Isaiah 17:11

KJV

In the day shalt thou make thy plant to grow, and in the morning shalt thou make thy seed to flourish: [but] the harvest [shall be] a heap in the day of grief and of desperate sorrow.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the day {H3117} shalt thou make thy plant {H5194} to grow {H7735}, and in the morning {H1242} shalt thou make thy seed {H2233} to flourish {H6524}: but the harvest {H7105} shall be a heap {H5067} in the day {H3117} of grief {H2470} and of desperate {H605} sorrow {H3511}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Though you make them grow on the day you plant them, and in the morning your seedlings flower; the crop will vanish the day disease comes, a day of incurable pain.

Berean Standard Bible

though on the day you plant you make them grow, and on that morning you help your seed sprout— yet the harvest will vanish on the day of disease and incurable pain.

American Standard Version

In the day of thy planting thou hedgest it in, and in the morning thou makest thy seed to blossom; but the harvest fleeth away in the day of grief and of desperate sorrow.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 17:11, embedded within a prophetic oracle concerning the judgment of Damascus and Ephraim, delivers a profound and somber warning against human self-reliance. It vividly contrasts the diligent, even desperate, efforts of those who meticulously cultivate their own plans and security apart from divine wisdom, only to witness their anticipated "harvest" collapse into a desolate "heap" of profound grief and desperate sorrow. The verse serves as a stark reminder that true prosperity, stability, and lasting peace are rooted exclusively in reliance upon the Lord, not in human ingenuity, strength, or strategic alliances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 17 is part of a larger collection of "burdens" or prophetic oracles against foreign nations (Isaiah 13-23), though it uniquely intertwines the impending judgment of Damascus (Aram) with that of Ephraim (the northern kingdom of Israel). This chapter immediately follows a series of pronouncements against Babylon and Philistia, and it precedes a section dealing with the overwhelming Assyrian threat and God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations. Verse 11 stands as a direct consequence and vivid illustration of the spiritual indictment laid out in [Isaiah 17:10](/isaiah/17-10 "Isaiah 17:10 - Forgetting God, the Rock of Salvation"), which explicitly states, "Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength." This crucial connection establishes that the "day of grief and of desperate sorrow" is not an arbitrary misfortune but a direct, divinely ordained outcome of spiritual amnesia and a failure to trust in the Lord. The agricultural imagery of planting, growing, flourishing, and harvesting in verse 11 thus becomes a powerful and poignant metaphor for the ultimate futility of human endeavors when God is deliberately excluded from the foundation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Isaiah 17 is widely understood to be set against the backdrop of the Syro-Ephraimite War, which occurred around 735-732 BC. During this tumultuous period, Aram (Damascus) and Israel (Ephraim) formed an alliance against Judah, attempting to coerce King Ahaz into joining their coalition to resist the rapidly expanding and formidable Assyrian empire. Culturally, ancient Israel was fundamentally an agrarian society, where the cycles of planting, cultivating, and harvesting were not merely economic activities but deeply embedded in their worldview, daily rhythms, and religious festivals. Consequently, agricultural metaphors were readily understood and carried immense emotional and practical weight. A "heap" in the context of a harvest would signify utter and catastrophic failure, a ruined crop, or a pile of worthless debris, standing in stark and devastating contrast to the expected bounty of a successful yield. The "day of grief and of desperate sorrow" vividly reflects the devastating consequences of military defeat, famine, and subsequent exile that would inevitably befall these nations due to their misguided political alliances and profound spiritual apostasy, highlighting the real-world impact of their choices.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 17:11 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost among these is the **Futility of Self-Reliance**, illustrating with stark clarity how intense human effort, meticulous planning, and diligent execution, when undertaken independently of divine wisdom and blessing, ultimately culminate in ruin and desolation. The diligent "planting" and "flourishing" depicted in the verse represent humanity's persistent attempts to secure prosperity and stability through their own means—whether through strategic military alliances, economic endeavors, or personal achievements—rather than placing their trust in the sovereign God. This profound futility resonates deeply with the wisdom expressed in [Psalm 127:1](/psalms/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - The Lord Builds the House"), which declares, "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it." Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment** as an inevitable and just consequence of spiritual rebellion and misplaced trust. The "heap" and the "day of grief and of desperate sorrow" are not arbitrary misfortunes but rather the righteous recompense for forgetting God and relying solely on human strength. This serves as a powerful manifestation of the biblical principle of **Sowing and Reaping**, where the choices made (forgetting God and pursuing self-reliance) directly lead to a bitter and devastating harvest (desperate sorrow), a truth eloquently articulated in [Hosea 8:7](/hosea/8-7 "Hosea 8:7 - Sowing the Wind and Reaping the Whirlwind"): "For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **plant (Hebrew, _neṭaʻ'_):** From the root meaning "to plant," this noun (H5194) refers to a young plant or, collectively, a plantation. In Isaiah 17:11, it symbolizes the meticulous human effort, investment, and careful cultivation of their own self-devised plans, strategies, and sources of security. It speaks to the intense, personal involvement in nurturing their endeavors, whether political alliances, military strength, or economic pursuits, all undertaken apart from a foundational reliance on God.
* **flourish (Hebrew, _pârach'_):** This primitive root (H6524) means "to break forth as a bud," "bloom," or "spread." It conveys the idea of vigorous growth, success, or expansion. The use of this word emphasizes the initial appearance of vitality, promising progress, or the high hopes associated with human efforts. It suggests that the "seed" of their endeavors appears to be thriving, at least superficially or in its early stages, in the "morning" of their efforts.
* **heap (Hebrew, _nêd'_):** Derived from the sense of "piling up," this noun (H5067) denotes a mound, pile, or heap. In this prophetic context, it signifies a pile of ruins, desolation, or something utterly worthless. It represents the catastrophic failure and complete destruction of what was painstakingly cultivated, transforming the anticipated bounty of a harvest into a worthless accumulation of debris, signifying utter futility and loss.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the day shalt thou make thy plant to grow,"**: This initial clause emphasizes the diligence, immediacy, and continuous effort applied to human plans. "In the day" suggests a persistent, active, and perhaps even frantic, tending to their "plant"—their self-devised strategies and alliances—with the expectation of tangible, visible results. The verb "make to grow" highlights their active, intentional role in fostering this growth, underscoring their self-sufficient approach.
* **"and in the morning shalt thou make thy seed to flourish:"**: This second clause reinforces the intensity, promptness, and eagerness with which these efforts are undertaken. "In the morning" signifies an early start and unwavering dedication, suggesting that from the very outset, they are committed to ensuring their "seed"—their foundational efforts and initial investments—will thrive. The phrase "make thy seed to flourish" speaks to their desire for impressive and rapid success, anticipating a bountiful yield from their independent endeavors, perhaps even believing they can hasten the natural process.
* **"but the harvest shall be a heap"**: This marks the dramatic, devastating, and ironic turning point of the verse. Despite all the diligent "planting" and "flourishing," the expected "harvest"—the culmination of their efforts and the anticipated reward or security—will be nothing more than a "heap." This signifies utter ruin, worthlessness, and a complete failure to achieve any lasting benefit or security from their self-reliant pursuits. The stark "but" introduces a powerful contrast, highlighting the absolute reversal of expectations.
* **"in the day of grief and of desperate sorrow."**: This final clause specifies the profound nature and emotional impact of the failed harvest. The "heap" is not merely a material or strategic loss but precipitates deep, internal distress. "Grief" (châlâh, H2470) denotes profound affliction, sickness of soul, or deep pain, while "desperate sorrow" (kᵉʼêb, H3511, from ʼânash, H605, meaning "to be frail, feeble, or melancholy") conveys a sense of incurable pain, woeful anguish, and utter despair. This emphasizes that the ultimate consequences of forgetting God and relying on self are not just external failures but pierce the very heart, leading to an inescapable and profound sense of loss and hopelessness.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 17:11 is masterfully crafted using several potent literary devices. The primary device is **Metaphor**, specifically an extended **agricultural metaphor**. The acts of "making thy plant to grow" and "making thy seed to flourish" are vivid, relatable images of human effort, meticulous planning, and significant investment, symbolizing attempts to secure prosperity, stability, or success through self-reliance. This detailed agricultural imagery sets up a powerful **Juxtaposition** and **Contrast** with the devastating outcome: "but the harvest shall be a heap." The anticipated bounty and flourishing growth are replaced by worthless desolation and ruin, creating a stark and ironic reversal of expectations. The word "heap" itself functions as a potent **Symbol** of utter futility, catastrophic failure, and worthlessness. Furthermore, the concluding phrase, "in the day of grief and of desperate sorrow," utilizes **Pathos** to evoke a strong emotional response, highlighting the profound, incurable anguish and despair that inevitably result from trusting in anything other than the sovereign God. The entire verse, with its vivid imagery and stark contrast, functions as a powerful **Prophetic Warning**, using concrete, agrarian terms to communicate a profound spiritual and theological truth about divine judgment and the dire consequences of forgetting God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 17:11 powerfully articulates a core biblical truth: human effort, however diligent, well-intentioned, or strategically executed, is ultimately futile and leads to sorrow when undertaken independently of God's wisdom and blessing. It profoundly underscores the absolute sovereignty of the Lord over all outcomes, revealing that true prosperity, lasting security, and genuine flourishing are not products of human ingenuity or strength but are gifts bestowed by divine favor. The "heap" of a harvest symbolizes the emptiness, desolation, and utter worthlessness that result from misplaced trust, whether in political alliances, military might, economic prowess, or personal achievements, rather than in the "God of thy salvation" [Isaiah 17:10](/isaiah/17-10 "Isaiah 17:10 - Forgetting God, the Rock of Salvation"). This verse serves as a timeless and sobering reminder that while hard work and diligent planning are commendable and often necessary, their ultimate fruitfulness and enduring value depend entirely on their foundation—whether it is built upon the shifting sands of self-reliance or the solid, unchanging rock of divine favor and obedience.

* [Psalm 127:1](/psalms/127-1 "The Lord Builds the House")
* [Hosea 8:7](/hosea/8-7 "Sowing the Wind and Reaping the Whirlwind")
* [Galatians 6:7-8](/galatians/6-7-8 "Sowing to the Spirit and Sowing to the Flesh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 17:11 presents a profound challenge, urging us to deeply examine the ultimate source of our hope, security, and the foundation upon which all our efforts are built. In a contemporary world that often champions self-sufficiency, strategic planning, relentless pursuit of success, and the accumulation of personal achievements, this verse stands as a crucial and counter-cultural narrative. We must honestly ask ourselves: Are we diligently "planting" and "flourishing" our lives, careers, relationships, financial plans, or even our spiritual ministries based primarily on our own wisdom, strength, and perceived resources, subtly or overtly neglecting God's guidance and sovereignty? Or are we intentionally and consistently building upon the solid, unshakeable foundation of God's Word, seeking His divine wisdom, relying on His abundant provision, and consecrating our efforts to His glory? The "day of grief and of desperate sorrow" serves as a stark and sobering reminder that the ultimate "harvest" of a life lived predominantly apart from God's sovereignty will inevitably be one of profound disappointment, desolation, and unfulfilled longing, regardless of initial appearances of success. True, lasting prosperity, genuine peace, and enduring security come only from a right, dependent relationship with God, where our endeavors are consecrated to Him and empowered by His boundless grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I most prone to rely on my own efforts, intellect, or resources, rather than actively seeking God's guidance and provision?**
* **What might a "heap in the day of grief and of desperate sorrow" concretely look like in my own life if I continue to build apart from God's will and wisdom?**
* **How can I more intentionally and consistently "remember the God of my salvation" in my daily decisions, long-term plans, and responses to life's challenges?**

### FAQ
**What does the "heap" signify in Isaiah 17:11?**

Answer: The "heap" (Hebrew: *nêd*, H5067) in Isaiah 17:11 signifies the utter ruin, desolation, and worthlessness of what was painstakingly cultivated by human effort. It represents the catastrophic failure and complete collapse of human plans and endeavors when they are undertaken apart from God. Despite the diligent "planting" and "flourishing" of their efforts, the anticipated "harvest" turns into a pile of debris, symbolizing a complete lack of lasting value, security, or beneficial outcome. It is the bitter fruit of forgetting God, as explicitly stated in [Isaiah 17:10](/isaiah/17-10 "Isaiah 17:10 - Forgetting God, the Rock of Salvation"), leading to profound "grief and desperate sorrow."

**Is this verse a condemnation of hard work or planning?**

Answer: No, Isaiah 17:11 is not a condemnation of hard work, diligence, or wise planning in themselves. The Bible consistently commends diligence, industry, and prudent stewardship (e.g., [Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6-6-11 "Proverbs 6:6-11 - Go to the Ant, You Sluggard") and [Proverbs 21:5](/proverbs/21-5 "Proverbs 21:5 - The Plans of the Diligent")). Rather, this verse is a powerful warning against the *source* of reliance and the *foundation* upon which work and plans are built. The problem is not the effort itself, but the presumption that human effort, ingenuity, or strength alone can guarantee success, security, or lasting prosperity, apart from the blessing and sovereign will of the Lord. The "heap" is the devastating result of misplaced trust and spiritual forgetfulness, not merely a lack of effort.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 17:11, with its stark portrayal of human efforts culminating in a "heap of grief and desperate sorrow," finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound reversal in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Humanity, in its fallen state, continually "plants" and "flourishes" its own kingdoms, seeking security, righteousness, and prosperity apart from God, only to inevitably reap a harvest of death, brokenness, and despair, as evidenced by the pervasive futility of self-salvation. However, Jesus Christ is the true "plant" and "seed" that God Himself cultivated, the "root of Jesse" [Isaiah 11:10](/isaiah/11-10 "Isaiah 11:10 - The Root of Jesse") who truly flourished in perfect obedience to the Father. His life, culminating in His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, was not a "heap" of failure but the ultimate, perfect harvest, bringing forth abundant and eternal life for all who believe [John 12:24](/john/12-24 "John 12:24 - The Grain of Wheat"). Where human efforts lead to "desperate sorrow," Christ offers true comfort, an enduring hope, and a peace that transcends earthly grief and tribulation [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Peace in Christ"). The "day of grief" for humanity becomes the "day of salvation" through Christ's atoning sacrifice, as He bore the full weight of our sorrow, sickness, and sin on the cross, taking our "heap" upon Himself [Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - Christ Bears Our Griefs and Sorrows"). In Him, our labor is not in vain, for He is the one who truly builds the house and gives the increase to our spiritual efforts [1 Corinthians 3:6-9](/1_corinthians/3-6-9 "1 Corinthians 3:6-9 - God Gives the Increase"). Our ultimate "harvest" of righteousness, joy, and eternal life is secured not by our own diligent planting, but by abiding in Him, the true vine, from whom all true fruitfulness flows [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abide in the Vine").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 4:8

Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.

Hosea 8:7

For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up.

Isaiah 65:13

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:

Isaiah 65:14

Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.

Matthew 8:11

And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 8:12

But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Hosea 10:12

Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for [it is] time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.