding place from storm and rain
Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge (מַחֲסֶה) and strength
Isaiah 25:4 – You have been a refuge (מַחְסֶה) for the poor
Isaiah 28:15 – We have made lies our refuge
Isaiah 28:17 – …the hail will sweep away the refuge of lies
Hiding place / Shelter (מִסְתּוֹר – mistôr)
Root: סתר – to hide, conceal
Isaiah 4:6 – …and a hiding place (מִסְתּוֹר) from storm and rain
Psalm 32:7 – You are my hiding place (סֵתֶר); You shall preserve me from trouble
Isaiah 32:2 – …as a hiding place from the wind
Isaiah 28:17 – …and waters will overflow the hiding place
Job 24:15 – The eye of the adulterer waits for the twilight, saying, “No eye will see me”; and he disguises his face (concept of hiding)
Storm (זֶרֶם – zerem)
Root: זרם – to gush, pour down violently
Isaiah 4:6 – …from storm (זֶרֶם) and rain
Isaiah 28:2 – Behold, the Lord has a strong and mighty one, like a storm of hail
Job 24:8 – They are wet with the storm (זֶרֶם) of the mountains
Nahum 1:8 – With an overflowing flood (שֶׁטֶף) He will make an end of the place
Rain (מָטָר – māṭār)
Root: מטר – to rain
Isaiah 4:6 – …and rain (מָטָר)
Deuteronomy 11:14 – I will give the rain of your land in its season
Isaiah 30:23 – He will also give rain for your seed
Ezekiel 34:26 – I will cause the showers to come down in their season
Zechariah 10:1 – Ask the LORD for rain in the time of the latter rain