Isaiah 56 6

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 verses

Isaiah 56 6 meaning

Isaiah 56:6 pronounces God's invitation and acceptance of "foreigners"—non-Israelites—who genuinely turn to Him. It establishes conditions for their inclusion in the community of God's people: active commitment, serving the Lord, loving His essence and character, dedicating themselves to Him as servants, observing the Sabbath, and faithfully upholding His covenant. This verse broadens the scope of God's salvific plan, previously often understood through a solely nationalistic lens, to embrace all who would align their lives with His divine will and laws, offering them the same spiritual privileges as native Israelites.

Isaiah 56 6 Context

Isaiah 56 is situated in the third part of the Book of Isaiah, often called "Third Isaiah" (chapters 56-66), which addresses the Jewish community returning from Babylonian exile. This section deals with post-exilic issues, including discouragement, injustice, and the lingering question of who truly belongs to God's people and who is allowed to participate fully in temple worship and the covenant. The immediate context of chapter 56 begins with an exhortation to righteousness and justice (v. 1-2). Crucially, verses 3-5 specifically address two marginalized groups within the Mosaic Law framework—eunuchs and foreigners—promising them a place and an "everlasting name" in God's house, even better than sons and daughters, if they are faithful. This radical inclusion challenges the nationalistic and often exclusive perspectives prevalent among some segments of the returning exiles who were more focused on racial purity (e.g., as seen later in Ezra and Nehemiah). Verse 6 directly builds upon this by detailing the conditions under which these foreigners can become full participants, connecting their acceptance to specific acts of devotion and covenant adherence, particularly Sabbath observance.

Isaiah 56 6 Word analysis

• Also the foreigners (וּבְנֵי הַנֵּכָר, uvenei hannekar)
  • וּבְנֵי (uvenei): "And sons of," indicating the individuals themselves or a class. The prefix u- means "and/also," signifying an addition to those already mentioned (eunuchs in v. 3-5).
  • הַנֵּכָר (hannekar): "the foreigner" or "the stranger." This term specifically denotes a non-Israelite, someone outside the direct lineage or national identity. Its inclusion here marks a significant shift towards universalism, as Mosaic law generally delineated separation for those not born into the covenant community.
• who join themselves (הַנִּלְוִים, hannilvim)
  • From the verb lavah (לָוָה), meaning "to join, cleave to, attach oneself to." It's a participle indicating an active, ongoing, and intentional act of allegiance. This is not passive residency but a deliberate commitment to identify with and belong to Yahweh's people and His ways.
• to the LORD (עַל-יְהוָה, al-YHWH)
  • al (ʿal): "to," "upon," indicating direction or attachment.
  • YHWH: The covenant name of God, indicating that the joining is to the specific God of Israel, not a generic deity. It emphasizes the exclusive relationship being sought.
• to minister to Him (לְשָׁרְתוֹ, lesharetov)
  • לְשָׁרֵת (lesharet): From sharat (שָׁרַת), "to minister, serve, attend." This verb is often used for cultic or priestly service, indicating that these foreigners are not merely observers but are active participants in divine worship and service, previously limited to Levites or specific individuals.
  • וֹ (ov): His, referring to the LORD.
• to love the name of the LORD (וּלְאַהֲבָה אֶת-שֵׁם יְהוָה, uLe'ahavah et-shem YHWH)
  • וּלְאַהֲבָה (ule'ahavah): "and to love," from ahav (אָהַב), meaning deep affection, devotion, loyalty. This emphasizes internal motivation, not just external ritual.
  • אֶת-שֵׁם יְהוָה (et-shem YHWH): "the name of the LORD." In ancient thought, "the name" represents the totality of one's being, character, reputation, and presence. Loving the name of the LORD means loving God Himself in all His revealed attributes and His presence among His people. It signifies wholehearted devotion to who God is.
• to be His servants (לִהְיוֹת לוֹ לַעֲבָדִים, lihyot lo la'avadim)
  • לִהְיוֹת (lihyot): "to be."
  • לוֹ (lo): "to Him" or "His."
  • לַעֲבָדִים (la'avadim): "as servants" or "as slaves," from eved (עֶבֶד). This term implies complete allegiance, submission, and dedication of one's life to God's will, owning Him as Master. It signifies belonging entirely to Him.
• everyone who keeps the Sabbath (כֹּל שֹׁמֵר שַׁבָּת, kol shomer shabbat)
  • כֹּל (kol): "all, every." Emphasizes the universal application of the condition.
  • שֹׁמֵר (shomer): From shamar (שָׁמַר), "to keep, guard, observe, watch." It means actively upholding the command.
  • שַׁבָּת (shabbat): The Sabbath day, the weekly day of rest and holiness. Sabbath observance was a critical sign of the covenant between God and Israel, an identifier of their relationship and a witness to creation and redemption. For foreigners to keep it meant they were adopting this core sign of Israel's identity and covenant with Yahweh.
• without profaning it (מֵחַלְּלוֹ, meḥallelō)
  • מֵחַלְּלוֹ (meḥallelō): From chalal (חָלַל), meaning "to profane, defile, make common." The prefix m- means "from" or "without." This stresses that proper, holy observance is required, not a superficial or disingenuous one. It must be kept sacred, set apart.
• and holds fast My covenant (וּמַחֲזִיק בִּבְרִיתִי, umaḥazik bivriti)
  • וּמַחֲזִיק (umaḥazik): "and holds fast," from chazaq (חָזַק), "to be strong, seize, hold firm." It implies a resolute, unwavering adherence and commitment to the covenant stipulations. This is not passive agreement but active engagement and maintenance of the relationship.
  • בִּבְרִיתִי (bivriti): "My covenant," with the suffix -i meaning "My." This refers to the covenant God established with Israel, likely encompassing the broader Mosaic Law and the terms of their special relationship. For a foreigner to hold fast to this covenant is to fully integrate into God's chosen people by aligning with His divine law.

Groups-by-groups analysis:

• "Also the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD": This initial phrase fundamentally expands the boundaries of the covenant community beyond birthright, highlighting a choice-based, inclusive faith. The initiative comes from the foreigner seeking God.
• "to minister to Him, to love the name of the LORD, to be His servants": These three clauses collectively describe the motivation and attitude required. It moves beyond mere outward compliance to an inner disposition of service, deep affection, and submission to God's authority and character. It signifies a complete devotion of life, heart, and will.
• "everyone who keeps the Sabbath without profaning it, and holds fast My covenant": These are the specific, actionable conditions and signs of their commitment. Sabbath observance was a clear mark of covenant people. "Holding fast My covenant" summarizes a faithful adherence to the broader moral and spiritual laws given by God, solidifying their membership in the community defined by divine promises and expectations.

Isaiah 56 6 Bonus section

The emphasis on "love the name of the LORD" goes beyond merely liking the sound of God's name; it speaks to loving the revelation of God's character and power. His "name" embodies all that He is and all that He has made Himself known to be. Therefore, loving His name signifies an acceptance and adoration of His divine attributes, His righteous decrees, and His redemptive history. This phrase anchors the foreigner's commitment in deep theological understanding and emotional connection, not just outward religious practice. This profound commitment by the foreigners to YHWH marks a transformation in their identity and purpose. Moreover, the strong imperative to "hold fast My covenant" anticipates the "new covenant" promised in Jeremiah 31 and fulfilled in Christ, where God's law would be written on the hearts of His people, transcending national and ethnic boundaries, uniting all who believe in a renewed spiritual allegiance. This verse also contains an implicit polemic against those within the post-exilic community who held a narrow, xenophobic view of Yahweh, implying that their understanding of God's expansive heart and global salvific purpose was too small.

Isaiah 56 6 Commentary

Isaiah 56:6 represents a groundbreaking declaration of God's universal redemptive plan, asserting that genuine faith and obedience, rather than ethnic origin or physical status, are the true determinants of inclusion in His people. This verse dismantles the exclusive, nationalistic boundaries that had largely characterized Israel's understanding of their relationship with Yahweh, particularly in the post-exilic era. By offering eunuchs (v. 4-5) and foreigners full acceptance on terms equal to, or even better than, those born Israelite, Isaiah reveals a future vision where God's salvation extends globally.

The conditions for inclusion are not superficial. They demand active allegiance ("join themselves to the LORD"), devoted service ("minister to Him," "be His servants"), and heartfelt love ("love the name of the LORD"). Furthermore, the mention of "keeps the Sabbath" and "holds fast My covenant" specifies key behavioral markers of covenant fidelity. Sabbath observance, a core sign of the Mosaic covenant (Ex 31:13), becomes a test of the foreigner's sincerity and commitment to embrace Israel's God and His ways fully. This profound invitation prefigures the New Testament era, where the gentiles are grafted into the covenant people through Christ (Rom 11:17) and where all believers, regardless of background, become part of a spiritual Israel, sharing equally in God's promises and priestly service. It implies a true transformation of allegiance, not just nominal adherence.

• Examples of practical usage:
  • A local church welcoming and fully integrating new members from diverse national backgrounds who show genuine commitment to Christ and His teachings.
  • Missionary efforts recognizing that while cultural distinctions remain, spiritual unity in worship and service to God transcends them.