Isaiah 27:3

KJV

I the LORD do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest [any] hurt it, I will keep it night and day.

KJV (with Strong's)

I the LORD {H3068} do keep {H5341} it; I will water {H8248} it every moment {H7281}: lest any hurt {H6485} it, I will keep {H5341} it night {H3915} and day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"I, ADONAI, guard it. Moment to moment I water it. So that no harm will come to it, I guard it night and day.

Berean Standard Bible

I, the LORD, am its keeper; I water it continually. I guard it night and day so no one can disturb it;

American Standard Version

I Jehovah am its keeper; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 27:3 presents a profound declaration of God's unwavering commitment to His people, often symbolized as a vineyard. It assures them of the Lord's personal, continuous, and vigilant guardianship, promising constant sustenance and protection against any harm, day and night. This verse serves as a powerful testament to divine faithfulness and sovereign care, offering deep comfort and security to those under His watch, highlighting His active role in their preservation and flourishing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 27:3 is situated within a section of Isaiah (chapters 24-27) often dubbed "Isaiah's Apocalypse," which prophesies a future day of universal judgment and the ultimate restoration of God's people. Specifically, chapter 27 provides a stark contrast to the earlier "Song of the Vineyard" in [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1-7 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard"), where Israel, depicted as a vineyard, yielded wild grapes and faced divine judgment and destruction. In [Isaiah 27:2](/isaiah/27-2 "Isaiah 27:2 - The Vineyard of Wine"), the imagery shifts to a "pleasant vineyard" or "vineyard of wine," signifying a redeemed and fruitful Israel. Verse 3 directly follows this renewed depiction, emphasizing the Lord's personal and constant involvement in nurturing and protecting this restored vineyard after periods of chastisement and purification. The preceding verses ([Isaiah 27:1-2](/isaiah/27-1-2 "Isaiah 27:1-2 - Judgment on Leviathan and the Vineyard of Wine")) speak of God's triumph over cosmic evil and the subsequent care for His people, setting the stage for the intimate promise of divine preservation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a vineyard was deeply resonant in ancient Israelite culture, as viticulture was a significant agricultural activity and a common metaphor for the nation itself. Vineyards required meticulous care, constant watering, and vigilant guarding against pests, wild animals, and thieves. This cultural understanding made the metaphor of God as the vineyard keeper particularly vivid and relatable. Historically, Israel had experienced periods of unfaithfulness, leading to divine judgment and exile. The prophecies in Isaiah often addressed these historical realities, offering both warnings and promises of future restoration. The promise of God's continuous "watering" and "keeping" would have been a powerful message of hope and reassurance to a people who had experienced devastating periods of spiritual and national drought and vulnerability. It speaks to a future where God's protective hand would be perpetually upon them, unlike their past experiences of abandonment due to their sin.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is **Divine Preservation and Care**, highlighting God's active and unwavering commitment to His chosen people, ensuring their survival and flourishing. This is closely linked to **Covenant Faithfulness**, as God demonstrates His steadfastness despite Israel's past failings, reaffirming His enduring promises for a repentant remnant. The concept of **Constant Sustenance and Growth** is also central, as the "watering every moment" signifies God's continuous provision for spiritual vitality and fruitfulness, echoing the life-giving flow described in [John 15:1-8](/john/15-1-8 "John 15:1-8 - Christ the True Vine"). Furthermore, the theme of **Unceasing Vigilance** is powerfully conveyed by the promise to "keep it night and day," underscoring the absolute and uninterrupted nature of God's watchfulness, a truth also found in [Psalm 121:4](/psalm/121-4 "Psalm 121:4 - The Lord who keeps Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps"). This continuous guardianship provides ultimate security and peace, assuring that no external or internal threat can ultimately overcome God's protected people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred personal name of God, YHWH, derived from a root meaning "to be hot," signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal." Its presence here emphasizes that it is not merely a generic deity but the sovereign, personal God of Israel, the covenant-keeping God, who is actively involved in preserving His people. The use of this name underscores the divine authority and unwavering commitment behind the promise.
* **keep (Hebrew, _nâtsar'_):** This verb signifies "to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.)." It implies active, diligent attention and vigilance. In this context, it highlights God's role as a watchful guardian, not merely observing but actively intervening to ensure the safety and well-being of His vineyard. This "keeping" is a deliberate, protective act of divine preservation.
* **water (Hebrew, _shâqâh'_):** This word means "to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to; cause to drink, moisten." It speaks of providing sustenance and refreshment. In the context of a vineyard, watering is essential for growth and fruitfulness. God's promise to "water it every moment" signifies His continuous, life-giving provision, ensuring spiritual vitality and productivity for His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I the LORD do keep it":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine agent and the nature of the action. "I the LORD" emphasizes God's personal, sovereign involvement and covenant faithfulness, using His sacred name, YHWH. The verb "keep" (nâtsar) denotes active guardianship, protection, and preservation. It signifies that God Himself is the diligent watchman over His vineyard, Israel, actively safeguarding it.
* **"I will water it every moment":** This clause details the continuous provision of life and vitality. "Water" (shâqâh) is essential for growth, especially in a vineyard. "Every moment" (rega', literally "to moments" or "a wink of the eyes," indicating a very short space of time) stresses the uninterrupted, perpetual nature of this divine care. God's sustenance is not sporadic but constant, ensuring the ongoing flourishing and fruitfulness of His people.
* **"lest [any] hurt it, I will keep it night and day":** This final clause explains the purpose and extent of God's guardianship. "Lest any hurt it" reveals the protective intent against all potential harm, whether from external enemies or internal decay. The repetition of "I will keep it" reinforces the unwavering nature of His watch. "Night and day" signifies ceaseless vigilance, emphasizing that God's protection is absolute and never ceases, providing ultimate security in all circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 27:3 is rich in **Metaphor**, primarily extending the central image of Israel as a **vineyard** from [Isaiah 27:2](/isaiah/27-2 "Isaiah 27:2 - The Vineyard of Wine"). This metaphor vividly conveys the intimate relationship between God and His people, depicting them as a precious cultivation requiring divine care. The actions attributed to God—"keep" and "water"—are anthropomorphic, portraying Him as a diligent **Gardener** or **Watchman**, a form of **Anthropomorphism** that makes His divine attributes relatable. The phrases "every moment" and "night and day" employ **Hyperbole** to emphasize the absolute and continuous nature of God's vigilance and provision, suggesting an unending, unceasing commitment. The repetition of "I will keep it" serves as **Anaphora** and **Emphasis**, reinforcing the certainty and steadfastness of God's promise of protection. The overall tone is one of profound **Assurance** and **Comfort**, designed to instill trust in God's unfailing providence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 27:3 powerfully articulates the biblical theme of God's unwavering faithfulness and meticulous care for His people. It underscores His role as the ultimate protector and provider, demonstrating that His commitment to His covenant is eternal and active. This divine guardianship is not a passive observation but an energetic, moment-by-moment engagement, ensuring the spiritual vitality and security of those He has chosen. The imagery of watering and keeping speaks to both sustenance for growth and defense against harm, portraying a holistic divine providence that encompasses every aspect of His people's well-being. This passage offers profound assurance that God's watchfulness is absolute, providing security against all threats, both seen and unseen, and guaranteeing the ultimate flourishing of His redeemed.

* [Psalm 121:3-4](/psalm/121-3-4 "Psalm 121:3-4 - The Lord is your Keeper") – "He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep."
* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God's Faithfulness to Complete His Work") – "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
* [John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - No one can snatch them out of My hand") – "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 27:3 offers profound comfort and a robust foundation for faith in the life of every believer. It reminds us that our spiritual growth and security are not dependent on our fluctuating efforts or the stability of external circumstances, but on the unceasing, personal care of the Almighty God. In a world fraught with uncertainties, anxieties, and spiritual battles, this verse serves as an anchor, assuring us that the Lord Himself is our vigilant guardian and constant provider. We are His precious vineyard, and He is tirelessly at work, watering us with His Word and Spirit, and protecting us from every adversary, both seen and unseen. This truth calls us to rest in His sovereign care, to trust His providence even when circumstances seem bleak, and to bear fruit in response to His continuous nourishment, knowing that His watch never ceases, night or day. It invites us to live with a deep sense of security, knowing that the Eternal One is personally committed to our welfare.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God as a diligent gardener or watchman impact your understanding of His care for your life?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to trust God's "watering every moment" for sustenance and growth?**
* **What fears or anxieties might be alleviated by truly embracing the promise that God "will keep it night and day"?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to abide more deeply in Christ, recognizing your dependence on His continuous provision and protection?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "vineyard" imagery in Isaiah 27:3?**

Answer: The "vineyard" imagery in Isaiah 27:3 is highly significant. In the Old Testament, particularly in Isaiah, Israel is often depicted as God's vineyard. While [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1-7 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard") portrays a vineyard that produced wild grapes and faced judgment, [Isaiah 27:2](/isaiah/27-2 "Isaiah 27:2 - The Vineyard of Wine") reintroduces the vineyard as "pleasant" or "of wine," signifying a redeemed and fruitful Israel. Thus, in Isaiah 27:3, the vineyard represents God's people, specifically the restored and faithful remnant, whom He personally cultivates, protects, and sustains. It underscores God's intimate relationship with His people and His commitment to their flourishing, emphasizing a future of divine favor and fruitfulness.

**How does "every moment" and "night and day" emphasize God's care?**

Answer: The phrases "every moment" (Hebrew: _rega'_, meaning "a wink" or "a very short space of time") and "night and day" are powerful expressions of God's continuous and uninterrupted vigilance. "Every moment" highlights the constant, minute-by-minute provision of spiritual nourishment, ensuring that His people never lack what they need for growth. It speaks to the immediacy and ceaselessness of His provision. "Night and day" signifies ceaseless protection, implying that God's watchfulness knows no breaks or lapses, regardless of circumstances or time. Together, these phrases convey the absolute, unwavering, and perpetual nature of God's divine care and guardianship, offering profound assurance and security to His people, ensuring their safety and vitality at all times.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 27:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of God's faithful guardianship and life-giving provision. If Israel was God's vineyard, then Christ is the [True Vine](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine"), and believers are the branches who draw their life and fruitfulness directly from Him. The promise, "I the LORD do keep it; I will water it every moment," is perfectly realized in Christ, who continually nourishes His church through His Spirit and Word, ensuring their spiritual vitality. He is the Good Shepherd who [lays down His life for the sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd") and promises that [no one can snatch them out of His hand](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No one can snatch them out of My hand"). The vigilance of God, keeping His people "night and day lest any hurt it," is perfectly demonstrated in Christ's intercessory work, as [He ever lives to make intercession for us](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession"). Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ has secured the eternal preservation of His people, overcoming sin and death, and guaranteeing that the work God began in them [He will bring to completion at the day of Jesus Christ](/philippians/1-6 "God's Faithfulness to Complete His Work"). Thus, Isaiah 27:3 paints a prophetic picture of the secure, nourished, and eternally protected reality that is fully realized in union with Christ.

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

Isaiah 58:11

And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

John 15:1

¶ I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

John 15:2

Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

1 Samuel 2:9

He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

Psalms 121:3

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Psalms 121:5

The LORD [is] thy keeper: the LORD [is] thy shade upon thy right hand.

Ezekiel 34:11

For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, [even] I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.