Isaiah 17:3
New International Version
The fortified city will disappear from Ephraim, and royal power from Damascus; the remnant of Aram will be like the glory of the Israelites,” declares the LORD Almighty.

New Living Translation
The fortified towns of Israel will also be destroyed, and the royal power of Damascus will end. All that remains of Syria will share the fate of Israel’s departed glory,” declares the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

English Standard Version
The fortress will disappear from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus; and the remnant of Syria will be like the glory of the children of Israel, declares the LORD of hosts.

Berean Standard Bible
The fortress will disappear from Ephraim, and the sovereignty from Damascus. The remnant of Aram will be like the splendor of the Israelites,” declares the LORD of Hosts.

King James Bible
The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts.

New King James Version
The fortress also will cease from Ephraim, The kingdom from Damascus, And the remnant of Syria; They will be as the glory of the children of Israel,” Says the LORD of hosts.

New American Standard Bible
“The fortified city will disappear from Ephraim, And sovereignty from Damascus And the remnant of Aram; They will be like the glory of the sons of Israel,” Declares the LORD of armies.

NASB 1995
“The fortified city will disappear from Ephraim, And sovereignty from Damascus And the remnant of Aram; They will be like the glory of the sons of Israel,” Declares the LORD of hosts.

NASB 1977
“The fortified city will disappear from Ephraim, And sovereignty from Damascus And the remnant of Aram; They will be like the glory of the sons of Israel,” Declares the LORD of hosts.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the fortified city will cease from Ephraim, And sovereignty from Damascus And the remnant of Aram; They will be like the glory of the sons of Israel,” Declares Yahweh of hosts.

Amplified Bible
“The fortified city will disappear from Ephraim, And the kingdom from Damascus And the remnant of Aram (Syria); They will be like the [departed] glory of [her ally] the children of Israel,” Declares the LORD of hosts.

Christian Standard Bible
The fortress disappears from Ephraim, and a kingdom from Damascus. The remnant of Aram will be like the splendor of the Israelites. This is the declaration of the LORD of Armies.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The fortress disappears from Ephraim, and a kingdom from Damascus. The remnant of Aram will be like the splendor of the Israelites. This is the declaration of the LORD of Hosts.

American Standard Version
And the fortress shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria; they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith Jehovah of hosts.

Contemporary English Version
Israel will lose its fortresses. The kingdom of Damascus will be destroyed; its survivors will suffer the same fate as Israel. The LORD All-Powerful has promised this.

English Revised Version
The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria; they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Fortified cities will disappear from Ephraim, and the kingdom will disappear from Damascus. The remaining few from Aram will share Israel's honor," declares the LORD of Armies.

Good News Translation
Israel will be defenseless, and Damascus will lose its independence. Those Syrians who survive will be in disgrace like the people of Israel. I, the LORD Almighty, have spoken."

International Standard Version
The fortress will disappear from Ephraim, and royal authority from Damascus; the survivors from Aram will be like the glory of the Israelis," declares the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.

Majority Standard Bible
The fortress will disappear from Ephraim, and the sovereignty from Damascus. The remnant of Aram will be like the splendor of the Israelites,” declares the LORD of Hosts.

NET Bible
Fortified cities will disappear from Ephraim, and Damascus will lose its kingdom. The survivors in Syria will end up like the splendor of the Israelites," says the LORD who commands armies.

New Heart English Bible
The fortress shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Aram. They will be as the glory of the children of Israel," says the LORD of hosts.

Webster's Bible Translation
The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts.

World English Bible
The fortress shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria. They will be as the glory of the children of Israel,” says Yahweh of Armies.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the fortress has ceased from Ephraim, "" And the kingdom from Damascus, "" And the remnant of Aram are as the glory of the sons of Israel, "" A declaration of YHWH of Hosts!

Young's Literal Translation
And ceased hath the fortress from Ephraim, And the kingdom from Damascus, And the remnant of Aram are as the honour of the sons of Israel, The affirmation of Jehovah of Hosts!

Smith's Literal Translation
And the fortress ceased from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Aram: they shall be as the glory of the sons of Israel, says Jehovah of armies.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And aid shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus: and the remnant of Syria shall be as the glory of the children of Israel: saith the Lord of hosts.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And assistance will cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom will cease from Damascus. And the remnant of Syria will be like the glory of the sons of Israel, says the Lord of hosts.

New American Bible
The fortress shall vanish from Ephraim and dominion from Damascus; The remnant of Aram shall become like the glory of the Israelites— oracle of the LORD of hosts.

New Revised Standard Version
The fortress will disappear from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus; and the remnant of Aram will be like the glory of the children of Israel, says the LORD of hosts.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The might also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Ephraim will be like the glory of the children of Israel, says the LORD of hosts.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the strength shall cease from Aphreim and the kingdom from Darmsuq, and the remnant of Aphreim shall be as the honor of the children of Israel, says LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, And the kingdom from Damascus; And the remnant of Aram shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, Saith the LORD of hosts.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And she shall no longer be a strong place for Ephraim to flee to, and there shall no longer be a kingdom in Damascus, or a remnant of Syrians; for thou art no better than the children of Israel, even than their glory; thus saith the Lord of hosts.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
An Oracle Concerning Damascus
2The cities of Aroer are forsaken; they will be left to the flocks, which will lie down with no one to fear. 3The fortress will disappear from Ephraim, and the sovereignty from Damascus. The remnant of Aram will be like the splendor of the Israelites,” declares the LORD of Hosts. 4“In that day the splendor of Jacob will fade, and the fat of his body will waste away,…

Cross References
Hosea 13:16
Samaria will bear her guilt because she has rebelled against her God. They will fall by the sword; their little ones will be dashed to pieces, and their pregnant women ripped open.

Amos 1:3-5
This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Damascus, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they threshed Gilead with sledges of iron. / So I will send fire upon the house of Hazael to consume the citadels of Ben-hadad. / I will break down the gates of Damascus; I will cut off the ruler from the Valley of Aven and the one who wields the scepter in Beth-eden. The people of Aram will be exiled to Kir,” says the LORD.

Jeremiah 49:23-27
Concerning Damascus: “Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard a bad report; they are agitated like the sea; their anxiety cannot be calmed. / Damascus has become feeble; she has turned to flee. Panic has gripped her; anguish and pain have seized her like a woman in labor. / How is the city of praise not forsaken, the town that brings Me joy? ...

Zechariah 9:1
This is the burden of the word of the LORD against the land of Hadrach and Damascus its resting place—for the eyes of men and of all the tribes of Israel are upon the LORD—

2 Kings 16:9
So the king of Assyria responded to him, marched up to Damascus, and captured it. He took its people to Kir as captives and put Rezin to death.

2 Kings 17:5-6
Then the king of Assyria invaded the whole land, marched up to Samaria, and besieged it for three years. / In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and carried away the Israelites to Assyria, where he settled them in Halah, in Gozan by the Habor River, and in the cities of the Medes.

2 Kings 18:9-12
In the fourth year of Hezekiah’s reign, which was the seventh year of the reign of Hoshea son of Elah over Israel, Shalmaneser king of Assyria marched against Samaria and besieged it. / And at the end of three years, the Assyrians captured it. So Samaria was captured in the sixth year of Hezekiah, which was the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel. / The king of Assyria exiled the Israelites to Assyria and settled them in Halah, in Gozan by the Habor River, and in the cities of the Medes. ...

Isaiah 7:8
For the head of Aram is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin. Within sixty-five years Ephraim will be shattered as a people.

Isaiah 8:4
For before the boy knows how to cry ‘Father’ or ‘Mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be carried off by the king of Assyria.”

Isaiah 10:9
“Is not Calno like Carchemish? Is not Hamath like Arpad? Is not Samaria like Damascus?

Isaiah 14:24-27
The LORD of Hosts has sworn: “Surely, as I have planned, so will it be; as I have purposed, so will it stand. / I will break Assyria in My land; I will trample him on My mountain. His yoke will be taken off My people, and his burden removed from their shoulders.” / This is the plan devised for the whole earth, and this is the hand stretched out over all the nations. ...

Isaiah 9:11-12
The LORD has raised up the foes of Rezin against him and joined his enemies together. / Aram from the east and Philistia from the west have devoured Israel with open mouths. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised.

Ezekiel 30:15-16
I will pour out My wrath on Pelusium, the stronghold of Egypt, and cut off the crowds of Thebes. / I will set fire to Egypt, Pelusium will writhe in anguish, Thebes will be split open, and Memphis will face daily distress.

Matthew 11:21-22
“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. / But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.

Luke 10:13-14
Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. / But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you.


Treasury of Scripture

The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, said the LORD of hosts.

fortress

Isaiah 7:8,16
For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin; and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken, that it be not a people…

Isaiah 8:4
For before the child shall have knowledge to cry, My father, and my mother, the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be taken away before the king of Assyria.

Isaiah 10:9
Is not Calno as Carchemish? is not Hamath as Arpad? is not Samaria as Damascus?

they shall

Isaiah 16:14
But now the LORD hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant shall be very small and feeble.

Isaiah 28:1-4
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! …

Hosea 9:11
As for Ephraim, their glory shall fly away like a bird, from the birth, and from the womb, and from the conception.

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Aram Armies Cease Ceased Children City Damascus Declares Destruction Disappear Ephraim E'phraim Fortified Fortress Glory Hosts Israel Israelites Kingdom Power Remnant Rest Royal Sovereignty Strong Syria Tower
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Aram Armies Cease Ceased Children City Damascus Declares Destruction Disappear Ephraim E'phraim Fortified Fortress Glory Hosts Israel Israelites Kingdom Power Remnant Rest Royal Sovereignty Strong Syria Tower
Isaiah 17
1. Syria and Israel are threatened
6. A remnant shall forsake idolatry
9. The rest shall be plagued for their impiety
12. The woe of Israel's enemies














The fortress will disappear from Ephraim
The term "fortress" in this context refers to a place of defense and security. In Hebrew, the word used is "מִבְצָר" (mivtsar), which signifies a fortified city or stronghold. Ephraim, representing the northern kingdom of Israel, relied heavily on its fortifications for protection against invaders. Historically, Ephraim was a dominant tribe in Israel, often symbolizing the entire northern kingdom. The prophecy that the fortress will disappear indicates a divine judgment leading to vulnerability and exposure. This serves as a reminder that reliance on physical defenses is futile without the favor and protection of God.

and the kingdom from Damascus
"Damascus" was the capital of Aram (modern-day Syria) and a significant power in the ancient Near East. The "kingdom" here refers to the political and military strength of Damascus. The Hebrew word for kingdom, "מַמְלָכָה" (mamlakah), implies sovereignty and rule. Historically, Damascus was a formidable adversary to Israel and Judah. The prophecy foretells the removal of its power and influence, emphasizing that no earthly kingdom can withstand the decrees of the LORD. This serves as a cautionary tale about the transient nature of human power and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all nations.

the remnant of Aram
The "remnant" signifies what is left after a calamity or judgment. In Hebrew, "שְׁאָר" (she'ar) denotes a surviving group. Aram, often at odds with Israel, would face significant reduction and loss. The concept of a remnant is recurrent in biblical prophecy, often indicating a small, preserved group that survives divine judgment. This highlights God's mercy and the hope of restoration even amidst judgment. The remnant of Aram serves as a testament to God's control over history and His ability to preserve a people for His purposes.

will be like the glory of the Israelites
The "glory" of the Israelites refers to their former splendor and divine favor. In Hebrew, "כָּבוֹד" (kavod) means weightiness or honor. The Israelites, chosen by God, experienced periods of great prosperity and divine blessing. However, their glory was often diminished due to disobedience and idolatry. The comparison suggests that Aram's remnant will experience a similar fate to Israel's diminished glory. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the fleeting nature of earthly glory.

declares the LORD of Hosts
The phrase "declares the LORD of Hosts" underscores the authority and certainty of the prophecy. The title "LORD of Hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes God's supreme command over the armies of heaven and earth. It is a powerful reminder of His omnipotence and the assurance that His words will come to pass. This declaration serves to inspire awe and reverence, reinforcing the message that God's plans are unassailable and His judgments are just. It calls believers to trust in His sovereignty and align themselves with His divine will.

Verse 3. - The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim. Sargon did not destroy Samaria on the occasion of his first capture. But he says that he "reduced it to a heap of ruins" on the occasion of its second capture ('Records of the Past,' l.s.c.). And the kingdom from Damascus. We do not hear of any King of Damascus after Rezin, who was slain by Tiglath-Pileser about B.C. 732. Damascus, however, reasserted her independence in B.C. 721, and probably set up a king at the same time. In B.C. 720 she was reduced and destroyed. Nothing more is heard of her until B.C. 694 - the eleventh year of Sen-nacherib - when her "governor" is Assyrian Eponym, and she must therefore have been absorbed into the Assyrian empire. The remnant of Syria. This phrase shows that the great blow which struck down Syria - Tiglath-Pileser's capture of Damascus and slaughter of Rezin - was a thing of the past. Syria was already but "a remnant." Now she was to cease to exist altogether. They shall be as the glory of the children of Israel. Ironical. The irony is made apparent by the next verse.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The fortress
מִבְצָר֙ (miḇ·ṣār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4013: A fortification, castle, fortified city, a defender

will disappear
וְנִשְׁבַּ֤ת (wə·niš·baṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7673: To repose, desist from exertion

from Ephraim,
מֵֽאֶפְרַ֔יִם (mê·’ep̄·ra·yim)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 669: Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory

and the sovereignty
וּמַמְלָכָ֥ה (ū·mam·lā·ḵāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4467: Kingdom, sovereignty, dominion, reign

from Damascus.
מִדַּמֶּ֖שֶׂק (mid·dam·me·śeq)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1834: Damascus -- a city in Aram (Syria)

The remnant
וּשְׁאָ֣ר (ū·šə·’ār)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7605: Rest, residue, remnant

of Aram
אֲרָ֑ם (’ă·rām)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 758: Aram -- Syria

will be
יִֽהְי֔וּ (yih·yū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

like the splendor
כִּכְב֤וֹד (kiḵ·ḇō·wḏ)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3519: Weight, splendor, copiousness

of the Israelites,”
בְּנֵֽי־ (bə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

declares
נְאֻ֖ם (nə·’um)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5002: An oracle

the LORD
יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

of Hosts.
צְבָאֽוֹת׃ (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)
Noun - common plural
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 17:3 The fortress shall cease from Ephraim (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 17:2
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