Old Testament
Obadiah 1:5
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If thieves came to you, if robbers by night—how you are cut off!—wouldn't they have stolen until they had enough? If grape gatherers came to you, wouldn't they leave some grapes?
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If thieves came to thee, if robbers by night, (how art thou cut off!) would they not have stolen till they had enough? if the grapegatherers came to thee, would they not leave some grapes?
What Obadiah 1:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Obadiah 1:5, the prophet uses the analogy of thieves and grape gatherers to illustrate the complete devastation that will come upon Edom. He points out that even thieves and robbers, who take what they want, usually leave something behind. However, Edom's fate will be so severe that nothing will be spared. This verse emphasizes the totality of their loss and the judgment they will face for their actions against Israel. The imagery of grape gatherers leaving some grapes highlights that Edom's destruction will be more thorough than even the most ruthless thieves. The message serves as a warning about the consequences of pride and betrayal, particularly in the context of Edom's treatment of their brother nation, Israel. It underscores the idea that divine judgment can be absolute, leaving no room for mercy or recovery.
How to apply Obadiah 1:5 to your life
This verse reminds us that our actions have consequences, especially when we harm others. It encourages us to reflect on our relationships and treat others with kindness and respect. We should be mindful of how our behavior can impact those around us, striving to build rather than destroy.
Curated for this public verse page. Obadiah Summary
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Keep studying Obadiah 1:5
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Obadiah
- Author
- Obadiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 586 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Israel concerning Edom
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Obadiah 1:5 mean?
Obadiah 1:5 uses the analogy of thieves and grape gatherers to illustrate the complete devastation that will befall Edom. It emphasizes that unlike thieves who leave something behind, Edom will face total loss as a consequence of their actions against Israel.
What is the significance of thieves in Obadiah 1:5?
The mention of thieves in Obadiah 1:5 highlights the idea that even the most ruthless take only what they need and leave some behind. This serves to underscore the severity of Edom's judgment, indicating that their destruction will be more complete than that of a thief.
What does the grape gatherers analogy mean in Obadiah 1:5?
In Obadiah 1:5, the analogy of grape gatherers suggests that even those who harvest would leave some grapes behind. This illustrates that Edom's fate will be so dire that nothing will remain, emphasizing the totality of their loss.
What themes are present in Obadiah 1:5?
Obadiah 1:5 presents themes of divine judgment, pride, betrayal, and the consequences of actions. It serves as a warning about the repercussions of harming others, particularly in the context of Edom's treatment of Israel.
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