Bible Strands
Isaiah 4:3
Whoever remains in Zion and whoever is left in Jerusalem will be called holy—all in Jerusalem who are recorded among the living—
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The prophet Isaiah addresses the remnant of Judah during a period of impending judgment and subsequent restoration. He describes the moment when survivors are purified and designated as holy within Jerusalem.
The words — The Hebrew נִשְׁאָר (nish'ar) means "remains" or "survives," and נֹתָר (notar) means "left behind," both emphasizing those who endure the coming trial. The term קָדוֹשׁ (qadosh) translates to "holy," indicating a status set apart for divine purpose.
The thread — The concept of being recorded among the living parallels the biblical motif of names written in a divine register, as seen in Luke 10:20 and Psalms 69:28. This theme of preservation versus being blotted out also echoes the covenant concerns of Exodus 32:32.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that survival alone is insufficient without divine designation. It requires the reader to examine whether their standing rests on endurance or on being recorded among the living.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem:
Cross-references
- Luke 10:20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
- Exodus 32:32 Yet now, if You would only forgive their sin.... But if not, please blot me out of the book that You have written.”
- Psalms 69:28 May they be blotted out of the Book of Life and not listed with the righteous.
- Isaiah 52:1 Awake, awake, clothe yourself with strength, O Zion! Put on your garments of splendor, O Jerusalem, holy city! For the uncircumcised and unclean will no longer enter you.
- Isaiah 60:21 Then all your people will be righteous; they will possess the land forever; they are the branch of My planting, the work of My hands, so that I may be glorified.
- Revelation 21:27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
- Ezekiel 36:24 For I will take you from among the nations and gather you out of all the countries, and I will bring you back into your own land.
- Ezekiel 43:12 This is the law of the temple: All its surrounding territory on top of the mountain will be most holy. Yes, this is the law of the temple.
- Romans 11:5 In the same way, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.
- Philippians 4:3 Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have contended at my side for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.