Isaiah 4:3

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass, that he that is left {H7604} in Zion {H6726}, and he that remaineth {H3498} in Jerusalem {H3389}, shall be called {H559} holy {H6918}, even every one that is written {H3789} among the living {H2416} in Jerusalem {H3389}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Those left in Tziyon and remaining in Yerushalayim will be called holy, and everyone in Yerushalayim written down for life.

Berean Standard Bible

Whoever remains in Zion and whoever is left in Jerusalem will be called holy— all in Jerusalem who are recorded among the living—

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 4:3 presents a profound prophetic vision of a purified remnant in Jerusalem, a select group who, having survived divine judgment, will be distinguished by their holiness and divinely inscribed among the living. This verse encapsulates God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant, promising a future restoration where a sanctified community will dwell securely in His presence, marked by spiritual purity and divine election.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 4:3 forms a pivotal part of a larger prophetic oracle spanning chapters 2-4, which vividly contrasts the impending judgment upon a rebellious Judah and Jerusalem with a glorious future restoration. Chapters 2 and 3 meticulously detail the nation's spiritual decay, idolatry, and social injustice, culminating in a severe pronouncement of the "Day of the Lord"—a period of divine reckoning that will humble the proud and purge the wicked. Following this intense depiction of judgment, Isaiah 4 transitions to a vision of hope. While [Isaiah 4:1](/isaiah/4-1 "Isaiah 4:1 - Desperate Women") portrays the desperate state of women seeking marriage after the decimation of men, the subsequent verses, including [Isaiah 4:2](/isaiah/4-2 "Isaiah 4:2 - The Branch of the Lord"), introduce the "Branch of the Lord" and the beauty of the surviving remnant, setting the stage for the purification and holiness described in [Isaiah 4:3](/isaiah/4-3 "Isaiah 4:3 - The Holy Remnant"). This verse, therefore, serves as a bridge, illustrating the outcome of God's refining fire: a small, holy, and divinely preserved community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah were 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 and spiritual compromise. The people of Judah had largely abandoned the covenant of Yahweh, engaging in idolatry, social injustice, and moral corruption, as detailed in [Isaiah 1](/isaiah/1 "Isaiah 1 - Rebuke and Promise") and [Isaiah 3](/isaiah/3 "Isaiah 3 - Judgment on Judah and Jerusalem"). The cultural norms reflected a society where outward religious observance often masked inward rebellion. Isaiah's message was a stark warning of impending judgment (often through foreign invaders like Assyria or later Babylon) for their unfaithfulness, but also a profound promise of a future restoration for a faithful remnant. The concept of a "remnant" was culturally significant, representing those who survived a catastrophe, but in prophetic terms, it signified a divinely preserved and purified group, often those who remained faithful or were brought back to faithfulness through suffering.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is the **Theme of the Remnant**, emphasizing that not all of Israel will be saved, but a select, purified group will endure God's judgment. This concept is crucial to understanding God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite widespread apostasy, as seen in [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20-22 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant of Israel"). Closely related is the **Theme of Holiness and Purification**, where the surviving remnant is not merely spared but actively "called holy," signifying a divine act of cleansing and consecration. This holiness is both a gift and a calling, reflecting God's own character and His desire for His people to be set apart for Him, echoing the command in [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy"). Finally, the phrase "written among the living" introduces the **Theme of Divine Enrollment and Preservation**, akin to the "Book of Life" mentioned in later scriptures like [Psalm 69:28](/psalm/69-28 "Psalm 69:28 - Book of the Living") and [Revelation 20:15](/revelation/20-15 "Revelation 20:15 - The Book of Life"). This signifies God's sovereign knowledge, election, and eternal preservation of those who are truly His, ensuring their inclusion in the redeemed community of the future.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **left (Hebrew, _shâʼar_):** This primitive root (H7604) properly means "to swell up," but by implication, it refers to what is "left" or "remains." In the context of judgment, it signifies those who survive a catastrophic event, often a small portion of the original population. Here, it underscores the idea of a **remnant**, not merely those who physically survive, but those divinely preserved for a redemptive purpose, highlighting God's selective grace amidst widespread destruction.
* **holy (Hebrew, _qâdôwsh_):** Derived from the root `qadash`, meaning "to be set apart, consecrated." This word (H6918) denotes something or someone that is sacred, ceremonially or morally pure, and dedicated exclusively to God. When applied to the remnant, it signifies a profound transformation and purification, where the survivors are not just ethically upright but divinely consecrated and separated from the defilement that characterized the unfaithful nation. It implies both an imputed status and an imparted character, reflecting God's own nature.
* **written (Hebrew, _kâthab_):** A primitive root (H3789) meaning "to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)." This verb conveys the idea of a definitive, permanent, and authoritative record. In this context, it refers to a divine register, a "book" or list maintained by God. The act of being "written" implies divine knowledge, election, and secure inclusion in God's redeemed community, signifying an unbreakable bond and eternal preservation. This writing is "among the living" (H2416, _chay_), emphasizing that these are not merely names on a list, but individuals who possess true life, both physical and spiritual, in God's sight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass, [that he that is] left in Zion, and [he that] remaineth in Jerusalem,"**: This opening clause sets the stage for a future event, a divine intervention that follows a period of intense judgment. The phrases "he that is left" (from _shâʼar_) and "he that remaineth" (from _yâthar_) are synonymous, emphasizing the concept of a divinely preserved remnant. This remnant is specifically located "in Zion" and "in Jerusalem," signifying that despite the widespread judgment that will decimate the population, God will preserve a portion of His people within His holy city. This highlights God's faithfulness to His promises concerning Jerusalem and His covenant people, even when they have been unfaithful.
* **"shall be called holy,"**: This is the defining characteristic of the remnant. To be "called holy" (from _qâdôwsh_) implies a divine declaration and a transformative reality. It means they will be recognized and constituted as sacred, set apart for God's exclusive possession and service. This holiness is not merely outward ritual or ethical uprightness but an inward purity, a reflection of their cleansing from the defilement that previously plagued the nation. It speaks to a renewed spiritual state, a restoration of their covenant relationship with God.
* **"even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem:"**: This final clause clarifies and reinforces the identity of the holy remnant. They are not just any survivors, but specifically those whose names are "written" (from _kâthab_) in a divine register. To be "written among the living" (from _chay_) signifies divine election and preservation, akin to the "Book of Life." It assures their vital connection to God, the source of life, and their secure inclusion in the community of the redeemed. The repetition of "in Jerusalem" anchors this future hope to the specific geographical and theological locus of God's presence among His people, emphasizing the security and belonging of this purified community.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 4:3 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with "Zion" and "Jerusalem" symbolizing not merely the physical city but the spiritual heart of God's covenant people and the place of His dwelling. The "remnant" itself is a powerful symbol of God's preserving grace amidst judgment, representing those who are purified and faithful. The concept of being "called holy" symbolizes a new spiritual status and character, a divine transformation from defilement to consecration. Furthermore, "written among the living" is a vivid symbol of divine election, eternal security, and inclusion in God's eternal plan, evoking the imagery of a heavenly register. The verse also utilizes **Repetition** through the synonymous phrases "he that is left" and "he that remaineth," reinforcing the idea of a divinely preserved, select group. This repetition, coupled with the repeated mention of "in Jerusalem," emphasizes the specific location and the particularity of this blessed remnant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 4:3 stands as a beacon of hope within a larger prophetic context of judgment, underscoring God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people despite their widespread apostasy. It highlights the profound theological truth that God always preserves a faithful remnant, a concept central to biblical theology, demonstrating His sovereign election and redemptive purpose. This remnant is not merely survivors but a divinely purified and consecrated community, reflecting God's own holiness and His desire for His people to be set apart for Him. The "writing among the living" speaks to the eternal security and intimate knowledge God has of those who are truly His, providing an assurance of divine preservation and inclusion in His ultimate kingdom. This verse thus prefigures the New Covenant community, where true spiritual Israel, comprised of those justified and sanctified by God, are eternally secure in His divine register.

* [Romans 9:27](/romans/9-27 "Romans 9:27 - The Remnant of Israel")
* [1 Peter 1:16](/1_peter/1-16 "1 Peter 1:16 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy")
* [Revelation 20:15](/revelation/20-15 "Revelation 20:15 - The Book of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 4:3 offers a powerful message of both warning and hope for believers today. In a world often characterized by moral decay, spiritual apathy, and widespread unfaithfulness, this verse reminds us that God always preserves a people for Himself. It challenges us to consider whether we are part of that "remnant"—not merely in name, but in genuine spiritual purity and dedication to God. The call to be "called holy" is not an outdated command but a timeless invitation to live a life set apart for God, reflecting His character in our thoughts, words, and actions. This requires a conscious turning away from the world's defilements and a commitment to spiritual growth and obedience. Furthermore, the assurance of being "written among the living" provides immense comfort and security. It speaks to God's personal knowledge and eternal preservation of His own, reminding us that our salvation is not dependent on our fleeting efforts but on His sovereign grace and unbreakable covenant. This truth should inspire perseverance in faith, courage in the face of adversity, and a deep sense of belonging to God's eternal family, spurring us on to live lives worthy of our divine calling.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does my life reflect the "holiness" that Isaiah 4:3 describes for the remnant?**
* **How does the concept of being "written among the living" impact my assurance of salvation and my daily walk with God?**
* **Considering the context of judgment preceding this promise, what does this verse teach me about God's justice and His mercy?**
* **How can I actively pursue spiritual purity and separation from worldly defilements in my personal and communal life?**

### FAQ
**Who is "the remnant" in Isaiah 4:3?**

Answer: In Isaiah 4:3, "the remnant" refers to a select group of survivors who endure God's purifying judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem. They are not merely those who physically escape destruction, but a divinely preserved and transformed community. This remnant is characterized by their holiness and their names being "written among the living," signifying God's sovereign election and their spiritual vitality. This concept of a remnant is a recurring theme in biblical prophecy, indicating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises even amidst widespread apostasy, ensuring that a righteous seed will remain to carry forward His redemptive plan, as seen in [Romans 9:27](/romans/9-27 "Romans 9:27 - The Remnant of Israel").

**What does it mean to be "called holy" in this verse?**

Answer: To be "called holy" (Hebrew: _qâdôwsh_) signifies a profound spiritual transformation and divine consecration. It means that the remnant is declared and made sacred, set apart for God's exclusive possession and service. This holiness is not merely an external designation but implies an internal purification from the sins that led to judgment. It reflects God's own character and His desire for His people to be morally and spiritually pure, echoing the divine command found in [1 Peter 1:16](/1_peter/1-16 "1 Peter 1:16 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy"). It is both a status bestowed by God and a character cultivated by His grace.

**What is the significance of being "written among the living" in Jerusalem?**

Answer: The phrase "written among the living" points to a divine register or "Book of Life," a concept found throughout scripture (e.g., [Psalm 69:28](/psalm/69-28 "Psalm 69:28 - Book of the Living"), [Revelation 20:15](/revelation/20-15 "Revelation 20:15 - The Book of Life")). It signifies God's personal knowledge, sovereign election, and eternal preservation of those who are truly His. To have one's name written in this book means secure inclusion in God's redeemed community, assurance of eternal life, and a vital, living relationship with Him. It contrasts sharply with those whose names are not written, implying a destiny of separation from God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 4:3 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of the "Branch of the Lord" mentioned in [Isaiah 4:2](/isaiah/4-2 "Isaiah 4:2 - The Branch of the Lord"). The remnant spoken of in this verse is ultimately gathered and constituted in Him. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ provides the means for true holiness, fulfilling the prophecy that the preserved ones "shall be called holy." We are made holy not by our own merit, but by being "sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified by Christ's Offering")). Furthermore, the concept of being "written among the living" points directly to Christ as the one in whom true life resides. He is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")), and it is through faith in Him that our names are eternally inscribed in the "Lamb's book of life" ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - The Lamb's Book of Life")). The New Testament portrays the Church, comprised of both Jews and Gentiles united in Christ, as the true spiritual Zion, the holy city where God's redeemed people dwell, purified by His blood and secured by His grace ([Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22-24 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")). Thus, Isaiah 4:3 is not merely a prophecy about a physical remnant, but a profound foreshadowing of the spiritual remnant, the Church, called to holiness and eternally preserved in 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

Luke 10:20

Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

Isaiah 60:21

Thy people also [shall be] all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.

Isaiah 52:1

¶ Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.

Psalms 69:28

Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.

Exodus 32:32

Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.

Exodus 32:33

And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.

Revelation 21:27

And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.