Isaiah 7:15

KJV

Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.

KJV (with Strong's)

Butter {H2529} and honey {H1706} shall he eat {H398}, that he may know {H3045} to refuse {H3988} the evil {H7451}, and choose {H977} the good {H2896}.

Complete Jewish Bible

By the time he knows enough to refuse evil and choose good, he will [have to] eat curdled milk and [wild] honey.

Berean Standard Bible

By the time He knows enough to reject evil and choose good, He will be eating curds and honey.

American Standard Version

Butter and honey shall he eat, when he knoweth to refuse the evil, and choose the good.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 7:15, an integral part of the Immanuel prophecy, describes the early life and moral development of the child promised as a divine sign to King Ahaz. The verse, "Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good," not only details the sustenance available during a period of national upheaval but also signifies the essential process of moral maturation. This detail serves as a critical timeframe for the fulfillment of God's judgment and deliverance, underscoring the natural progression of human discernment and the divine purpose woven into the child's growth amidst challenging circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 7:15 is deeply embedded within the "Immanuel prophecy," which spans [Isaiah 7:1-17](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - The Immanuel Prophecy"). It immediately follows the pivotal declaration in [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Sign of Immanuel") that a virgin will conceive and bear a son named Immanuel, meaning "God With Us." Verse 15 then elaborates on this child's early life, specifically his diet and, more significantly, his moral development. This detail is crucial for establishing a timeframe for the prophecy's fulfillment: before this child reaches an age of moral discernment, the lands of the two kings Ahaz fears—Rezin of Aram (Syria) and Pekah of Israel—will be laid waste by Assyria. The subsequent verses in [Isaiah 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - Prophecy to Ahaz") further detail the extensive desolation that will come upon Judah itself, indicating a return to a more primitive, pastoral existence, which the diet of "butter and honey" foreshadows. Thus, the verse functions as both a sign of God's immediate intervention and a marker of future judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Isaiah 7 is the Syro-Ephraimite War, circa 735-734 BC. King Ahaz of Judah faced an existential threat from a coalition of Aram (Syria) and the northern kingdom of Israel, who aimed to depose him and install a pro-Syrian ruler. Despite God's direct offer of a sign through the prophet Isaiah, Ahaz refused to trust in the Lord, instead opting to seek a perilous alliance with the powerful Assyrian Empire. It is within this climate of fear, political intrigue, and a profound crisis of faith that Isaiah delivers God's message of assurance and judgment. The diet of "butter and honey" (often interpreted as curds/thickened milk and wild honey) carries a dual cultural significance. While "a land flowing with milk and honey" ([Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - A Land Flowing with Milk and Honey")) typically symbolizes abundance and blessing, in this specific context, it points to a return to a basic, pastoral existence. It suggests that the land, ravaged by war and the subsequent Assyrian invasion, would be so devastated that cultivated agriculture would cease, forcing the populace to rely on the simpler sustenance provided by livestock and wild foraging. This diet, therefore, signifies survival in a desolated land rather than prosperity.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 7:15 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence Amidst Crisis**. Even as King Ahaz demonstrates a profound lack of faith and seeks human alliances, God's sovereign plan unfolds, providing a sign and ensuring sustenance, demonstrating His control over history. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Moral Maturity and Discernment**. The child's growth to an age where he can "refuse the evil, and choose the good" underscores the natural human progression from infancy to moral accountability. This concept of discerning good from evil is a foundational aspect of wisdom and ethical living throughout Scripture, echoed in passages like [Deuteronomy 1:39](/deuteronomy/1-39 "Deuteronomy 1:39 - Children Not Knowing Good or Evil") where children are described as not yet knowing good or evil. Thirdly, the verse functions as a crucial piece of **Prophetic Symbolism** and a **Timeframe for Judgment**. The child's development serves as a temporal marker for the defeat of Judah's immediate enemies and the subsequent transformation of the land. Finally, and most profoundly, the entire context of the Immanuel prophecy reinforces the powerful truth of **God With Us (Immanuel)**, signifying God's active presence and unwavering intervention in human history, even in times of national crisis and human faithlessness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Butter (Hebrew, _chemʼâh'_):** H2529. Derived from a root suggesting something thick or curdled, this term specifically refers to curdled milk or cheese, and by extension, butter. In the context of the verse, it denotes a basic, readily available pastoral food source, suggesting a reliance on livestock products. This points to a simple, yet nourishing, form of sustenance that would be accessible even if agricultural cultivation were disrupted.
* **Honey (Hebrew, _dᵉbash'_):** H1706. From an unused root meaning "to be gummy," this word refers to honey, typically wild honey gathered from natural sources, or by analogy, syrup. Paired with "butter," it completes the picture of a diet derived from natural, uncultivated sources. It symbolizes the availability of fundamental provisions in a land affected by war, implying a return to a more primitive, self-sufficient way of life.
* **Know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** H3045. A primitive root meaning "to know," fundamentally implying "to ascertain by seeing." This versatile verb encompasses a broad spectrum of meanings, including observation, care, recognition, and, in a causative sense, instruction or designation. In Isaiah 7:15, it signifies the development of cognitive and moral discernment, reaching an age where one gains the practical, experiential understanding necessary to distinguish between moral qualities and make conscious choices.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Butter and honey shall he eat":** This initial clause describes the sustenance of the promised child, Immanuel. The specific diet of curds/thickened milk and wild honey conveys a significant message about the conditions in the land. It suggests a shift to a pastoral economy, implying that while the land might be ravaged by war and invasion, basic necessities derived from livestock and wild foraging would still be available. This paints a picture of survival and a simpler way of life, rather than agricultural abundance, thus setting the stage for the circumstances under which the prophecy's timeframe would unfold.
* **"that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good":** This is the crucial purpose clause of the verse, articulating the primary reason for detailing the child's diet and growth. It indicates that the child will mature to an age of moral accountability and discernment. The phrase "to know to refuse the evil, and choose the good" functions as a Hebrew idiom, signifying the attainment of an age where one is capable of making deliberate, responsible ethical choices. This timeframe is profoundly significant for King Ahaz, as it means that before this child reaches such an age of moral understanding, the immediate threats from Syria and Israel will be neutralized. However, it also implies that Judah itself will undergo substantial changes, leading to the simpler, pastoral way of life described.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 7:15 masterfully employs several significant literary devices to convey its multifaceted message. **Symbolism** is prominently featured in the phrase "butter and honey," which carries a dual meaning: while it can symbolize a land of abundance, in this specific context, it primarily represents a return to basic, even primitive, sustenance amidst desolation caused by war. This dual symbolism adds layers of depth to the prophetic message. The phrase "know to refuse the evil, and choose the good" functions as a powerful **Idiom**, conveying the concept of moral discernment and the attainment of an age of reason and accountability. This is not a literal instruction for the child but a prophetic marker of maturity. Furthermore, the entire verse serves as a form of **Foreshadowing** and **Prophecy**, not only predicting the immediate future outcome of the Syro-Ephraimite War but also hinting at the broader implications for Judah's future and, ultimately, the coming of the Messiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 7:15, though rooted in a specific historical crisis, offers profound theological insights that resonate across time. It powerfully speaks to God's sovereign control over history, demonstrating that His divine plans unfold according to His perfect timetable, often through seemingly ordinary processes such as a child's natural development. The emphasis on discerning good from evil underscores the enduring biblical theme of moral maturity and ethical responsibility, a core aspect of human flourishing and spiritual growth. It reminds believers that true spiritual development involves not merely intellectual understanding of truth, but the practical, experiential ability to make righteous choices in a fallen and complex world. This verse encourages a deep reliance on God's unwavering provision and His profound wisdom, even when circumstances are challenging or unclear, reaffirming His active presence ("Immanuel") amidst human frailty and geopolitical turmoil.

* [Deuteronomy 1:39](/deuteronomy/1-39 "Deuteronomy 1:39 - Children Not Knowing Good or Evil") - Illustrates the concept of children not yet knowing good or evil, setting a baseline for the development of moral discernment.
* [Hebrews 5:14](/hebrews/5-14 "Hebrews 5:14 - Discerning Good and Evil") - Emphasizes that "solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."
* [Proverbs 2:9](/proverbs/2-9 "Proverbs 2:9-11 - Discernment and Wisdom") - Connects wisdom and understanding to the ability to discern righteousness, justice, and equity.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 7:15 serves as a profound reminder that God's purposes are continuously unfolding, often through processes that are both natural and divinely ordained. For believers today, this verse underscores the critical importance of moral discernment and the continuous journey of spiritual maturation. Just as the promised child would grow to distinguish good from evil, so too are we called to cultivate a keen spiritual sensitivity, allowing the Holy Spirit and the transformative power of God's Word to sharpen our ability to make righteous choices in a morally complex and often ambiguous world. This involves not merely intellectual assent to biblical truth, but the practical application of wisdom in our daily decisions, actively refusing what is evil and intentionally choosing what is good, even when such choices are difficult or counter-cultural. Furthermore, this passage encourages us to trust implicitly in God's faithful provision, knowing that He sustains us through all circumstances, equipping us for the moral and spiritual battles we inevitably face.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "knowing to refuse the evil, and choose the good" apply to your personal spiritual growth and decision-making in contemporary society?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you feel most challenged to discern between good and evil, and how can you intentionally seek God's wisdom and guidance in those areas?**
* **How does the idea of God's provision, even in a "butter and honey" (basic sustenance) scenario, encourage your trust in Him during times of uncertainty, scarcity, or personal hardship?**
* **Considering the broader context of the Immanuel prophecy, what does this verse teach you about God's unwavering faithfulness and His active working through human history, even when human leaders demonstrate a profound lack of faith?**

### FAQ
**Was Isaiah 7:15 fulfilled by a child born in Isaiah's time, or does it refer exclusively to Jesus?**

Answer: The immediate fulfillment of Isaiah 7:15 likely referred to a child born in Isaiah's time, possibly his own son Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz, whose birth and symbolic name are detailed in [Isaiah 8:3-4](/isaiah/8-3-4 "Isaiah 8:3-4 - Birth of Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz"). This child's development to the age of discernment served as a specific, tangible timeframe for King Ahaz, indicating that before this child could distinguish good from evil, the Syro-Ephraimite threat would be neutralized. However, the broader prophecy of Immanuel in [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Sign of Immanuel") has a dual and ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, as explicitly affirmed in [Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Jesus is Immanuel"). Thus, Isaiah 7:15, while having an immediate historical context and application, also foreshadows the true humanity and perfect moral development of the ultimate Immanuel, Jesus.

**What is the significance of the diet of "butter and honey"?**

Answer: The diet of "butter and honey" (curds/thickened milk and wild honey) carries a profound dual significance within the biblical narrative. In the immediate context of [Isaiah 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - The Immanuel Prophecy"), it primarily symbolizes the conditions in Judah after the Syro-Ephraimite War and the subsequent Assyrian invasion. The disruption caused by warfare would lead to a decline in cultivated agriculture, forcing the populace to rely on more basic, pastoral products and wild foraging. Thus, it signifies a return to simple, self-sufficient sustenance in a land that has been desolated. However, it also subtly echoes the biblical idiom of "a land flowing with milk and honey," which typically represents abundance and blessing, as seen in [Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - A Land Flowing with Milk and Honey"). This tension highlights the complex nature of God's judgment and grace: even in desolation, there is provision, and a future hope of restoration and blessing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 7:15, while having a historical fulfillment in the context of Isaiah's time, finds its ultimate and most profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus, the true Immanuel. The "butter and honey" can be seen as symbolic of Jesus' humble beginnings and His complete reliance on God's provision. Born into a world under Roman occupation, His early life was marked by simplicity and dependence, as powerfully conveyed by His birth in a manger ([Luke 2:7](/luke/2-7 "Luke 2:7 - Jesus Born in a Manger")). More significantly, the phrase "that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good" perfectly encapsulates the sinless humanity of Christ. Unlike any other human, Jesus never had to "learn" to refuse evil because He was inherently without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews Tempted But Without Sin")). Yet, as a true human being, He grew in wisdom and stature ([Luke 2:52](/luke/2-52 "Luke 2:52 - Jesus' Growth in Wisdom")), perfectly embodying the ability to choose righteousness in every circumstance. His entire earthly life was a living demonstration of choosing the good, culminating in His ultimate act of obedience on the cross, where He chose the Father's will over His own immense suffering ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). Thus, Jesus is the perfect Immanuel, God with us, who fully knows and flawlessly chooses the good, offering Himself as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), thereby enabling us, through His grace and power, to truly refuse evil and choose good.

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 7:22

And it shall come to pass, for the abundance of milk [that] they shall give he shall eat butter: for butter and honey shall every one eat that is left in the land.

Amos 5:15

Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.

Philippians 1:9

¶ And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and [in] all judgment;

Philippians 1:10

That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

Matthew 3:4

And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

Luke 1:35

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Psalms 51:5

Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.