Old Testament
Isaiah 17:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Because you have forgotten the God of your salvation and have not remembered the Rock of your strength, you will plant pleasant plants and set them with foreign vines.
Compare translations
Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips:
What Isaiah 17:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 17:10, the prophet addresses the people who have turned away from God, the source of their salvation and strength. By forgetting God, they are attempting to find security and prosperity through their own efforts, symbolized by planting pleasant plants and using foreign vines. This reflects a reliance on external sources rather than on God. The verse warns that their efforts will ultimately be in vain because true strength and salvation come from God alone. The imagery of planting suggests that while they may see initial success, it is not rooted in a relationship with God, which is essential for lasting fulfillment and security. The mention of 'foreign vines' indicates that they are looking to other nations or gods for help, which is a form of idolatry. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering and relying on God, rather than seeking fulfillment in worldly things that cannot provide true strength or salvation.
How to apply Isaiah 17:10 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and consider whether we are relying on God or seeking fulfillment in worldly things. It reminds us to prioritize our relationship with God, ensuring that we remember Him as our source of strength and salvation.
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 17:10
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 17:10
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 17:10 mean by 'forgetting God'?
In Isaiah 17:10, 'forgetting God' refers to a conscious neglect of one's relationship with God, leading to a reliance on personal efforts or external sources for strength and salvation. The verse highlights the dangers of turning away from God, suggesting that when people forget Him, they seek security in worldly things, which ultimately cannot provide true fulfillment.
How does Isaiah 17:10 relate to idolatry?
Isaiah 17:10 connects to idolatry by illustrating how the people are looking to 'foreign vines' for help, symbolizing their dependence on other nations or gods instead of trusting in the true God. This reliance on external sources for strength is a form of idolatry, as it diverts attention and devotion away from God, who is the true source of salvation.
What are the consequences of neglecting God according to Isaiah 17:10?
The consequences of neglecting God, as stated in Isaiah 17:10, include the futility of one's efforts. While the people may initially experience success in their endeavors, these efforts are ultimately in vain because they lack a foundation in a relationship with God. The verse serves as a warning that true strength and security can only be found in God, and neglecting Him leads to spiritual emptiness.
How can I apply the message of Isaiah 17:10 in my life?
To apply the message of Isaiah 17:10, reflect on your own sources of strength and fulfillment. Consider whether you are relying on God or seeking satisfaction in worldly things. Make a conscious effort to prioritize your relationship with God through prayer, scripture reading, and community. This will help ensure that you remember Him as your true source of strength and salvation.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.