Old Testament
Isaiah 21:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The remaining archers, the mighty men of the children of Kedar, will be diminished, for the LORD God of Israel has spoken.
Compare translations
And the residue of the number of archers, the mighty men of the children of Kedar, shall be diminished: for the LORD God of Israel hath spoken it.
What Isaiah 21:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Isaiah conveys a message from God regarding the fate of the archers from Kedar, a group known for their strength and skill in battle. The term 'residue' indicates that those who remain will be significantly reduced in number. This reduction is not due to chance but is a direct result of God's decree. The mention of the 'LORD God of Israel' emphasizes His authority and power over nations and their warriors. The children of Kedar, descendants of Ishmael, were often in conflict with Israel, and this prophecy serves as a warning of impending judgment. It highlights the sovereignty of God in determining the outcomes of nations and their military might, showing that even the strongest can be diminished by divine will. This verse reassures the people of Israel that God is in control, and His word will come to pass, leading to the eventual downfall of their enemies.
How to apply Isaiah 21:17 to your life
This verse reminds us that no matter how powerful our challenges may seem, God has the ultimate authority over all situations. We can trust that He will act according to His will, and we should remain faithful and hopeful, knowing that He is in control of our circumstances.
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 Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. 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.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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 21:17
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 21:17
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 21:17 mean?
Isaiah 21:17 conveys God's message about the reduction of the archers from Kedar, indicating that their strength will be diminished as a result of God's decree. This reflects God's authority over nations and serves as a warning of impending judgment.
What is the significance of Kedar in Isaiah 21:17?
Kedar refers to a group descended from Ishmael, known for their military prowess. In this verse, their diminishing numbers symbolize God's control over Israel's enemies and the fulfillment of His prophecies.
What does 'the residue of the number of archers' mean in Isaiah 21:17?
The phrase 'the residue of the number of archers' indicates those who remain after a significant reduction in their ranks. It emphasizes that even the strongest warriors will be diminished by God's will.
How does Isaiah 21:17 relate to God's sovereignty?
Isaiah 21:17 illustrates God's sovereignty by showing that He has the power to determine the fate of nations and their military might. It reassures believers that God is in control of all circumstances.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.