Isaiah 56:6 kjv
Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;
Isaiah 56:6 nkjv
"Also the sons of the foreigner Who join themselves to the LORD, to serve Him, And to love the name of the LORD, to be His servants? Everyone who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, And holds fast My covenant?
Isaiah 56:6 niv
And foreigners who bind themselves to the LORD to minister to him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be his servants, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant?
Isaiah 56:6 esv
"And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, to minister to him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant ?
Isaiah 56:6 nlt
"I will also bless the foreigners who commit themselves to the LORD,
who serve him and love his name,
who worship him and do not desecrate the Sabbath day of rest,
and who hold fast to my covenant.
Isaiah 56 6 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah 56:6 | And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD... | Welcome to Gentiles |
| Matthew 12:18 | "Behold, my servant whom I have chosen..." | Fulfillment of prophecy |
| John 10:16 | "And there will be one flock, one shepherd." | Unity of believers |
| Acts 10:34 | "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality..." | Inclusivity of God's grace |
| Romans 2:29 | "...circumcision is of the heart, in the Spirit..." | True circumcision |
| Romans 10:13 | "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." | Salvation through faith |
| Galatians 3:28 | "There is neither Jew nor Greek..." | Unity in Christ |
| Ephesians 2:12 | "...you were aliens and enemies in your minds..." | Reconciliation with God |
| Ephesians 2:19 | "...you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God." | Belonging to God's family |
| Philippians 3:3 | "For we are the true circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit..." | True worship |
| Colossians 3:11 | "...Christ is all, and in all." | Christ's centrality |
| Hebrews 11:9 | "By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise..." | Faith of patriarchs |
| 1 Peter 2:9 | "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood..." | Identity of believers |
| Revelation 21:24 | "The nations will walk by its light..." | Kingdom without barriers |
| Isaiah 2:2-3 | "The mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established..." | Gentiles drawn to Zion |
| Isaiah 55:3 | "Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live..." | Invitation to life |
| Isaiah 49:6 | "...I will make you as a light for the nations..." | Messiah as light for Gentiles |
| Mark 11:17 | "...my house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations." | Temple for all nations |
| Luke 2:32 | "...a light for revelation to the Gentiles..." | Jesus as light for Gentiles |
| John 4:21-24 | "...the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth..." | True worship |
| Romans 9:24 | "...even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles?" | God's calling of Gentiles |
| Galatians 3:29 | "And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise." | Abraham's offspring through Christ |
| 1 John 3:23 | "And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another..." | God's commands |
| Revelation 7:9 | "After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation..." | Multitude from all nations |
Isaiah 56 verses
Isaiah 56 6 Meaning
This verse promises acceptance to foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, serving Him, loving His name, and keeping His covenant. It signifies that obedience and devotion are the true qualifiers for belonging and receiving God's blessings, transcending ethnic or national identity.
Isaiah 56 6 Context
Isaiah chapter 56 continues themes of justice, righteousness, and inclusivity introduced earlier in the book. In this specific passage, following a section that addresses covenant faithfulness and warns against superficial observance of the law, the prophecy extends God's blessings to those outside the traditional Israelite nation. It follows condemnations of corrupt leaders and a call to uphold justice, setting the stage for a broader vision of God's redemptive plan that encompasses all who genuinely seek Him. Historically, this would have resonated particularly during the post-exilic period when various peoples were interacting with the returned Jewish community.
Isaiah 56 6 Word analysis
- And the foreigners (wə·hā···‘ō·ḇîm / וְהַגֵּרִים): 'And' (wə) connects this to the preceding context. 'The foreigners' (gerim) refers to sojourners or resident aliens, individuals not of Israelite birth living within the land. This term implies a distinction, but God’s welcome transcends this status.
- who join themselves (wə·ḥā·ḇ·rîm / וְחָבְרוּ): Literally means "who unite" or "who become associated." This action implies a voluntary and active commitment, a decided move towards God and His people. It’s more than just proximity; it’s an active fellowship.
- to the LORD (lă·YH·wîh / לַיהוָה): Specifically names Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This signifies they are joining themselves to the true and living God, not any pagan deity.
- to serve Him (lə·šā·ḏ·ṯî·w / לְשָׁרְתוֹ): 'To serve' (sharath) denotes ministry, attendance, or carrying out duties. It implies dedication of one's life and actions to God's purposes. This is not servitude out of compulsion but willing service stemming from devotion.
- to love His name (wə··‘ō·ḇ·ḇîm / לְאַהֲבָה): To 'love' (ahav) implies deep affection, desire, and value. Loving God's name signifies cherishing and revering God Himself, His character, His reputation, and all that He represents.
- and to keep (wə·liṯ·ṯan / וְלִשְׁמֹר): 'To keep' (shamar) means to guard, preserve, observe, or obey. It points to diligent adherence to His commands and covenant.
- His covenant (et / אֶת־/ בְּרִיתּוֹ): Refers to the established agreement or relationship God has with His people. Keeping the covenant implies faithfulness to its terms and stipulations. The phrasing implies active participation and upholding.
- and to keep it (wə·lə·šō·ḇ·rîm / וּלְשָׁמְרָם): (Grammar Note: The final suffix on lashomram (לְשָׁמְרָם) in Hebrew is masculine plural, agreeing with "foreigners." However, some ancient texts and scholars have noted a potential reading or textual variation suggesting "to keep Him" or "to keep His covenant." The common understanding, consistent with the promise, is the active keeping of the covenant stipulations and principles.)
words-group by words-group analysis
- "foreigners who join themselves to the LORD": This group is characterized by a conscious choice to affiliate with God, moving from an outsider status to a committed insider. It is an act of intentional discipleship and integration into God's community and covenant.
- "serve Him, love His name, and keep His covenant": These three clauses detail the essential components of genuine devotion. Serving is active engagement; loving His name is internal affection and reverence; keeping His covenant is steadfast obedience and faithfulness. Together, they represent a holistic commitment of heart, soul, and action.
Isaiah 56 6 Bonus section
This prophecy foreshadows the New Testament fulfillment where the gospel message extends to all nations. The inclusion of Gentiles in God’s kingdom without requiring them to become Jewish was a significant theological development, firmly rooted in Old Testament promises like this one. Scholars highlight that this verse addresses potential legalism or exclusion within the covenant community, re-emphasizing that genuine adherence to God is the ultimate criterion. It speaks to the universal nature of God's saving love and the open invitation He extends to all who seek Him. The "name" of God is a significant biblical concept, representing His essence, character, and authority. Loving His name is loving Him intimately.
Isaiah 56 6 Commentary
This verse is a powerful testament to God's expansive grace. It proclaims that outward ethnicity is secondary to inward devotion. Those who were once considered outsiders are welcomed into full communion with God and His people if they exhibit true commitment through service, love for God's character, and obedience to His covenant. This inclusivity, exemplified by Jesus’ ministry and the early church’s outreach to Gentiles, demonstrates that God's redemptive plan was always intended to transcend national boundaries. It highlights that access to God's presence and blessings is based on the condition of the heart and actions, not on biological lineage.