Old Testament
Isaiah 5:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then the lambs will graze in their usual way, and strangers will eat in the waste places of the fat ones.
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Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat.
What Isaiah 5:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the imagery of lambs grazing and strangers eating in the waste places suggests a time of abundance and restoration. The lambs represent innocence and purity, feeding in their natural environment, while the strangers symbolize outsiders who benefit from the land's bounty. This reflects a shift in circumstances where those who were once marginalized or excluded now find sustenance in the remnants of what was once prosperous. The verse highlights themes of divine provision and the reversal of fortunes, indicating that even in desolation, there can be hope and renewal. It serves as a reminder that God's blessings can extend beyond the expected, reaching those who may not belong to the original community. This passage encourages readers to recognize the potential for growth and nourishment in unexpected places, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and generosity in times of plenty.
How to apply Isaiah 5:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to be open to unexpected blessings and to share our resources with those who may not belong to our community. It reminds us that generosity can create opportunities for others, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and support in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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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 5:17 mean?
Isaiah 5:17 describes a scene where lambs graze peacefully, and outsiders benefit from the remnants of abundance. It symbolizes a time of restoration and divine provision, indicating that even in desolation, there can be hope and renewal.
What is the significance of lambs in Isaiah 5:17?
In Isaiah 5:17, lambs represent innocence and purity, grazing in their natural environment. Their presence highlights themes of abundance and the idea that even the innocent can thrive in a restored land.
What does 'strangers' refer to in Isaiah 5:17?
In Isaiah 5:17, 'strangers' refers to outsiders who benefit from the land's resources. This suggests a shift in circumstances where those previously marginalized find sustenance in what was once prosperous.
What themes are present in Isaiah 5:17?
Isaiah 5:17 encompasses themes of restoration, divine provision, inclusivity, abundance, and the reversal of fortunes. It emphasizes the potential for growth and nourishment in unexpected places.
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