Isaiah 5:4

KJV

What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?

KJV (with Strong's)

What could have been done {H6213} more to my vineyard {H3754}, that I have not done {H6213} in it? wherefore {H4069}, when I looked {H6960} that it should bring forth {H6213} grapes {H6025}, brought it forth {H6213} wild grapes {H891}?

Complete Jewish Bible

What more could I have done for my vineyard that I haven't already done in it? So why, when I expected good grapes, did it produce sour, wild grapes?

Berean Standard Bible

What more could I have done for My vineyard than I already did for it? Why, when I expected sweet grapes, did it bring forth sour fruit?

American Standard Version

What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 5:4 presents God's poignant rhetorical question within the "Song of the Vineyard," an allegorical lament expressing divine disappointment. It powerfully highlights the meticulous and exhaustive care God, as the vineyard owner, has invested in His "vineyard"—representing the house of Israel and the men of Judah. The verse starkly contrasts this perfect divine provision with Israel's utter failure to yield the expected fruit of righteousness, instead producing "wild grapes" of injustice and corruption. This profound question underscores God's just expectation of a return on His investment and His deep sorrow over Israel's spiritual barrenness, setting the stage for the pronouncement of impending judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 5:4 serves as the climactic rhetorical question within the "Song of the Vineyard" (Isaiah 5:1-7), a pivotal piece of prophetic literature in the book of Isaiah. The preceding verses ([Isaiah 5:1-2](/isaiah/5-1-2 "Isaiah 5:1-2 - The Vineyard Owner's Care")) meticulously detail the vineyard owner's extraordinary efforts: clearing the land of stones, planting choice vines, building a watchtower for protection, and digging a winepress for the harvest. This elaborate description of divine investment sets up the profound sense of betrayal and disappointment expressed in verse 4. The song then transitions from parable to direct indictment in [Isaiah 5:7](/isaiah/5-7 "Isaiah 5:7 - The Vineyard's Identity and Failure"), explicitly identifying the vineyard as the "house of Israel" and the "men of Judah," and drawing a devastating parallel between the expected "justice" (mishpat) and "righteousness" (tsedaqah) and the "bloodshed" (mishpach) and "outcry" (tse'aqah) that Israel actually produced. This verse functions as the turning point, moving from the owner's lament to the justification for the severe judgments that follow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah is situated in the 8th century BCE, a tumultuous period for the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Under kings like Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, the nation experienced cycles of prosperity and decline, but consistently suffered from deep moral and spiritual decay. Despite God's covenant relationship and His constant providential care, the people of Judah had become entrenched in social injustice, idolatry, and spiritual apathy. They systematically oppressed the poor, perverted the legal system, and engaged in various forms of unfaithfulness, directly violating the Mosaic Covenant. Vineyards were a vital part of the agrarian economy and culture of ancient Israel, symbolizing prosperity, blessing, and often the nation itself. The meticulous care described in the song would have resonated deeply with an audience intimately familiar with viticulture, making God's question about the vineyard's failure all the more poignant and culturally relevant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and diligent provision**, demonstrating that He held nothing back in cultivating His people for a specific purpose—to be a light to the nations and a people reflecting His righteousness. Conversely, it exposes **human unfaithfulness and spiritual apostasy**, as Israel consistently failed to live up to their covenant responsibilities despite God's perfect care, producing "wild grapes" of injustice and oppression instead of the "good grapes" of righteousness. This leads directly to the theme of **divine disappointment and just judgment**, as God's profound sorrow over their rebellion foreshadows the severe consequences detailed in the subsequent "Woes" of [Isaiah 5:8-25](/isaiah/5-8-25 "Isaiah 5:8-25 - The Woes Against Israel"). Furthermore, the **metaphor of the vineyard** is a recurring biblical motif, representing God's people or kingdom, emphasizing His careful cultivation and expectation of spiritual fruit, a theme later echoed by Jesus in parables like the wicked tenants in [Matthew 21:33-46](/matthew/21-33-46 "Matthew 21:33-46 - Parable of the Wicked Tenants") and His teaching on the true vine in [John 15:1-8](/john/15-1-8 "John 15:1-8 - Jesus the True Vine").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **vineyard (Hebrew, _kerem'_):** From an unused root of uncertain meaning, this term refers to a garden or vineyard. In this context, it is a powerful symbol for the nation of Israel and Judah. The imagery of a vineyard implies careful cultivation, expectation of fruit, and a valuable possession. God's question emphasizes that no effort was spared in its establishment and maintenance.
* **done (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." This word is repeated multiple times in the verse ("done more," "have not done," "bring forth," "brought it forth"). Its broad semantic range underscores the comprehensive and diligent action of the vineyard owner (God). It encompasses all the preparatory work (clearing, planting, building) and the expected outcome (bearing fruit), highlighting the totality of God's investment and the stark contrast with the vineyard's output.
* **wild grapes (Hebrew, _bᵉʼushîym'_):** Plural of בְּאֹשׁ, meaning "poison-berries" or "wild grapes." This term refers to something utterly worthless, rotten, and offensive in smell and taste. This dramatically contrasts with the "grapes" (`H6025, 'ênâb`) that were expected, emphasizing the complete and offensive failure of the vineyard to produce anything beneficial, symbolizing Israel's spiritual decay, injustice, and moral corruption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it?"**: This is a profound rhetorical question that expresses God's lament and frustration. It asserts that God, as the vineyard owner, has exhausted every conceivable effort and resource to ensure the vineyard's productivity. He has provided perfectly and completely, leaving no stone unturned in His cultivation of Israel. The question powerfully implies that the fault for the lack of good fruit lies entirely with the vineyard, not with the owner's provision or diligent care.
* **"wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?"**: This clause highlights the shocking discrepancy between divine expectation and human reality. God "looked" (from `H6960 qâvâh`, implying hopeful anticipation and patient waiting) for the vineyard to produce sweet, good grapes (`H6025 'ênâb`), which symbolize righteousness, justice, and faithfulness. Instead, it yielded "wild grapes" (`H891 bᵉʼushîym`), which are bitter, foul, and worthless, symbolizing Israel's perversion of justice, oppression, and spiritual corruption. This stark contrast underscores the depth of God's disappointment and the egregious nature of Israel's unfaithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 5:4 is rich with literary artistry, serving to amplify its powerful message. The primary device is **Rhetorical Question**, which God poses to underscore the undeniable truth of His perfect provision and Israel's inexcusable failure. This question is an integral part of an extended **Allegory** or **Parable** (the "Song of the Vineyard"), where the vineyard represents Israel, the owner represents God, and the fruit represents the nation's spiritual output. The use of **Personification** is evident as the vineyard is treated as an entity capable of producing or failing to produce, implying a moral responsibility and accountability. There is a powerful **Contrast** and **Juxtaposition** between the expected "grapes" (good fruit) and the actual "wild grapes" (foul, worthless fruit), highlighting the profound disparity between God's desire for righteousness and Israel's reality of injustice. Finally, **Symbolism** is pervasive throughout the passage: the vineyard symbolizes God's chosen people, the diligent care symbolizes His covenant faithfulness and abundant provision, and the "wild grapes" symbolize the bitter fruit of their sin, rebellion, and moral corruption.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 5:4 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle of divine expectation and human accountability within the context of God's covenant relationship. It reveals God as a diligent and faithful cultivator who invests fully in His people, providing all necessary resources for spiritual flourishing. The verse implicitly teaches that God's grace and provision are not passive; they come with a just expectation of a return—namely, lives that reflect His character and purpose. Israel's failure to bear good fruit, despite God's perfect care, underscores the gravity of spiritual barrenness and unfaithfulness, demonstrating that divine patience has limits and that unrighteousness will inevitably lead to judgment. This serves as a timeless reminder that privilege entails responsibility, and God's investment demands a response of obedience and fruitfulness.

* [Psalm 80:8-19](/psalms/80-8-19 "Psalm 80:8-19 - God's Vineyard and Israel's Decline")
* [Jeremiah 2:21](/jeremiah/2-21 "Jeremiah 2:21 - The Degenerate Vine")
* [Matthew 21:33-46](/matthew/21-33-46 "Matthew 21:33-46 - Parable of the Wicked Tenants")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 5:4 serves as a powerful mirror for believers today, prompting deep introspection regarding our own spiritual lives. Just as God meticulously cultivated His ancient vineyard, He continues to lavish His grace, truth, and Spirit upon us through His Word, the Church, and countless personal blessings. The rhetorical question, "What could have been done more...?" echoes in our hearts, challenging us to consider if we are truly responding to His abundant provision with lives that bear fruit for His glory. Are we producing the "good grapes" of righteousness, justice, love, and service, or are our lives characterized by the "wild grapes" of self-centeredness, spiritual apathy, unresolved sin, or a lack of genuine transformation? This verse calls us to a profound stewardship of the spiritual blessings we have received, urging us to cultivate a life of intentional obedience and fruitfulness that honors God's diligent care. It reminds us that God's investment in us is purposeful, and He justly expects a return that reflects His character and advances His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways has God "cultivated" your life, providing everything necessary for spiritual growth and fruitfulness?**
* **What "good grapes" (righteousness, justice, love, service) might God be looking for in your life, and what "wild grapes" (sin, apathy, self-centeredness) might you be producing instead?**
* **How does the realization of God's complete investment in your life impact your sense of responsibility to bear spiritual fruit?**
* **What practical steps can you take to ensure your life is producing fruit that honors God's diligent care?**

### FAQ
**What does "wild grapes" (bᵉʼushîym) truly signify in this context?**

Answer: The term "wild grapes" (Hebrew: *bᵉʼushîym*) is far more severe than merely sour or unripe fruit. It literally means "stinkers" or "foul things," implying something utterly worthless, rotten, and offensive in both smell and taste. In [Isaiah 5:4](/isaiah/5-4 "Isaiah 5:4 - The Unfruitful Vineyard"), it signifies the complete and repulsive failure of Israel to produce the expected fruit of righteousness and justice. Instead of reflecting God's character, their actions were characterized by injustice, oppression, and moral corruption, which were detestable in God's sight. This emphasizes the depth of their spiritual decay and the profound disappointment of God, who had invested so much in them.

**Does God truly experience "disappointment" or "sorrow" as a human would?**

Answer: While God is sovereign and immutable, the biblical text often uses anthropomorphic language to describe His emotions, allowing us to grasp His relational nature. In [Isaiah 5:4](/isaiah/5-4 "Isaiah 5:4 - The Unfruitful Vineyard"), the rhetorical question "What could have been done more...?" conveys a divine lament, a profound sense of sorrow, frustration, and even betrayal over Israel's unfaithfulness despite His perfect care. This is not a human weakness but a righteous indignation and grief over His people's rebellion against His lovingkindness and covenant. It reveals God's deep personal involvement with His creation and His just response to sin, demonstrating that His character includes both perfect love and perfect justice. This divine "disappointment" is a holy emotion, justifying the subsequent judgment.

**How does this passage relate to God's grace, given the emphasis on expected fruit?**

Answer: This passage highlights the interplay between God's grace and human responsibility. God's initial investment in the vineyard—clearing, planting, building—is an act of pure grace and unmerited favor. He provides everything necessary for fruitfulness, demonstrating His immense love and commitment to His people. However, this grace is not passive; it creates an expectation of a response. The "fruit" God looks for is not something earned to receive grace, but rather the natural outflow and evidence of a life transformed by that grace. When the vineyard produces "wild grapes" instead of good fruit, it signifies a rejection or perversion of the grace received. Thus, the passage teaches that God's grace empowers us for fruitfulness, and our failure to bear fruit indicates a spiritual problem that warrants divine intervention, whether through discipline or judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 5:4, with its lament over the unfruitful vineyard, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. First, Jesus Himself reinterprets and embodies the vineyard metaphor, declaring, "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser" in [John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus the True Vine"). Where Israel, the Old Covenant vineyard, failed to produce good grapes despite God's exhaustive care, Jesus, as the perfect and obedient Son, perfectly fulfills the Father's will, bearing the ultimate fruit of righteousness. He is the one "choice vine" that God truly desired. Second, Israel's failure to produce justice and righteousness, symbolized by "wild grapes," foreshadows their ultimate rejection of God's Son, the very embodiment of justice and righteousness. Jesus' parable of the wicked tenants in [Matthew 21:33-46](/matthew/21-33-46 "Matthew 21:33-46 - Parable of the Wicked Tenants") directly connects the vineyard's unfruitfulness to Israel's rejection of God's prophets and, climactically, His Son, leading to the vineyard being given to others. Finally, through Christ's atoning sacrifice, the possibility of true fruitfulness is restored for all who are "in Him." The "wild grapes" of human sin are dealt with on the cross, and believers, grafted into the true vine (Jesus), are now empowered by the Holy Spirit to produce the "fruit of the Spirit"—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). Thus, Isaiah 5:4's lament is answered in Christ, who perfectly fulfills God's expectation and enables His people to finally bear the good fruit He desires.

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

Matthew 23:37

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [thou] that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under [her] wings, and ye would not!

Micah 6:3

O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me.

Micah 6:4

For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.

Acts 7:51

¶ Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye.

Acts 7:60

And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Jeremiah 2:5

Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain?

Isaiah 1:5

Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.