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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Isaiah 28:4 The fading flower of his beautiful splendor, set on the summit above the fertile valley, will be like a ripe fig before the summer harvest: Whoever sees it will take it in his hand and swallow it.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/28-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/23_Isa_28_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 28:4 - Judgment on Ephraim" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The fading flower of his beautiful splendor, set on the summit above the fertile valley, will be like a ripe fig before the summer harvest: Whoever sees it will take it in his hand and swallow it." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/isaiah/28-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/isaiah/28-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/isaiah/">Isaiah</a> > <a href="/isaiah/28.htm">Chapter 28</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/isaiah/28-3.htm" title="Isaiah 28:3">◄</a> Isaiah 28:4 <a href="/isaiah/28-5.htm" title="Isaiah 28:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/isaiah/28.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/isaiah/28.htm">New International Version</a> That fading flower, his glorious beauty, set on the head of a fertile valley, will be like figs ripe before harvest— as soon as people see them and take them in hand, they swallow them. <a href="/nlt/isaiah/28.htm">New Living Translation</a> It sits at the head of a fertile valley, but its glorious beauty will fade like a flower. Whoever sees it will snatch it up, as an early fig is quickly picked and eaten. <a href="/esv/isaiah/28.htm">English Standard Version</a> and the fading flower of its glorious beauty, which is on the head of the rich valley, will be like a first-ripe fig before the summer: when someone sees it, he swallows it as soon as it is in his hand. <a href="/bsb/isaiah/28.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The fading flower of his beautiful splendor, set on the summit above the fertile valley, will be like a ripe fig before the summer harvest: Whoever sees it will take it in his hand and swallow it. <a href="/kjv/isaiah/28.htm">King James Bible</a> And the glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fat valley, shall be a fading flower, and as the hasty fruit before the summer; which when he that looketh upon it seeth, while it is yet in his hand he eateth it up. <a href="/nkjv/isaiah/28.htm">New King James Version</a> And the glorious beauty is a fading flower Which is at the head of the verdant valley, Like the first fruit before the summer, Which an observer sees; He eats it up while it is still in his hand. <a href="/nasb_/isaiah/28.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And the fading flower of its glorious beauty, Which is at the head of the fertile valley, Will be like the first-ripe fig prior to the summer, Which one sees, And as soon as it is in his hand, He swallows it. <a href="/nasb/isaiah/28.htm">NASB 1995</a> And the fading flower of its glorious beauty, Which is at the head of the fertile valley, Will be like the first-ripe fig prior to summer, Which one sees, And as soon as it is in his hand, He swallows it. <a href="/nasb77/isaiah/28.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And the fading flower of its glorious beauty, Which is at the head of the fertile valley, Will be like the first-ripe fig prior to summer; Which one sees, And as soon as it is in his hand, He swallows it. <a href="/lsb/isaiah/28.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And the fading flower of its glorious beauty, Which is at the head of the fertile valley, Will be like the first-ripe fig prior to summer, Which one sees, And as soon as it is in his hand, He swallows it. <a href="/amp/isaiah/28.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And the fading flower of its glorious beauty, Which is at the head of the rich valley, Will be like the early fig before the summer, Which one sees, And as soon as it is in his hand He [greedily] swallows it [and so will the Assyrians rapidly devour Samaria, Israel’s capital]. <a href="/csb/isaiah/28.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The fading flower of his beautiful splendor, which is on the summit above the rich valley, will be like a ripe fig before the summer harvest. Whoever sees it will swallow it while it is still in his hand. <a href="/hcsb/isaiah/28.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The fading flower of his beautiful splendor, which is on the summit above the rich valley, will be like a ripe fig before the summer harvest. Whoever sees it will swallow it while it is still in his hand. <a href="/asv/isaiah/28.htm">American Standard Version</a> and the fading flower of his glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fat valley, shall be as the first-ripe fig before the summer; which when he that looketh upon it seeth, while it is yet in his hand he eateth it up. <a href="/cev/isaiah/28.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Samaria above a fertile valley will quickly lose its glory. It will be gobbled up like the first ripe fig at harvest season. <a href="/erv/isaiah/28.htm">English Revised Version</a> and the fading flower of his glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fat valley, shall be as the firstripe fig before the summer; which when he that looketh upon it seeth, while it is yet in his hand he eateth it up. <a href="/gwt/isaiah/28.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Their glorious beauty is [like] a withered flower. They are at the entrance to a fertile valley. They will be like figs that ripened early. As soon as someone sees them, they will be taken and eaten. <a href="/gnt/isaiah/28.htm">Good News Translation</a> The fading glory of those proud leaders will disappear like the first figs of the season, picked and eaten as soon as they are ripe. <a href="/isv/isaiah/28.htm">International Standard Version</a> And that fading flower, his glorious beauty, which sits on the heads of people bloated with food, will be like an early fig before summer— whenever someone sees it, he swallows it as soon as it's in his hand. <a href="/msb/isaiah/28.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The fading flower of his beautiful splendor, set on the summit above the fertile valley, will be like a ripe fig before the summer harvest: Whoever sees it will take it in his hand and swallow it. <a href="/net/isaiah/28.htm">NET Bible</a> The withering flower, its beautiful splendor, situated at the head of a rich valley, will be like an early fig before harvest--as soon as someone notices it, he grabs it and swallows it. <a href="/nheb/isaiah/28.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The fading flower of his glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fertile valley, shall be like the first-ripe fig before the summer; which someone picks and eats as soon as he sees it. <a href="/wbt/isaiah/28.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the glorious beauty, which is on the head of the rich valley, shall be a fading flower, and as the early fruit before the summer; which, when he that looketh upon it, seeth while it is yet in his hand he eateth it up. <a href="/web/isaiah/28.htm">World English Bible</a> The fading flower of his glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fertile valley, shall be like the first-ripe fig before the summer, which someone picks and eats as soon as he sees it. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/isaiah/28.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the fading flower of the beauty of his glory "" That [is] on the head of the fat valley, "" Has been as its first-fruit before summer, "" That its beholder sees; He swallows it while it [is] yet in his hand. <a href="/ylt/isaiah/28.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the fading flower of the beauty of his glory That is on the head of the fat valley, Hath been as its first-fruit before summer, That its beholder seeth, While it is yet in his hand he swalloweth it. <a href="/slt/isaiah/28.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the flower falling away was the glory of his beauty which is upon the head of the valley of fatness, as the first-fruits before fruit harvest which he looking at it shall see, in its continuing in his hand he will swallow it up.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/isaiah/28.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the fading flower the glory of his joy, who is on the head of the fat valley, shall be as a hasty fruit before the ripeness of autumn: which when he that seeth it shall behold, as soon as he taketh it in his hand, he will eat it up. <a href="/cpdv/isaiah/28.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the falling flower, the glory of his exultation, who is at the summit of the fat valley, will be like a premature fruit before the ripeness of autumn, which, when the onlooker beholds it, as soon he takes it in his hand, he will devour it. <a href="/nabre/isaiah/28.htm">New American Bible</a> The fading blooms of his glorious beauty at the head of the fertile valley Will be like an early fig before summer: whoever sees it, swallows it as soon as it is in hand. <a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/28.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And the fading flower of its glorious beauty, which is on the head of those bloated with rich food, will be like a first-ripe fig before the summer; whoever sees it, eats it up as soon as it comes to hand.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/28.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the shameful garland of the strength of his glory, which dominates at the entrance of the fertile valley, shall be as the firstfruits before the summer, which he who sees it picks up at once and devours. <a href="/hpbt/isaiah/28.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the shameful garland, the power of his glory that is at the head of the heavenly valley will be like the first fruits before the summer, which when whoever sees it while this is in his hand, eats it<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/isaiah/28.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the fading flower of his glorious beauty, Which is on the head of the fat valley, Shall be as the first-ripe fig before the summer, Which when one looketh upon it, While it is yet in his hand he eateth it up. <a href="/sep/isaiah/28.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the fading flower of the glorious hope on the top of the high mountain shall be as the early fig; he that sees it, before he takes it into his hand, will desire to swallow it down. <a href="/parallel/isaiah/28-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=5580" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/isaiah/28.htm">Judgment on Ephraim</a> …3The majestic crown of Ephraim’s drunkards will be trampled underfoot. 4<a href="/hebrew/5034.htm" title="5034: nō·ḇêl (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to wilt; generally, to fall away, fail, faint; figuratively, to be foolish or wicked; causatively, to despise, disgrace.">The fading</a> <a href="/hebrew/6733.htm" title="6733: ṣî·ṣaṯ (N-fsc) -- A flower. Feminine of tsiyts; a flower.">flower</a> <a href="/hebrew/6643.htm" title="6643: ṣə·ḇî (N-msc) -- Splendor, a gazelle. From tsabah in the sense of prominence; splendor; also a gazelle.">of his beautiful</a> <a href="/hebrew/8597.htm" title="8597: ṯip̄·’ar·tōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Beauty, glory. Or tiphereth; from pa'ar; ornament.">splendor,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">set</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rōš (N-msc) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">the summit</a> <a href="/hebrew/8081.htm" title="8081: šə·mā·nîm (N-mp) -- Fat, oil. From shaman; grease, especially liquid; figuratively, richness.">above the fertile</a> <a href="/hebrew/1516.htm" title="1516: gê (N-csc) -- A valley. Or gay; probably from the same root as gevah; a gorge.">valley,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yə·ṯāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3fs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">will be</a> <a href="/hebrew/1063.htm" title="1063: kə·ḇik·kū·rå̄h (Prep-k:: N-fs) -- The first ripe fig, early fig. Feminine of bikkuwr; the early fig.">like a ripe fig</a> <a href="/hebrew/2962.htm" title="2962: bə·ṭe·rem (Prep-b:: Adv) -- From an unused root apparently meaning to interrupt or suspend; properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/7019.htm" title="7019: qa·yiṣ (N-ms) -- To awake. From quwts; harvest, whether the product or the season.">the summer harvest:</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: yir·’eh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">Whoever</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: hā·rō·’eh (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">sees it</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·w·ṯāh (DirObjM:: 3fs) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5750.htm" title="5750: bə·‘ō·w·ḏāh (Prep-b:: Adv:: 3fs) -- Or rod; from uwd; properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially, again, repeatedly, still, more.">will take it</a> <a href="/hebrew/3709.htm" title="3709: bə·ḵap·pōw (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan. From kaphaph; the hollow hand or palm; figuratively, power.">in his hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/1104.htm" title="1104: yiḇ·lā·‘en·nāh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms:: 3fse) -- To swallow down, swallow up, engulf. A primitive root; to make away with; generally, to destroy.">and swallow it.</a> 5On that day the LORD of Hosts will be a crown of glory, a diadem of splendor to the remnant of His people,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/hosea/9-10.htm">Hosea 9:10</a> I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness. I saw your fathers as the firstfruits of the fig tree in its first season. But they went to Baal-peor, and consecrated themselves to Shame; so they became as detestable as the thing they loved. <a href="/amos/8-1.htm">Amos 8:1-2</a> This is what the Lord GOD showed me: I saw a basket of summer fruit. / “Amos, what do you see?” He asked. “A basket of summer fruit,” I replied. So the LORD said to me, “The end has come for My people Israel; I will no longer spare them.” <a href="/nahum/3-12.htm">Nahum 3:12</a> All your fortresses are fig trees with the first ripe figs; when shaken, they fall into the mouth of the eater! <a href="/jeremiah/24-1.htm">Jeremiah 24:1-2</a> After Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away Jeconiah son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, as well as the officials of Judah and the craftsmen and metalsmiths from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon, the LORD showed me two baskets of figs placed in front of the temple of the LORD. / One basket had very good figs, like those that ripen early, but the other basket contained very poor figs, so bad they could not be eaten. <a href="/micah/7-1.htm">Micah 7:1</a> Woe is me! For I am like one gathering summer fruit at the gleaning of the vineyard; there is no cluster to eat, no early fig that I crave. <a href="/joel/1-7.htm">Joel 1:7</a> It has laid waste My grapevine and splintered My fig tree. It has stripped off the bark and thrown it away; the branches have turned white. <a href="/jeremiah/8-13.htm">Jeremiah 8:13</a> I will take away their harvest, declares the LORD. There will be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the tree, and even the leaf will wither. Whatever I have given them will be lost to them.” <a href="/matthew/21-19.htm">Matthew 21:19</a> Seeing a fig tree by the road, He went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. “May you never bear fruit again!” He said. And immediately the tree withered. <a href="/luke/13-6.htm">Luke 13:6-9</a> Then Jesus told this parable: “A man had a fig tree that was planted in his vineyard. He went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. / So he said to the keeper of the vineyard, ‘Look, for the past three years I have come to search for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Therefore cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’ / ‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone again this year, until I dig around it and fertilize it. ... <a href="/revelation/14-18.htm">Revelation 14:18-20</a> Still another angel, with authority over the fire, came from the altar and called out in a loud voice to the angel with the sharp sickle, “Swing your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of grapes from the vine of the earth, because its grapes are ripe.” / So the angel swung his sickle over the earth and gathered the grapes of the earth, and he threw them into the great winepress of God’s wrath. / And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and the blood that flowed from it rose as high as the bridles of the horses for a distance of 1,600 stadia. <a href="/matthew/24-32.htm">Matthew 24:32-33</a> Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branches become tender and sprout leaves, you know that summer is near. / So also, when you see all these things, you will know that He is near, right at the door. <a href="/mark/11-13.htm">Mark 11:13-14</a> Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if there was any fruit on it. But when He reached it, He found nothing on it except leaves, since it was not the season for figs. / Then He said to the tree, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again.” And His disciples heard this statement. <a href="/john/15-1.htm">John 15:1-6</a> “I am the true vine, and My Father is the keeper of the vineyard. / He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful. / You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ... <a href="/james/1-11.htm">James 1:11</a> For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits. <a href="/1_peter/1-24.htm">1 Peter 1:24</a> For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fat valley, shall be a fading flower, and as the hasty fruit before the summer; which when he that looks on it sees, while it is yet in his hand he eats it up.shall be<a href="/isaiah/28-1.htm">Isaiah 28:1</a> Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which are on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine!<a href="/psalms/73-19.htm">Psalm 73:19,20</a> How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors… <a href="/hosea/6-4.htm">Hosea 6:4</a> O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away.the hasty.<a href="/micah/7-1.htm">Micah 7:1</a> Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as the grapegleanings of the vintage: there is no cluster to eat: my soul desired the firstripe fruit.<a href="/nahum/3-12.htm">Nahum 3:12</a> All thy strong holds shall be like fig trees with the firstripe figs: if they be shaken, they shall even fall into the mouth of the eater.<a href="/revelation/6-13.htm">Revelation 6:13</a> And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.eateth.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/28-1.htm">Beauty</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-1.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-9.htm">Early</a> <a href="/isaiah/11-7.htm">Eateth</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-20.htm">Eats</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-1.htm">Fading</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-1.htm">Fat</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-1.htm">Fertile</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-10.htm">Fig</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-1.htm">First</a> <a href="/numbers/18-13.htm">First-Ripe</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-1.htm">Flower</a> <a href="/isaiah/27-12.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-1.htm">Glorious</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-2.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm">Hasty</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-1.htm">Head</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-7.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/20-3.htm">Picks</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-4.htm">Prior</a> <a href="/isaiah/25-11.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-1.htm">Rich</a> <a href="/job/30-2.htm">Ripe</a> <a href="/isaiah/27-4.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/isaiah/18-5.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/isaiah/18-6.htm">Summer</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-20.htm">Swallows</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-1.htm">Valley</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/28-5.htm">Beauty</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-3.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-36.htm">Early</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-8.htm">Eateth</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-8.htm">Eats</a> <a href="/jeremiah/6-4.htm">Fading</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-23.htm">Fat</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-17.htm">Fertile</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-4.htm">Fig</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-21.htm">First</a> <a href="/jeremiah/24-2.htm">First-Ripe</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-6.htm">Flower</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-10.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-5.htm">Glorious</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-23.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-4.htm">Hasty</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-22.htm">Head</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-25.htm">Picks</a> <a href="/romans/3-25.htm">Prior</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-26.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-23.htm">Rich</a> <a href="/jeremiah/24-2.htm">Ripe</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-11.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-1.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-20.htm">Summer</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-13.htm">Swallows</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-21.htm">Valley</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 28</div>1. <a href="/isaiah/28-1.htm">The prophet threatens Ephraim for their pride and drunkenness</a> 5. <a href="/isaiah/28-5.htm">The residue shall be advanced in the kingdom of Christ</a> 7. <a href="/isaiah/28-7.htm">He rebukes their error</a> 9. <a href="/isaiah/28-9.htm">Their unwillingness to learn</a> 14. <a href="/isaiah/28-14.htm">And their security</a> 16. <a href="/isaiah/28-16.htm">Christ the sure foundation is promised</a> 17. <a href="/isaiah/28-17.htm">Their security shall be tried</a> 23. <a href="/isaiah/28-23.htm">They are incited to the consideration of God's providence</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In the context of Isaiah, it refers to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, particularly Ephraim, whose capital was Samaria. The imagery of a fading flower suggests beauty that is temporary and destined to wither. This can be connected to the broader biblical theme of the fleeting nature of earthly glory, as seen in passages like <a href="/psalms/103-15.htm">Psalm 103:15-16</a> and <a href="/james/1-10.htm">James 1:10-11</a>. The fading flower also serves as a metaphor for the spiritual decline and impending judgment upon Israel due to their disobedience and pride.Set on the summit above the fertile valley Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom, was indeed situated on a hill, overlooking a fertile valley. This geographical detail underscores the strategic and prosperous position of the city, which contributed to its sense of security and pride. However, this position also made it a target for conquest. The fertile valley represents abundance and blessing, which Israel enjoyed but took for granted, leading to their downfall. This setting serves as a reminder of how physical blessings can lead to spiritual complacency if not accompanied by faithfulness to God.Will be like a ripe fig before the summer harvest The image of a ripe fig suggests something desirable and ready to be consumed. In ancient Israel, figs were a valued fruit, and their ripeness indicated readiness for harvest. This metaphor implies that Samaria, despite its apparent strength and beauty, is vulnerable and ready to be "plucked" by its enemies. The timing "before the summer harvest" suggests an unexpected or premature event, indicating that judgment will come swiftly and unexpectedly. This can be seen as a warning to remain vigilant and faithful, as echoed in other scriptures like <a href="/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42-44</a>.Whoever sees it will take it in his hand and swallow it This phrase conveys the ease and inevitability with which Samaria will be conquered. Just as a ripe fig is easily picked and eaten, so will the city fall to its enemies. This reflects the certainty of God's judgment against those who turn away from Him. The act of swallowing signifies complete consumption and destruction, leaving nothing behind. This imagery is a stark reminder of the consequences of pride and disobedience, as seen in the broader narrative of Israel's history and prophetic warnings throughout the Old Testament.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/ephraim.htm">Ephraim</a> The northern kingdom of Israel, often referred to by the name of its largest tribe. In <a href="/bsb/isaiah/28.htm">Isaiah 28</a>, Ephraim is being warned of impending judgment due to pride and disobedience. 2. <a href="/topical/i/isaiah.htm">Isaiah</a> The prophet who delivered God's messages to the people of Judah and Israel, warning them of the consequences of their actions and calling them to repentance. 3. <a href="/topical/s/samaria.htm">Samaria</a> The capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, representing the pride and false security of Ephraim. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_summer_harvest.htm">The Summer Harvest</a> A time of gathering ripe fruits, symbolizing the impending judgment and the fleeting nature of Ephraim's glory.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_fleeting_nature_of_earthly_glory.htm">The Fleeting Nature of Earthly Glory</a> Earthly beauty and splendor are temporary and can quickly fade away, just as the glory of Ephraim was destined to vanish. We should focus on eternal values rather than temporary appearances. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_pride.htm">The Consequences of Pride</a> Ephraim's pride led to its downfall. Pride can blind us to our need for God and lead to spiritual decay. Humility is essential for maintaining a right relationship with God. <a href="/topical/t/the_urgency_of_repentance.htm">The Urgency of Repentance</a> Just as a ripe fig is quickly consumed, opportunities for repentance can be fleeting. We must be vigilant and responsive to God's call to turn back to Him. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_fruitfulness.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Fruitfulness</a> Like the fig tree, our lives should bear fruit that reflects our faith. We are called to live lives that demonstrate the love, joy, peace, and righteousness of God's kingdom.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_28.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 28</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_believers_as_royal_priests.htm">What does 'the grass withers and flowers fade' mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'be_angry,_do_not_sin'_mean.htm">What does 'Crown of Glory, Diadem of Beauty' mean?</a> <a href="/q/inconsistencies_in_ezekiel_1_vs._isaiah_6.htm">Are there any inconsistencies between Ezekiel's vision (Ezekiel 1) and visions of divine glory in other scriptural passages, such as Isaiah 6 or Revelation 4?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_god's_throne_in_rev_4_2-3_symbolic.htm">Why does Revelation 4:2-3 depict God's throne in such vivid, symbolic imagery that lacks any archaeological or scientific evidence?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/28.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) And the glorious beauty . . .--Better, And the fading flower of his glorious beauty . . . shall be us the early fig before the fruit-gathering. The "early fig," as a special delicacy (<a href="/hosea/9-10.htm" title="I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the first ripe in the fig tree at her first time: but they went to Baalpeor, and separated themselves to that shame; and their abominations were according as they loved.">Hosea 9:10</a>; <a href="/micah/7-1.htm" title="Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as the grape gleanings of the vintage: there is no cluster to eat: my soul desired the first ripe fruit.">Micah 7:1</a>), becomes a type of the beauty and pride of Samaria, doomed to inevitable destruction. (Comp. <a href="/nahum/3-12.htm" title="All your strong holds shall be like fig trees with the first ripe figs: if they be shaken, they shall even fall into the mouth of the eater.">Nahum 3:12</a>.) Such a fig the passer-by seizes, and eagerly devours. So, the prophet says, with a Dante-like homeliness of comparison, should the Assyrian king treat Samaria.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/28.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - And the glorious beauty, etc. Translate, And the fading flower of his glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fat valley, shall be like an early fig (that comes) before the harvest. Such an "early fig" is a tempting delicacy, devoured as soon as seen (comp. <a href="/hosea/9-10.htm">Hosea 9:10</a>; <a href="/nahum/3-12.htm">Nahum 3:12</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/24-2.htm">Jeremiah 24:2</a>, etc.). The "beauty" of Samaria would tempt the Assyrians to desire it so soon as they saw it, and would rouse an appetite which would be content with nothing less than the speedy absorption of the coveted morsel. Samaria's siege, once begun, was pressed without intermission, and lasted less than three years (<a href="/2_kings/18-9.htm">2 Kings 18:9, 10</a>) - a short space compared to that of other sieges belonging to about the same period; e.g., that of Ashdod, besieged twenty-nine years (Herod., 2. 157); that of Tyre, besieged thirteen years ('Ancient Monarchies,' vol. 3:492). <a href="/commentaries/isaiah/28-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>The fading נֹבֵל֙ (nō·ḇêl) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5034.htm">Strong's 5034: </a> To wilt, to fall away, fail, faint, to be foolish, wicked, to despise, disgrace flower צִיצַ֤ת (ṣî·ṣaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6733.htm">Strong's 6733: </a> A flower of his beautiful צְבִ֣י (ṣə·ḇî) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6643.htm">Strong's 6643: </a> Splendor, a gazelle splendor, תִפְאַרְתּ֔וֹ (ṯip̄·’ar·tōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8597.htm">Strong's 8597: </a> Beauty, glory on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the summit רֹ֖אשׁ (rōš) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> The head above the fertile שְׁמָנִ֑ים (šə·mā·nîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8081.htm">Strong's 8081: </a> Grease, liquid, richness valley, גֵּ֣יא (gê) Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1516.htm">Strong's 1516: </a> A valley will be וְֽהָ֨יְתָ֜ה (wə·hā·yə·ṯāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be like a ripe fig כְּבִכּוּרָהּ֙‪‬ (kə·ḇik·kū·rāh) Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1061.htm">Strong's 1061: </a> The first-fruits of the crop before בְּטֶ֣רֶם (bə·ṭe·rem) Preposition-b | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Non-occurrence, not yet, before the summer harvest: קַ֔יִץ (qa·yiṣ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7019.htm">Strong's 7019: </a> To awake Whoever sees יִרְאֶ֤ה (yir·’eh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see it will swallow it יִבְלָעֶֽנָּה׃ (yiḇ·lā·‘en·nāh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1104.htm">Strong's 1104: </a> To swallow down, swallow up, engulf while it is still בְּעוֹדָ֥הּ (bə·‘ō·w·ḏāh) Preposition-b | Adverb | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5750.htm">Strong's 5750: </a> Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more in his hand. בְּכַפּ֖וֹ (bə·ḵap·pōw) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3709.htm">Strong's 3709: </a> Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/28-4.htm">Isaiah 28:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/isaiah/28-4.htm">Isaiah 28:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/isaiah/28-4.htm">Isaiah 28:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/isaiah/28-4.htm">Isaiah 28:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/isaiah/28-4.htm">Isaiah 28:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/28-4.htm">Isaiah 28:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/28-4.htm">Isaiah 28:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/28-4.htm">Isaiah 28:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/28-4.htm">Isaiah 28:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/isaiah/28-4.htm">Isaiah 28:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-4.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 28:4 The fading flower of his glorious beauty (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/28-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 28:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 28:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/28-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 28:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 28:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>