Isaiah 5:6

KJV

And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will lay {H7896} it waste {H1326}: it shall not be pruned {H2168}, nor digged {H5737}; but there shall come up {H5927} briers {H8068} and thorns {H7898}: I will also command {H6680} the clouds {H5645} that they rain {H4305} no rain {H4306} upon it.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will let it go to waste: it will be neither pruned nor hoed, but overgrown with briars and thorns. I will also order the clouds not to let rain fall on it.

Berean Standard Bible

I will make it a wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated, and thorns and briers will grow up. I will command the clouds that rain shall not fall on it.”

American Standard Version

and I will lay it waste; it shall not be pruned nor hoed; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 5:6 pronounces a severe divine judgment upon the unfaithful vineyard, symbolizing Israel, detailing its complete desolation. Following God's removal of protection, He declares He will actively lay the vineyard waste, ceasing all cultivation, allowing it to be overrun by briers and thorns, and most critically, withholding life-giving rain. This verse underscores the irreversible consequences of spiritual unfruitfulness and disobedience, illustrating God's righteous indignation and the inevitable outcome of rejecting His covenantal care.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 5:6 is an integral part of the "Song of the Vineyard" (Isaiah 5:1-7), a powerful parable delivered by the prophet Isaiah. This song begins with a lament from God, personified as a vineyard owner who has meticulously cultivated his vineyard, expecting good fruit. Verses 1-2 describe the owner's diligent efforts, while verses 3-4 express his dismay and rhetorical question regarding the vineyard's failure to yield anything but "wild grapes." Building on this, verse 5 declares God's intention to remove the protective hedge and wall, exposing the vineyard to plunder. Verse 6 then escalates the judgment, detailing the active steps God will take to ensure its utter desolation, culminating in the explicit identification of the vineyard as the "house of Israel" and the "men of Judah" in [Isaiah 5:7](/isaiah/5-7 "Isaiah 5:7 - The Vineyard Identified as Israel"). Thus, verse 6 serves as the climactic description of the judgment's severity before its direct application.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a vineyard was deeply resonant in ancient Israel, an agrarian society where vineyards were vital to the economy and daily life. The meticulous care described in [Isaiah 5:1-2](/isaiah/5-1 "Isaiah 5:1-2 - The Diligent Vineyard Owner") reflects common agricultural practices of the time, including digging, clearing stones, planting choice vines, and building watchtowers and winepresses. Rain, or its absence, was a critical factor for survival, making the withholding of rain a profound curse, signifying divine abandonment and leading to famine and ruin. This cultural understanding amplified the terror of the judgment described in Isaiah 5:6. Historically, Isaiah prophesied during a turbulent period in Judah (8th century BCE), marked by political instability, social injustice, and spiritual apostasy, particularly under kings like Ahaz and Hezekiah. The "wild grapes" of injustice and oppression (cf. [Isaiah 5:7](/isaiah/5-7 "Isaiah 5:7 - Wild Grapes as Injustice")) were rampant, justifying the severe judgment depicted in this verse, which foreshadowed the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 5:6 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Isaiah and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's active and decisive intervention against unfaithfulness. He is not merely passive but "commands" the desolation. This verse also highlights the **Consequences of Covenant Disobedience and Unfruitfulness**. Israel, as God's chosen people, was expected to bear fruit of righteousness and justice, but their failure led to the withdrawal of divine blessing and cultivation, resulting in spiritual barrenness. The imagery of "briers and thorns" echoes the curse of [Genesis 3:18](/genesis/3-18 "Genesis 3:18 - The Curse of Thorns and Thistles"), reinforcing the idea of a reversal of creation's order due to sin. Finally, the **Withholding of Blessing** through the cessation of rain underscores God's control over the very elements that sustain life, serving as a potent symbol of His discipline and the loss of His favor. This aligns with covenant curses outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:23-24](/deuteronomy/28-23 "Deuteronomy 28:23-24 - Drought as a Covenant Curse"), where lack of rain is a direct consequence of disobedience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Waste (Hebrew, _bâthâh'_):** This word (H1326) denotes desolation or ruin, often implying an emptiness or void. In the context of Isaiah 5:6, it signifies the complete and utter destruction of the vineyard, transforming it from a place of careful cultivation and potential fruitfulness into a barren, unproductive wilderness. It is the antithesis of the vineyard owner's initial intentions and efforts, representing the final, devastating state of divine judgment.
* **Pruned (Hebrew, _zâmar'_):** Derived from H2168, this verb refers to the act of trimming or pruning a vine, an essential practice for healthy growth and fruit production. The declaration "it shall not be pruned" signifies the deliberate cessation of all cultivating care. It implies that God, the divine vineyard owner, will no longer invest in the spiritual growth or refinement of His people, allowing them to degenerate into a wild, untamed state.
* **Rain (Hebrew, _mâṭar'_):** Appearing as both a verb (H4305) and a noun (H4306), "rain" is vital for life and agriculture in the arid climate of the ancient Near East. The phrase "they rain no rain upon it" is a powerful expression of divine judgment, indicating the complete withdrawal of God's life-sustaining blessing. Just as physical rain nourishes the earth, spiritual "rain" symbolizes God's grace, favor, and provision. Its absence guarantees utter ruin and sterility, both literally for the land and metaphorically for the nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will lay it waste":** This opening clause immediately establishes God's active agency and sovereign intent in the judgment. The "I" is emphatic, signifying that this desolation is not a natural occurrence but a direct, deliberate act of divine retribution. It sets the tone for the severity of the consequences.
* **"it shall not be pruned, nor digged;":** This specifies the cessation of care. "Pruned" refers to the trimming of vines for fruitfulness, and "digged" (or hoed) refers to loosening the soil and removing weeds. The double negative emphasizes the complete withdrawal of cultivation; no effort will be made to restore or improve the vineyard, ensuring its decline.
* **"but there shall come up briers and thorns:":** This describes the inevitable outcome of neglect. Without cultivation, the land will naturally revert to a wild state, producing useless and harmful vegetation. "Briers and thorns" symbolize the painful, unproductive, and destructive consequences of spiritual unfruitfulness and the absence of divine care.
* **"I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.":** This final clause highlights the ultimate and most devastating aspect of the judgment: the withholding of life-sustaining water. God's "command" over the clouds underscores His absolute sovereignty over creation and His ability to withdraw His blessing entirely. In an agricultural society dependent on rain, this act guarantees complete ruin and famine, symbolizing the spiritual barrenness that results from God's judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 5:6 is rich in **Symbolism**, where the vineyard represents the nation of Israel, and its desolation symbolizes divine judgment for unfaithfulness. The "briers and thorns" are symbolic of the painful, unproductive, and wild state that results from the absence of God's cultivating hand, echoing the curse of sin from [Genesis 3:18](/genesis/3-18 "Genesis 3:18 - The Curse of Thorns and Thistles"). The **Anthropomorphism** of God as a vineyard owner allows for a relatable portrayal of His diligent care and subsequent righteous anger. The verse also employs **Parallelism** and **Repetition** in the phrases "not be pruned, nor digged," emphasizing the complete cessation of care. The **Hyperbole** of "no rain upon it" underscores the absolute nature of the divine judgment, ensuring total ruin. The entire "Song of the Vineyard" is an **Allegory**, where each element of the vineyard story corresponds to a spiritual truth about God and Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 5:6 serves as a profound theological statement on divine justice, the consequences of covenant infidelity, and God's sovereign control over creation and history. It reveals that God's patience, while immense, is not infinite, and His righteous character demands accountability for persistent sin and spiritual unfruitfulness. The withdrawal of His cultivating hand and life-giving blessings is a severe form of judgment, demonstrating that His presence and favor are conditional upon faithfulness. This passage underscores the principle that those who reject God's gracious provision and fail to live according to His righteous standards will experience the painful and barren consequences of their choices.

* [Jeremiah 2:21](/jeremiah/2-21 "Jeremiah 2:21 - Degenerate Vine")
* [Hosea 10:1](/hosea/10-1 "Hosea 10:1 - Israel, an Empty Vine")
* [Matthew 21:43](/matthew/21-43 "Matthew 21:43 - Kingdom Taken Away")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 5:6 stands as a sobering reminder for believers today regarding the seriousness of spiritual fruitfulness and our responsiveness to God's diligent care. Just as ancient Israel was expected to yield righteousness and justice, followers of Christ are called to bear the "fruit of the Spirit" ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")) and to live lives that reflect God's character and kingdom values. This verse warns against spiritual complacency, unfruitfulness, and persistent disobedience, illustrating that continued rejection of God's grace and failure to grow in holiness can lead to a withdrawal of His active cultivation and a state of spiritual barrenness. It challenges us to examine our lives: Are we producing the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, or are our lives becoming overrun with the "briers and thorns" of sin, worldliness, and self-centeredness? The passage calls for sincere repentance and a renewed commitment to abiding in Christ, the true vine, so that we may bear much fruit to the glory of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fruit" is God expecting to see in my life, and where might I be falling short?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be resisting God's "pruning" or "digging" (His refining work)?**
* **Am I taking God's grace and blessings for granted, presuming His continued favor regardless of my spiritual condition?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper dependence on God's "rain" (His Spirit and Word) to ensure spiritual vitality and fruitfulness?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Song of the Vineyard" and its significance?**

Answer: The "Song of the Vineyard" (Isaiah 5:1-7) is a powerful parabolic lament by the prophet Isaiah, where God portrays Himself as a diligent vineyard owner. He has done everything possible to cultivate a fruitful vineyard, which is explicitly identified as the "house of Israel" and the "men of Judah" in [Isaiah 5:7](/isaiah/5-7 "Isaiah 5:7 - The Vineyard Identified as Israel"). The song's significance lies in its vivid portrayal of God's meticulous care for His people, His disappointment when they produce "wild grapes" (symbolizing injustice and unrighteousness instead of righteousness and justice), and His subsequent righteous judgment. It serves as a profound indictment against Israel's spiritual failure and a warning about the consequences of rejecting divine grace and covenant obligations.

**Does this verse imply that God abandons His people permanently?**

Answer: While Isaiah 5:6 describes a severe and active judgment of desolation, implying a withdrawal of God's cultivating care and blessing, it is important to understand this within the broader context of biblical prophecy and God's redemptive plan. For ancient Israel, this judgment indeed led to exile and a period of spiritual barrenness. However, God's ultimate covenant faithfulness and redemptive purposes are also evident throughout Isaiah and other prophetic books, promising future restoration for a remnant (e.g., [Isaiah 11:11-12](/isaiah/11-11 "Isaiah 11:11-12 - Restoration of the Remnant")). Therefore, while the immediate consequence is severe, it does not negate God's long-term commitment to His promises, often involving a period of discipline intended to bring about repentance and renewal.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 5:6, with its stark portrayal of a vineyard laid waste due to unfruitfulness, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in God's abandonment but in the radical redefinition of the "vineyard" and the "vine" through Jesus Christ. While Old Testament Israel, as God's vineyard, failed to produce righteousness and thus faced judgment, Jesus declares Himself to be the "true vine" in [John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine"), with His disciples as the branches. This signifies a new covenant reality where fruitfulness is no longer based on national identity or adherence to the Law, but on a living, abiding relationship with Christ. The judgment of unfruitfulness, symbolized by the "briers and thorns" and the withholding of rain in Isaiah, is ultimately borne by Christ on the cross, as He became the curse for us ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems from the Curse")). Through His sacrifice, the way is opened for believers to be engrafted into Him, receiving the life-giving "rain" of the Holy Spirit ([John 7:38-39](/john/7-38 "John 7:38-39 - Rivers of Living Water")) to produce the fruit of righteousness that God desires ([Philippians 1:11](/ philippians/1-11 "Philippians 1:11 - Fruit of Righteousness")). Thus, the judgment of Isaiah 5:6 foreshadows the necessity of a new covenant and a new vine, through whom true spiritual fruitfulness becomes possible for all who believe.

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.

Isaiah 7:25

And [on] all hills that shall be digged with the mattock, there shall not come thither the fear of briers and thorns: but it shall be for the sending forth of oxen, and for the treading of lesser cattle.

Jeremiah 25:11

And this whole land shall be a desolation, [and] an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.

2 Chronicles 36:19

And they burnt the house of God, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem, and burnt all the palaces thereof with fire, and destroyed all the goodly vessels thereof.

2 Chronicles 36:21

To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: [for] as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.

Isaiah 24:1

¶ Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof.

Isaiah 24:3

The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the LORD hath spoken this word.