Old Testament
Isaiah 17:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When that day comes, Jacob's glory will waste away, and his healthy body will grow thin and weak.
Compare translations
And in that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean.
What Isaiah 17:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
Isaiah 17:4 speaks about a time of decline for Jacob, representing the people of Israel. The verse indicates that their former glory and strength will diminish, leading to a state of weakness and vulnerability. This imagery of Jacob's glory wasting away and his body becoming thin suggests a loss of prosperity and health, reflecting the consequences of turning away from God. The passage serves as a warning about the repercussions of disobedience and the importance of remaining faithful to God. It highlights the fragility of human strength and the inevitable decline that comes when one strays from divine guidance. The verse emphasizes that true strength and glory come from a relationship with God, and without it, one can easily fall into a state of weakness and despair.
How to apply Isaiah 17:4 to your life
This verse reminds us to stay connected to our faith and to God. Just as Israel faced decline when they turned away, we too can experience weakness in our lives if we neglect our spiritual health. Regular prayer, worship, and community can help maintain our strength.
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 17:4
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 17:4
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 17:4 mean?
Isaiah 17:4 describes a time when the glory of Jacob, symbolizing Israel, will diminish, leading to weakness and vulnerability. It serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God.
What is the significance of Jacob's glory in Isaiah 17:4?
Jacob's glory in Isaiah 17:4 represents the strength and prosperity of Israel. The verse indicates that this glory will fade, highlighting the impact of disobedience and the need for faithfulness to God.
What does 'the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean' mean in Isaiah 17:4?
The phrase 'the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean' in Isaiah 17:4 symbolizes a loss of health and vitality. It illustrates the decline of Israel's physical and spiritual well-being due to their disobedience.
How can Isaiah 17:4 apply to our lives today?
Isaiah 17:4 reminds us to stay connected to our faith, as neglecting our spiritual health can lead to weakness. Engaging in regular prayer and community can help maintain our strength.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.