Old Testament
Isaiah 10:22
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Even though your people Israel are as numerous as the sand of the sea, only a remnant will return. The decreed destruction will overflow with righteousness.
Compare translations
For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness.
What Isaiah 10:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Isaiah conveys a powerful message about the fate of the people of Israel. Despite their vast numbers, likened to the countless grains of sand on the seashore, only a small group, or 'remnant,' will survive and return after a period of judgment. This indicates that not all will be saved, but those who remain faithful will be preserved. The phrase 'the decreed destruction will overflow with righteousness' suggests that God's judgment is not arbitrary; it is part of a divine plan that ultimately leads to justice and righteousness. This highlights the balance between God's mercy and His justice, emphasizing that while many may face consequences for their actions, there is hope for those who remain true to Him. The remnant symbolizes hope and restoration, showing that even in judgment, God preserves a faithful group to carry on His promises.
How to apply Isaiah 10:22 to your life
This verse encourages us to remain faithful even in difficult times. It reminds us that while many may stray, God values the faithful few. We should strive to be part of that remnant, living righteously and trusting in God's ultimate plan for restoration.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Isaiah 10:22
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Isaiah 10:22
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 10:22 mean?
Isaiah 10:22 conveys that despite the large number of Israelites, only a small group, referred to as a 'remnant,' will survive and return after God's judgment. This highlights the idea that not everyone will be saved, but those who remain faithful will be preserved.
What is the significance of the 'remnant' in Isaiah 10:22?
The 'remnant' in Isaiah 10:22 symbolizes hope and restoration, indicating that even in times of judgment, God will preserve a faithful group to continue His promises and plans.
What does 'the decreed destruction will overflow with righteousness' mean?
This phrase suggests that God's judgment is part of a divine plan that leads to justice and righteousness, indicating that while destruction may occur, it is ultimately for a greater purpose of restoring order and fairness.
How does Isaiah 10:22 relate to God's judgment?
Isaiah 10:22 illustrates that God's judgment is not arbitrary; it serves a purpose in His divine plan. The verse emphasizes that while many may face consequences, there is still hope for those who remain faithful.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.