Definition: For afore the harvest, when the bud is perfect, and the sour grape is ripening in the flower, he shall both cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks, and take away [and] cut down the branches.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break this verse down. It’s a pretty poetic and symbolic passage from Isaiah, and it speaks to a crucial idea about change and renewal . Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse is saying that God is preparing for something big and important. Let’s unpack each part: “For afore the harvest…” – This refers to a time before a significant event or period of plenty. It’s like "before the season of bounty." “…when the bud is perfect…” – A bud is a young, developing flower. When it's perfect , it’s fully formed and ready to produce fruit. “…and the sour grape is ripening in the flower…” – This is a metaphor for something that has become bitter or flawed. A “sour grape” represents a problem, a mistake, or a bad situation. It's growing and developing into something unpleasant. “He shall both cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks…” – This is where it gets really powerful. "Pruning hooks" are like tools used to carefully remove parts of something. “Cut off” means to eliminate or remove something. It's a deliberate, careful action. “…and take away [and] cut down the branches.” - This signifies that God is actively removing the things that are causing trouble, the bad things that need to be addressed. "Branches" represent influences, opinions, or even people who are hindering progress. So, what does it all mean? Isaiah 18:5 describes a process of cleansing and renewal . God is preparing for something significant – perhaps a time of great growth, prosperity, or a period of transformation – but he's going to carefully remove the things that are hindering that growth. It’s about letting go of what’s no longer serving us and allowing something new and better to emerge. It’s often interpreted as a metaphor for: The process of repentance and forgiveness. (Removing the sour grape is like admitting your mistakes and seeking forgiveness.) Moving forward with fresh perspectives and opportunities. (Cutting off the sprigs represents shedding old ways of thinking or doing.) Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you a related example from the Bible?