Isaiah 60 16

Isaiah 60:16 kjv

Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

Isaiah 60:16 nkjv

You shall drink the milk of the Gentiles, And milk the breast of kings; You shall know that I, the LORD, am your Savior And your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.

Isaiah 60:16 niv

You will drink the milk of nations and be nursed at royal breasts. Then you will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.

Isaiah 60:16 esv

You shall suck the milk of nations; you shall nurse at the breast of kings; and you shall know that I, the LORD, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.

Isaiah 60:16 nlt

Powerful kings and mighty nations
will satisfy your every need,
as though you were a child
nursing at the breast of a queen.
You will know at last that I, the LORD,
am your Savior and your Redeemer,
the Mighty One of Israel.

Isaiah 60 verses

Isaiah 60 16 Meaning

Isaiah 60:16 speaks of the future glory of Zion, the community of God's people, predicting an unparalleled provision and honor from the Gentile nations and their rulers. This provision is likened to a mother's nourishing milk, signifying deep care and life sustenance. Through this remarkable reversal of roles, where former oppressors now serve and contribute to Zion's well-being, God definitively reveals Himself as the faithful Savior and Redeemer, the mighty and dependable God of Jacob. The verse encapsulates a divine promise of vindication, sustenance, and intimate knowledge of God's redemptive power for His chosen ones.

Isaiah 60 16 Context

Isaiah Chapter 60 paints a vivid picture of the future glory and restoration of Jerusalem (Zion) after a period of affliction. The chapter begins with an exhortation for Zion to "Arise, shine," as God's glory dawns upon it, drawing Gentile nations and their wealth. This portrays an incredible reversal of fortunes where Zion, once desolate and scorned, becomes a beacon that attracts and benefits from the surrounding peoples. Verse 16 specifically elaborates on this lavish provision, highlighting the depth of sustenance and service Zion will receive, not as plunder, but as willing homage. Historically, the audience would have been aware of periods of subjugation, exile, and oppression by foreign powers. The prophecy directly counters this past and present suffering, promising a future where God's people are honored and nurtured by the very nations that once enslaved them. It asserts God's ultimate sovereignty and faithfulness, promising that Zion will definitively experience and know His identity as their ultimate source of salvation and deliverance.

Isaiah 60 16 Word analysis

• Thou shalt also suck (וְיָנַקְתְּ - v'yanakt): From the root יָנַק (yanaq), "to suck" or "to nurse." This imagery signifies deep, life-sustaining nourishment and intimate dependence, much like a baby receives sustenance from its mother. It speaks of a fundamental, comprehensive provision that revives and invigorates.
• the milk of the Gentiles (חֲלֵב גּוֹיִם - khalev goyim): "Milk" represents life, sustenance, wealth, and resources. "Gentiles" (nations) refers to all non-Israelite peoples. The image is striking: nations that once oppressed or exploited Israel will now be a source of nurturing provision, supplying what Israel needs for its flourishing. This signifies a profound transformation and elevation of Zion.
• and shalt suck (וְשָׁדַי - v'shadai - often translated "and breasts of" in modern English, but shadai comes from shad, "breast"): Continues the strong maternal imagery of nourishing, intimate provision. The repeated verb emphasizes the thoroughness of this dependence and supply.
• the breast of kings (מְלָכִים - m'lakhim - "kings"): The highest authorities and rulers of the Gentile nations. This extends the imagery from just nations to their sovereign leaders, signifying not merely the wealth of nations, but the personal service and dedication of kings themselves in fostering Zion's welfare. It conveys utmost honor and authority bestowed upon Zion.
• and thou shalt know (וְיָדַעַתְּ - v'yada't): From the root יָדַע (yada), "to know" in an intimate, experiential sense, not just intellectually. This knowledge is born out of observation of fulfilled prophecy and the tangible experience of God's redemptive work. It’s a deep, personal acknowledgment of God’s nature and power.
• that I the LORD (אֲנִי יְהוָה - ani YHWH): "I AM YHWH." This is a profound self-declaration by God, emphasizing His eternal, covenant-keeping nature. It is a powerful affirmation of His divine identity and reliability. He is the specific, personal God of Israel.
• am thy Saviour (מוֹשִׁיעֵךְ - moshiech): "Thy deliverer," "thy rescuer." Derived from יָשַׁע (yasha), meaning "to save," "to deliver." This highlights God's active role in bringing salvation, liberation, and safety to His people from their distress and enemies. It emphasizes a complete rescue.
• and thy Redeemer (וְגֹאֲלֵךְ - v'go'alech): "Thy ransomer," "one who reclaims." Derived from גָּאַל (ga'al), associated with the kinsman-redeemer concept: one who protects family rights, avenges injustice, buys back property, or redeems relatives from slavery. It underscores God's commitment to His covenant with Israel, actively reclaiming them and vindicating them.
• the mighty One of Jacob (אֲבִיר יַעֲקֹב - Abir Ya'akov): "The Strong One of Jacob," "the Bull of Jacob." This is a title emphasizing God's immense strength, power, and might, specifically in relation to His covenant people, Israel (represented by Jacob). It signifies His unwavering power to uphold His promises and defend His people.

• "suck the milk of the Gentiles, and suck the breast of kings": This entire phrase forms a vivid metaphor of extraordinary reversal and provision. It signifies Gentile nations and their rulers not just serving Zion passively, but actively, intimately, and life-supportingly providing for it. This imagery directly counters the typical ancient world order where powerful empires would exploit weaker nations. It suggests complete dependence of Zion on a supernatural provision mediated by these former antagonists, illustrating a reversal of spiritual and political hierarchy orchestrated by God.
• "I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer": This is a core theological declaration. It unites God's personal covenant name (YHWH) with His active roles as Israel's rescuer (Saviour) and covenant-keeping Kinsman (Redeemer). This combination highlights His faithfulness and power in overcoming every obstacle to restore His people. It’s an explicit statement of God's redemptive identity confirmed by His actions.
• "thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob": This grouping connects the practical acts of salvation and redemption directly to God's inherent strength and faithfulness to His covenant people, Jacob/Israel. The title "Mighty One of Jacob" reassures Zion of God's unbreakable commitment and ability to bring about these spectacular promises. It provides both identity and a powerful guarantee.

Isaiah 60 16 Bonus section

This prophecy holds a dual fulfillment. While it speaks to the physical restoration of Jerusalem in some aspects, it primarily finds its ultimate spiritual fulfillment in the New Testament concept of the Church – spiritual Israel, the body of believers from every nation (Gal 3:28-29, Eph 2:19-22). The "Gentiles" providing nourishment foreshadows the immense spiritual and material contributions Gentile believers bring to the global Church. The "kings" bowing to Zion's influence prefigures Christ's reign over all earthly authority, where even secular powers will, wittingly or unwittingly, contribute to the advancement of His kingdom (Psa 2:10-12). This verse stands as a powerful polemic against the notion that human strength or worldly alliances are the source of true security or prosperity for God's people; rather, it's exclusively found in YHWH, their Divine Savior and Redeemer. The intimate imagery of 'sucking milk' also carries echoes of the deep spiritual sustenance Christ offers to believers (1 Pet 2:2-3, Heb 5:12-14), providing foundational and life-giving truths.

Isaiah 60 16 Commentary

Isaiah 60:16 vividly portrays the dramatic and divinely ordained elevation of Zion. Through the metaphor of "sucking the milk of the Gentiles and the breast of kings," God promises that nations and their rulers will not only cease their oppression but become active sources of nourishment, support, and honor for His people. This is not about conquest for self-gain, but about a God-given, organic sustenance flowing from the formerly antagonistic world powers, a testament to Zion's new standing as a spiritual light. The resulting experiential knowledge – "thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob" – underscores that these miraculous provisions are undeniable evidence of God's sovereign identity. He is the personal, covenantal God who faithfully delivers and powerfully vindicates His chosen people, revealing His strength and unwavering commitment to their restoration and flourishing. It is a promise of complete vindication and unshakeable security, rooted entirely in God's power and character.