Isaiah 6:13

But yet in it shalbe a tenth, and it shall returne, and shall be eaten: as a Teyle tree, and as an Oke whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaues: so the holy seede shall be the substance thereof. Isaiah 6:13 (KJV)

But yet in it

shall be a tenth, and

it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast

their leaves: so the holy seed

shall be

the substance thereof. Isaiah 6:13 (KJV)

“And though a tenth be in it, yet shall it be turned again: and it shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof.”

“And it shall be, as when the tree of the field is cut down, that the remainder shall be left; and the fruit thereof shall be the holy seed.”

Context

To grasp the significance of Isaiah 6:13 we must first recall the surrounding vision. In Isaiah 6 the prophet sees the Lord enthroned in the temple, surrounded by seraphim proclaiming, “Holy, holy, holy.” Confronted with his own sinfulness, Isaiah’s lips are purified with a hot coal, symbolizing forgiveness. The Lord then commissions Isaiah to deliver a message to Judah, setting the stage for the themes of judgment and hope that follow.

The Remnant

Both renderings of the verse speak of a “tenth” or “remainder” that will be left after divine judgment. Throughout Isaiah the concept of a faithful remnant recurs: a small, righteous group that survives the punishment of the unfaithful. This remnant represents God’s promise that, despite widespread apostasy, He will preserve a core of believers who remain loyal to Him.

Restoration and Renewal

The imagery of a teil (or terebinth) tree and an oak, which shed their leaves in winter only to sprout anew in spring, illustrates renewal after loss. Likewise, the picture of a field tree cut down, leaving a stump from which new fruit emerges, reinforces the idea that what remains will become the source of future life. Both metaphors convey that the surviving remnant will be restored, return to the land, and flourish under God’s care.

The Holy Seed

The phrase “holy seed” identifies the remnant as set‑apart, consecrated people who become the substance—or foundation—of the restored nation. Their faithfulness makes them the fertile ground from which God’s future blessings will grow, establishing a renewed community grounded in His covenant.

Application

Isaiah 6:13 calls believers to trust in God’s unwavering faithfulness, even when circumstances seem bleak. It reminds us that God consistently preserves a faithful remnant. As members of that holy seed, we are urged to remain steadfast in Scripture, live lives that honor God, and participate in the ongoing work of restoration that He has promised.