Isaiah 4:3

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:

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}:

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

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

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;

Isaiah 4:3 offers a profound glimpse into a future of divine restoration and purification for God's people. This verse speaks of a select group that will survive a period of judgment and be distinguished by their holiness.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophetic section in Isaiah (chapters 2-4) that contrasts the severe judgment awaiting a rebellious Judah and Jerusalem with a glorious future restoration. Chapters 2 and 3 detail the pride, idolatry, and moral decay that will lead to God's judgment, often referred to as the "Day of the Lord." Following this purging, Isaiah 4 then paints a picture of a renewed Jerusalem, where the few who remain will be divinely cleansed and set apart.

Key Themes

  • The Remnant: The phrase "he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem" highlights the concept of a remnant. This is not everyone, but a purified group who survive God's judgment. This theme of a faithful remnant is crucial throughout biblical prophecy, signifying God's continued covenant faithfulness even amidst widespread apostasy. The idea of a remnant is also seen in Romans 9:27 and Isaiah 10:21.
  • Holiness and Purity: Those who remain "shall be called holy." This holiness is not merely an external designation but implies an internal transformation, a purification from the sins that led to judgment. It suggests a renewed relationship with God, characterized by moral and spiritual purity. This divine call to holiness echoes across scripture, as seen in 1 Peter 1:16.
  • Divine Enrollment: The phrase "every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem" points to a divine record, akin to the Book of Life mentioned in the New Testament. To be "written among the living" signifies God's personal knowledge and eternal preservation of those who are His. It's an assurance of salvation and inclusion in the redeemed community.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "holy" is qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ), which fundamentally means "set apart" or "consecrated." Here, it emphasizes that the remnant will be set apart for God's special purpose and service, purified from defilement. The phrase "written among the living" uses the Hebrew verb katab (כָּתַב), meaning "to write." It conveys the idea of a definitive and enduring record, a divine register of those who belong to God and are destined for eternal life.

Practical Application

Isaiah 4:3 offers a message of hope and a challenge for believers today. It reminds us that even in times of widespread unfaithfulness or societal decay, God preserves a remnant for Himself. For Christians, this verse can symbolize the Church, the community of believers who are called to be set apart and holy in a fallen world. It underscores the importance of spiritual purity and living a life that reflects God's character. Furthermore, the concept of being "written among the living" provides profound assurance of God's personal knowledge and eternal security for those who are in Christ, encouraging perseverance and faith in His ultimate plan of redemption and restoration.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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