Isaiah 60:11 kjv
Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought.
Isaiah 60:11 nkjv
Therefore your gates shall be open continually; They shall not be shut day or night, That men may bring to you the wealth of the Gentiles, And their kings in procession.
Isaiah 60:11 niv
Your gates will always stand open, they will never be shut, day or night, so that people may bring you the wealth of the nations? their kings led in triumphal procession.
Isaiah 60:11 esv
Your gates shall be open continually; day and night they shall not be shut, that people may bring to you the wealth of the nations, with their kings led in procession.
Isaiah 60:11 nlt
Your gates will stay open day and night
to receive the wealth of many lands.
The kings of the world will be led as captives
in a victory procession.
Isaiah 60 11 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isa 2:2 | "In the latter days... all nations shall flow to it." | Nations drawn to Jerusalem/Lord's house. |
| Isa 49:23 | "Kings shall be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers." | Kings serving Zion/God's people. |
| Isa 60:3 | "Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn." | Kings and nations drawn by Zion's glory. |
| Isa 60:5 | "The wealth of the nations will come to you." | Gentiles bringing their resources. |
| Isa 60:7 | "All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered to you... acceptable on my altar." | Offerings from nations brought to God. |
| Isa 66:12 | "You shall suck the milk of nations, you shall nurse at their wealthy breast." | Nations bringing sustenance to Zion. |
| Ps 24:7, 9 | "Lift up your heads, O gates... that the King of glory may come in." | Symbolic open gates for divine entry/presence. |
| Ps 72:10-11 | "The kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands shall render tribute... all kings fall down before him." | Kings offering tribute and homage to God/Messiah. |
| Zech 14:16 | "Then everyone who survives of all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King." | Nations worshipping in Jerusalem. |
| Hag 2:7 | "I will fill this house with glory... and the desirable things of all nations will come in." | Wealth of nations brought to God's temple. |
| Mal 1:11 | "From the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered." | God's name universally honored by nations. |
| Rev 21:24 | "The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it." | New Jerusalem drawing kings and nations. |
| Rev 21:25 | "Its gates will never be shut by day, for there will be no night there." | New Jerusalem with continually open gates. |
| Rev 21:26 | "They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations." | Nations bringing their best to God's city. |
| Matt 2:1-11 | "Magi from the east came to Jerusalem... offering gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." | Gentiles bringing gifts to the Christ-King. |
| Lk 21:24 | "Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled." | Prophetic anticipation of Gentile period before full restoration. |
| Rom 11:25 | "A partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in." | Gentile inclusion in God's redemptive plan. |
| Isa 54:14 | "You will be established in righteousness; you will be far from oppression." | Security and freedom from threat. |
| Mic 4:1 | "Many nations shall come, and say: 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD.'" | Nations eagerly seeking God's instruction. |
| Joel 3:10 | "Beat your plowshares into swords..." (Inverse of Isa 2:4 for judgement) | Prophetic reversal where weapons of war turn into instruments of peace. |
| Eze 38-39 | Prophecies against Gog and Magog | Final, defeated assault against God's people ensuring peace. |
| Zec 2:4 | "Jerusalem will be inhabited as unwalled villages, because of the multitude of people and livestock in it; and I will be a wall of fire around it." | Divine protection replaces physical walls. |
| Zec 8:20-22 | "Many peoples and strong nations will come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem." | Universal pilgrimage to seek the Lord. |
| Mal 3:12 | "Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight." | Universal recognition of God's blessing on His people. |
Isaiah 60 verses
Isaiah 60 11 Meaning
Isaiah 60:11 proclaims a future state of enduring glory and security for Zion, the holy city, symbolized by its gates. These gates, perpetually open day and night, signify complete peace, absolute safety, and unrestricted access, forgoing any need for defense or closure. The purpose of this constant openness is for the wealth, influence, and very kings of the nations to willingly come and be brought into Zion, presenting their homage and resources to the Lord. It paints a picture of divine magnetism, where the Lord's presence in Zion draws all peoples and their finest offerings without coercion, marking a universal acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.
Isaiah 60 11 Context
Isaiah chapter 60 is a vibrant prophetic vision following chapters that deal with Israel's suffering and restoration. It is part of the "Book of Comfort" (chapters 40-66) where the prophet speaks to the exiles, offering hope and portraying a glorious future for Jerusalem (Zion) after the period of desolation. This chapter specifically highlights the radiance and exaltation of Zion, not merely as a localized city, but as the spiritual center radiating God's light to a darkened world. It contrasts sharply with Zion's past disgrace and isolation, portraying a reversal of fortunes where Gentile nations, once oppressors, now stream to Jerusalem, bringing their wealth and rulers in voluntary homage and submission to the Lord, the God of Israel. Verse 11 directly contributes to this theme by illustrating the city's unparalleled security and accessibility, underpinning its role as a magnet for universal worship and tribute. The vision transcends immediate post-exilic realities, pointing towards an eschatological fulfillment in God's eternal kingdom.
Isaiah 60 11 Word analysis
- Therefore (לָכֵן - lāḵēn): This conjunctive adverb signals a consequence, linking back to the glorious light and influx of nations described in the preceding verses (60:1-10). It underscores that Zion's open gates are a direct result of God's manifested glory and the nations being drawn to it.
- thy gates (שְׁעָרַיִךְ - šəʿārayik): "Gates" refer to the fortified entryways of ancient cities. Symbolically, they represent access, security, jurisdiction, and the economic lifeblood of a city. The plural indicates all the entry points. The suffix 'ך' indicates "your" (feminine singular), referring to Zion/Jerusalem.
- shall be open (פְּתוּחִים - pəṯūḥîm): This Hebrew participle denotes a state of being "open" or "unlocked." Its perpetual nature here speaks to ultimate peace, removing any need for the protective function of gates. It symbolizes invitation, welcome, and safety.
- continually (תָּמִיד - tāmîḏ): Emphasizes permanence and an unceasing condition. It means "always," "perpetually," or "without interruption." This reinforces the extraordinary nature of the prophecy—gates typically closed at night.
- they shall not be shut (לֹא יִסָּגְרוּ - lōʾ yissāgərû): This negative clause reinforces the positive statement "shall be open continually." The verb sagar means "to shut" or "to close." The double emphasis eradicates any possibility of closure, symbolizing absolute security and peace from any threat, rendering defense unnecessary.
- day nor night (יוֹמָם וָלָיְלָה - yômam wālāylâ): This specifies the continuous nature without temporal exception. In ancient times, city gates were typically closed at night for protection. The open gates day and night signifies profound divine protection and the absence of any fear or danger at any hour. This imagery anticipates a reality beyond normal human vulnerabilities.
- that men may bring (לְהָבִיא - ləhāḇîʾ): This infinitive phrase functions as a purpose clause, explaining why the gates remain open. It signifies an intentional openness for receiving, rather than defending. The act of "bringing" implies giving, delivering, or conveying.
- unto thee (אֵלַיִךְ - ʾēlayik): Directs the action "to you," specifying Zion/Jerusalem as the recipient.
- the forces (חֵיל - ḥêl): This Hebrew word is rich in meaning, encompassing "wealth," "strength," "army," "resources," or "substance." In this context, often translated as "wealth" or "riches," it implies the valuable resources, precious goods, and even the strategic power or essence of the nations. It's not just physical goods but the essence of their prosperity and influence.
- of the Gentiles (גּוֹיִם - gôyim): Refers to the "nations," "peoples," or non-Israelite populations. Historically, goyim could be adversaries, but here they become contributors, underscoring a transformation of international relations towards Zion.
- and that their kings may be brought (וּמַלְכֵיהֶם יִנְהָגוּ - ûmalkêhem yinnāhăḡû): This continues the purpose clause. "Their kings" highlights the leaders and ultimate authority figures of these nations. The verb yinnāhăḡû means "they may be led," "driven," or "brought." It suggests a procession, led by divine influence, not by conquest, where the kings are willing participants presenting themselves and their homage to God in Zion. This represents the ultimate act of submission and tribute.
Isaiah 60 11 Bonus section
The imagery of gates being continually open in Isaiah 60:11 implicitly negates the idea of siege, war, or external threats, which historically led to the closure and fortification of city gates. This points to an era of complete, supernatural peace orchestrated by God. Furthermore, the willing arrival of "kings" of the Gentiles goes beyond mere material tribute; it signifies the conversion and submission of their power and authority to the divine reign manifested in Zion. These kings are "led," suggesting a providential guidance, almost as willing participants in a grand procession to honor the King of Kings. The verse not only prophesies a change in Gentile behavior but also foreshadows the universal extent of God's saving grace, encompassing nations far beyond Israel, ultimately fulfilled through Christ and His Church, which spiritually embodies the New Jerusalem. The very term "forces" (ḥêl) in Hebrew suggests not just material wealth but also military power or strength, which is now peacefully brought in, implying disarmament and devotion to the Lord.
Isaiah 60 11 Commentary
Isaiah 60:11 is a powerful expression of Zion's glorious eschatological future under God's favor. It fundamentally alters the typical understanding of city gates: no longer for defense, but for unlimited access and welcome, reflecting perfect peace and divine security that makes conventional protection obsolete. This unbroken openness, day and night, emphasizes an absence of threat and an environment of perpetual light, echoing later visions of the New Jerusalem where "there will be no night there" (Rev 21:25). The purpose of this universal access is the willing and continuous influx of the nations' "forces"—their wealth, resources, and very leadership. This depicts a radical transformation where nations, once potentially hostile, now stream with their kings to pay homage to God in Zion. This isn't mere plundering, but a joyful tribute, recognizing the Lord's universal sovereignty and the light shining from His people. It speaks to a divinely ordained magnetic draw, where the glory of God embodied in Zion attracts all peoples, leading to a new world order centered on divine worship and acknowledgment. This verse encapsulates the climax of God's redemptive plan, fulfilling earlier promises of a universal spiritual kingdom centered on His dwelling place.