Isaiah 32:10

KJV

Many days and years shall ye be troubled, ye careless women: for the vintage shall fail, the gathering shall not come.

KJV (with Strong's)

Many days {H3117} and years {H8141} shall ye be troubled {H7264}, ye careless women {H982}: for the vintage {H1210} shall fail {H3615}, the gathering {H625} shall not come {H935}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In a year and a few days more, you overconfident women will shudder, because the vintage will fail, the harvest will not come.

Berean Standard Bible

In a little more than a year you will tremble, O secure ones. For the grape harvest will fail and the fruit harvest will not arrive.

American Standard Version

For days beyond a year shall ye be troubled, ye careless women; for the vintage shall fail, the ingathering shall not come.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 32:10 delivers a stark prophetic warning to the complacent women of Judah, symbolizing a broader societal spiritual apathy and false security. It foretells a prolonged period of distress and economic devastation, specifically highlighting the failure of the grape harvest and the general ingathering of crops. This judgment serves as a direct consequence of their carefree and self-indulgent lifestyle, which has led them to disregard divine warnings and rely on fleeting material comforts rather than God's enduring provision and righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a significant prophetic section of Isaiah, specifically [Isaiah 32](/isaiah/32 "Isaiah 32 - A Righteous King and Desolation Foretold"). Chapters 28-33 form a unit of "Woes," denouncing various forms of unfaithfulness and false security in Judah and Jerusalem. [Isaiah 32:1-8](/isaiah/32-1 "Isaiah 32:1-8 - The Reign of a Righteous King") initially paints a picture of a future righteous king and the blessings of his reign, contrasting sharply with the current moral and spiritual decay. Immediately preceding our verse, [Isaiah 32:9](/isaiah/32-9 "Isaiah 32:9 - Warning to Complacent Women") directly addresses the "careless women," initiating a specific oracle of judgment against their complacency. The verses following [Isaiah 32:10](/isaiah/32-10 "Isaiah 32:10 - Prophecy of Desolation") describe the ensuing desolation of the land and cities ([Isaiah 32:13-14](/isaiah/32-13 "Isaiah 32:13-14 - Desolation of the Land")), before a dramatic shift to a promise of the Spirit's outpouring and future restoration ([Isaiah 32:15-20](/isaiah/32-15 "Isaiah 32:15-20 - The Spirit Poured Out and Future Peace")). Thus, [Isaiah 32:10](/isaiah/32-10 "Isaiah 32:10 - Prophecy of Desolation") serves as a pivotal moment, marking the transition from the present complacency to the imminent judgment that precedes ultimate restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah was delivered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, primarily in the 8th century BCE, amidst the rising threat of the Assyrian Empire. Jerusalem, though often spared direct conquest, faced immense political pressure, economic instability, and spiritual decline. The "careless women" mentioned in [Isaiah 32:9-10](/isaiah/32-9 "Isaiah 32:9-10 - Warning to Complacent Women") likely represent the affluent, privileged class within Jerusalem society who felt secure due to their wealth or political alliances, oblivious to the impending national catastrophe. In an agrarian society like ancient Judah, the failure of the "vintage" (grape harvest) and "gathering" (general crop collection) would signify catastrophic economic collapse and famine, directly impacting the very source of their comfort and security. This imagery would resonate deeply with a people whose livelihood was intrinsically linked to the land's productivity, underscoring the severity of the coming divine judgment.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [Isaiah 32](/isaiah/32 "Isaiah 32 - A Righteous King and Desolation Foretold"), and particularly in [Isaiah 32:10](/isaiah/32-10 "Isaiah 32:10 - Prophecy of Desolation"), is **divine judgment on complacency**. The "careless women" embody a society that has grown spiritually apathetic, prioritizing material comfort and a false sense of security over faithfulness to God. This complacency leads to **economic devastation** as a direct consequence, symbolized by the failed harvests, which removes the very foundations of their worldly trust. This judgment, however, is not final; it serves as a painful prelude to a future **restoration and spiritual renewal**, where the Spirit will be poured out, and righteousness will prevail, as hinted at in [Isaiah 32:15](/isaiah/32-15 "Isaiah 32:15 - The Spirit Poured Out"). The passage underscores the principle that true security and lasting prosperity are found only in reliance upon God, not in fleeting earthly provisions or self-assurance, a theme echoed in other prophetic warnings against false confidence like [Jeremiah 17:5-8](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5-8 - Cursed is the one who trusts in man").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **careless (Hebrew, _bâṭach'_):** From H982, this word primarily means "to trust" or "to be confident/sure," but here it carries a negative connotation of being overly secure, presumptuous, or even heedless. The "careless women" are those who trust in their own prosperity, status, or perceived invulnerability, leading to a dangerous indifference to God's warnings and a lack of spiritual vigilance. Their "carelessness" is not merely thoughtlessness but a profound spiritual complacency rooted in misplaced confidence.
* **troubled (Hebrew, _râgaz'_):** From H7264, this word describes a violent emotional or physical shaking, quivering, or trembling. It conveys a sense of deep disquiet, fear, agitation, or even rage. When applied to the "careless women," it signifies a dramatic reversal of their current state of ease. The future will bring them not peace, but profound inner turmoil and outward distress, a complete disruption of their comfortable existence, causing them to quake with fear and anxiety.
* **fail (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** From H3615, this primitive root means "to end," "to cease," "to be finished," or "to perish." When applied to the vintage, it signifies a complete cessation or destruction of the harvest. It's not merely a poor yield but an utter failure, indicating a total loss of the expected produce. This word emphasizes the absolute and devastating nature of the economic judgment, leaving no hope for recovery from that particular season's agricultural output.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Many days and years shall ye be troubled,"**: This clause emphasizes the prolonged and enduring nature of the impending judgment. It's not a fleeting hardship but a sustained period of distress, indicating that the consequences of their complacency will be deeply felt over a significant duration, affecting their lives for "days and years." The verb "troubled" (râgaz) suggests a profound inner and outer turmoil, a shaking that will shatter their false sense of security.
* **"ye careless women:"**: This is the direct address, identifying the recipients of the warning. The "careless women" (bâṭach) are those who have lived in a state of self-assured ease, trusting in their material comforts and ignoring spiritual realities. They represent a segment of society, perhaps the wealthy and influential, whose spiritual apathy and moral indifference are particularly egregious in God's sight. Their "carelessness" is a spiritual malady that invites divine discipline.
* **"for the vintage shall fail,"**: This clause introduces the specific reason and nature of the trouble. The "vintage" (bâtsîyr), referring to the grape harvest, was a crucial part of the ancient Israelite economy and a symbol of joy and prosperity. Its failure (kâlâh) signifies a catastrophic agricultural and economic collapse. This is not just a natural disaster but a divine judgment, directly impacting their source of wealth and pleasure.
* **"the gathering shall not come."**: This final clause parallels and reinforces the previous one, broadening the scope of the agricultural disaster. "The gathering" (ʼôçeph) refers to the general ingathering of all crops and fruits at the end of the harvest season. Its failure to "come" (bôwʼ) means a complete lack of any yield, confirming widespread famine and economic ruin. This double declaration underscores the totality and certainty of the impending deprivation, leaving no doubt about the severity of the judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 32:10 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its urgent message. **Personification** is evident in the direct address to "ye careless women," where this specific group serves as a representative figure for the broader complacent society of Judah. This allows the prophet to sharply rebuke a specific manifestation of national spiritual apathy. **Metonymy** and **Symbolism** are powerfully used through the imagery of the "vintage" and "gathering." These agricultural terms are not merely literal references to crops but stand metonymically for the entire economic prosperity, material security, and celebratory life of the people. Their failure thus symbolizes the complete collapse of the very foundations upon which the "careless women" had built their confidence. The **parallelism** between "the vintage shall fail" and "the gathering shall not come" reinforces the certainty and totality of the impending judgment, emphasizing that no part of their agricultural bounty, and by extension, their economic stability, will remain. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a direct **prophetic warning**, a common feature in Isaiah's writings, designed to shock the complacent into repentance by vividly portraying the dire consequences of their spiritual indifference.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 32:10 powerfully articulates the biblical principle that spiritual complacency and a misplaced trust in worldly security inevitably invite divine judgment. The "careless women" symbolize a deeper societal issue: a heart that has grown indifferent to God's commands and warnings, finding its confidence in material abundance rather than in the Lord. This passage underscores that God, in His justice, will strip away false securities to reveal the emptiness of relying on anything other than Him. The economic devastation described is not arbitrary but a direct consequence, designed to humble and reorient a people who have forgotten their dependence on their Creator. It serves as a stark reminder that true prosperity and lasting peace are contingent upon righteousness and obedience, not upon accumulated wealth or a perceived state of invulnerability. This judgment, though severe, is ultimately meant to lead to repentance and a future restoration, as hinted at later in the chapter.
* [Amos 6:1](/amos/6-1 "Amos 6:1 - Woe to those at ease in Zion")
* [Jeremiah 8:13](/jeremiah/8-13 "Jeremiah 8:13 - No Grapes on the Vine")
* [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 32:10 serves as a timeless mirror for contemporary believers, challenging us to examine the true source of our security and to guard against spiritual complacency. In an age of unprecedented material comfort and technological advancement, it is easy to become "careless," trusting in our financial portfolios, career stability, or national strength rather than in the sovereign hand of God. This verse calls us to spiritual vigilance, to continually assess whether our hearts are truly anchored in Christ or subtly drifting towards reliance on fleeting worldly provisions. It reminds us that true security is found not in what we possess or in our perceived invulnerability, but in our relationship with God. When we become complacent, ignoring spiritual disciplines, neglecting the poor, or turning a blind eye to injustice, we risk inviting a form of "trouble" that exposes the fragility of our earthly foundations. The "failure of the vintage" can manifest in various ways in our lives – a loss of peace, a breakdown in relationships, or a spiritual barrenness – all designed by God to reawaken us to our dependence on Him and to cultivate a deeper trust in His provision and purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be exhibiting "carelessness" or misplaced confidence, relying more on earthly provisions than on God?**
* **How does the imagery of a failed harvest challenge my understanding of true security and prosperity?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a spirit of vigilance and dependence on God, rather than succumbing to spiritual apathy?**

### FAQ
**What does "careless women" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "careless women" (Hebrew: _bâṭach_) refers to women who are living in a state of ease, security, and often self-indulgence, without concern for impending judgment or spiritual realities. They represent a segment of society, likely the affluent women of Jerusalem, who felt secure in their wealth and position, oblivious to the warnings of God through His prophet Isaiah. Their "carelessness" is not merely thoughtlessness but a profound spiritual complacency and misplaced trust in their own stability, rather than in God. This term highlights a dangerous spiritual apathy that permeated society.

**Why is the failure of the "vintage" and "gathering" so significant?**

Answer: In ancient Judah, an agrarian society, the "vintage" (grape harvest) and the general "gathering" of crops were the backbone of the economy and a source of immense joy and provision. Their failure, as described in [Isaiah 32:10](/isaiah/32-10 "Isaiah 32:10 - Prophecy of Desolation"), signifies a catastrophic economic collapse, leading to famine, poverty, and widespread distress. This imagery powerfully conveys the severity of the divine judgment, indicating that the very sources of their comfort and livelihood would be stripped away. It's a direct consequence designed to expose the fragility of their earthly security and to humble a people who had relied on their own abundance. Similar imagery of agricultural devastation as a sign of judgment can be found in [Joel 1:10-12](/joel/1-10 "Joel 1:10-12 - The Land Mourns").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 32:10 pronounces judgment on the complacent, its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual resolution are found in Christ. The "trouble" and "failure" described here foreshadow the ultimate judgment that falls upon those who reject God's provision, yet it also sets the stage for the true and lasting security found in Jesus. He is the righteous King promised in [Isaiah 32:1-8](/isaiah/32-1 "Isaiah 32:1-8 - The Reign of a Righteous King"), whose reign brings not temporary prosperity but eternal righteousness and peace. Unlike the failed vintage and gathering that symbolize earthly scarcity, Christ is the true bread of life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the living water ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")), offering spiritual sustenance that never fails. The complacency of the "careless women" finds its antithesis in the vigilance and faith called for by Christ ([Matthew 24:42](/matthew/24-42 "Matthew 24:42 - Be Alert")). Furthermore, the judgment of the failed harvest points to the ultimate spiritual harvest, where those who are "in Christ" will bear abundant fruit for the Kingdom ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - I am the Vine, you are the Branches")), while those who remain complacent and reject Him will face a final, eternal separation from His provision. Thus, Isaiah's warning highlights the necessity of turning from self-reliance to Christ, who alone offers unfailing security and an eternal harvest of righteousness.

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 7:23

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] every place shall be, where there were a thousand vines at a thousand silverlings, it shall [even] be for briers and thorns.

Jeremiah 8:13

¶ I will surely consume them, saith the LORD: [there shall be] no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade; and [the things that] I have given them shall pass away from them.

Isaiah 24:7

The new wine mourneth, the vine languisheth, all the merryhearted do sigh.

Isaiah 24:12

In the city is left desolation, and the gate is smitten with destruction.

Hosea 3:4

For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and [without] teraphim:

Isaiah 16:10

And gladness is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field; and in the vineyards there shall be no singing, neither shall there be shouting: the treaders shall tread out no wine in [their] presses; I have made [their vintage] shouting to cease.

Joel 1:12

The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, [even] all the trees of the field, are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men.