Isaiah 60:6 kjv
The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD.
Isaiah 60:6 nkjv
The multitude of camels shall cover your land, The dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; All those from Sheba shall come; They shall bring gold and incense, And they shall proclaim the praises of the LORD.
Isaiah 60:6 niv
Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the LORD.
Isaiah 60:6 esv
A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the LORD.
Isaiah 60:6 nlt
Vast caravans of camels will converge on you,
the camels of Midian and Ephah.
The people of Sheba will bring gold and frankincense
and will come worshiping the LORD.
Isaiah 60 6 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah 60:3 | Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. | Context of Gentile nations turning to Zion's light |
| Isaiah 60:5 | then you shall see and flow together, your heart shall fear and be enlarged. | The outcome of the nations' arrival |
| Isaiah 60:7 | All the flocks of Kedar shall gather to you, the rams of Nebaioth shall serve you. | Specific examples of nations bringing offerings |
| Isaiah 49:23 | Kings shall be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. | Gentile rulers supporting and nurturing God's people |
| Isaiah 43:6 | I will say to the north, “Give up,” and to the south, “Do not withhold.” | The gathering of people from all directions |
| Zechariah 8:20 | Thus says the LORD of hosts: “...people shall come, from many cities. | Confirmation of universal attendance to Zion |
| Zechariah 8:23 | Thus says the LORD of hosts: “In those days ten men from the tongues of all nations shall take hold of one Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’" | Nations seeking connection with God's people |
| Psalm 47:3 | He subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet. | God's sovereignty over nations |
| Revelation 21:24 | And the nations shall walk in its light, and kings of the earth shall bring their glory into it. | New Testament parallel to Gentile participation |
| Revelation 21:26 | They shall bring into it the glory and honor of the nations. | Gentile glory and honor brought into the new city |
| Galatians 3:28 | There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. | Unity of believers regardless of background |
| Ephesians 2:12 | remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, | Prior state of separation for Gentiles |
| Ephesians 2:19 | So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, | Inclusion of Gentiles into God's household |
| Acts 18:17 | And Gallio was chairman of the assembly. But Paul, when he had given over, looked to his wife and to his son, that he was ashamed of him. | (Indirectly, demonstrates Roman administration.) |
| Acts 20:24 | But I do not account my life of any value nor as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. | The testimony of God's grace, central to attraction |
| Matthew 28:19 | Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, | The Great Commission, extending the gospel to all |
| John 4:23 | But the hour is coming, and is now, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. | The nature of true worship, attractive to all |
| Romans 11:25 | Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, that a hardening in part has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in. | God's plan for both Israel and the Gentiles |
| Revelation 11:15 | Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” | The ultimate triumph of God's kingdom |
| Revelation 14:6 | Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. | The eternal gospel proclaimed to all nations |
Isaiah 60 verses
Isaiah 60 6 Meaning
This verse describes the future prosperity and spiritual significance of Zion and its people. It foretells a time when people from afar, specifically Gentile nations, will come to Zion, bringing their wealth and glorifying God. It speaks of the "sons of strangers" building up the walls of Zion, signifying the incorporation of the nations into God's people and the expansion of His kingdom. The phrase "they shall build up your walls with silver and with gold" suggests not only material support but also a recognition of Zion's divine value and strength, fortified by the riches brought by these converts. Their labor and gifts are an act of worship and submission to the Lord, recognizing His presence and glory in Zion.
Isaiah 60 6 Context
Isaiah chapter 60 is a prophecy of the glorious restoration and future exaltation of Jerusalem and God's people. Following the period of Babylonian exile and the challenges of rebuilding, this chapter paints a picture of ultimate redemption and divine blessing. The immediate context is a message of comfort and hope to a post-exilic community, assuring them that God's promises would ultimately be fulfilled on a grand scale. The prophet describes Jerusalem's radiant future, a beacon of God's glory attracting nations. The specific verse, Isaiah 60:6, elaborates on this influx of people and resources from distant lands, highlighting their contributions and worship. Historically, this prophecy anticipates the Messianic age, a time when the spiritual kingdom of God, centered in Zion, would encompass all peoples. It speaks against any narrow, exclusive view of God’s people, emphasizing universal inclusion.
Isaiah 60 6 Word Analysis
כׇּל (kol) - "all"
- Significance: Emphasizes completeness and universality.
צֹאנׇם (tsonam) - "their flocks"
- Root: צֹאן (tson) - sheep, flock, sheepfold.
- Meaning: Refers to their livestock, symbolizing wealth and sustenance.
קֵדָר (qedar) - "Kedar"
- Significance: Descendants of Ishmael, a nomadic Arab tribe inhabiting northern Arabia. Mentioning Kedar signifies inclusion of the Middle Eastern peoples.
יִקָּבְצוּ (yiqqavtsu) - "shall gather"
- Root: קָבַץ (qavats) - to gather, collect, assemble.
- Meaning: Indicates an active coming together, an assembly.
עַקְּשֵׁי (aqshey) - "rams"
- Root: עַקֹּד (aqod) - to be spotted, speckled (of rams).
- Meaning: Refers to specific types of rams, symbolizing valuable livestock.
נְבָיוֹת (nevayot) - "Nebaioth"
- Significance: Also descendants of Ishmael, closely associated with Kedar and Arab tribes. Their offerings further signify wealth from the Arabian peninsula.
יְשָׂרְתוּךְ (yesharetukha) - "shall minister to you" or "shall serve you"
- Root: שָׁרַת (sharat) - to serve, minister.
- Meaning: Implies rendering service and support, indicating submission and a desire to contribute to Zion's well-being.
אֶל (el) - "unto"
- Significance: Indicates direction, toward.
מִזְבְּחִי (mizb’khi) - "my altar"
- Root: מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach) - altar.
- Meaning: The place of sacrifice and worship, indicating that their service and offerings are directed towards God in Zion.
וְאֶת (w’et) - "and"
- Significance: Conjunction.
הֵיכַל (heykal) - "temple" or "palace"
- Root: הֵיכָל (heykal) - palace, temple, sanctuary.
- Meaning: Refers to the sanctuary or house of God in Zion.
תִּפְאֲרָה (tif'arah) - "glory"
- Root: פָּאֵר (pa'er) - to beautify, to adorn, to glory in.
- Meaning: The splendor and magnificence of God's dwelling place.
יְפָאֵר (yefa'er) - "shall glorify" or "shall beautify"
- Root: פָּאֵר (pa'er) - to beautify, to adorn, to glory in.
- Meaning: The offerings and service of these nations will enhance and bring honor to the temple.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "All the flocks of Kedar shall gather to you, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you": This phrase signifies a vast movement of wealth and people from the Arab world, symbolized by their livestock. Their gathering is not just passive but active service directed towards Zion.
- "they shall go up with acceptance on my altar": This connects their offerings directly to God's acceptance. The "altar" represents the divinely appointed place of worship and atonement. Their presentation is a sacrificial act accepted by God.
- "and I will glorify the house of my glory": This speaks of God's reciprocal action. As the nations honor Zion with their offerings, God will manifest His own glory within His dwelling place, making it more splendid. This refers to the temple.
Isaiah 60 6 Bonus Section
The prophetic imagery in Isaiah 60:6 extends the vision of universalism presented earlier in the chapter. The reference to Kedar and Nebaioth is significant as these were peoples known for their pastoral life and often engaged in trade. Their offerings symbolize not just material wealth but also their active participation in the covenant community. The phrase "minister to you" (יְשָׂרְתוּךְ - yesharetukha) highlights a relationship of service and reverence directed towards Zion, acknowledging its divine calling. This preempts any notion that the glory of Zion is self-generated; rather, it is a reflection of God’s presence, which then attracts and is further magnified by the devotion of the nations. This anticipates the time when the Church, as the New Testament Zion, is built by diverse members serving and contributing to the whole body, bringing glory to God.
Isaiah 60 6 Commentary
This verse powerfully illustrates God’s salvific plan extending beyond ethnic Israel to encompass the Gentile nations. It is a testament to God’s universal sovereignty and grace. The bringing of flocks and rams signifies tangible offerings of wealth and resources that will support and beautify God's house. This action of service by the nations is portrayed as an act of worship accepted by God, thereby enhancing His glory. It points towards a future where God’s presence is so manifest in Zion that it draws all nations, who then willingly contribute to His sanctuary and bring Him glory. This fulfilled prophecy is seen in the New Testament with the spread of the gospel, drawing diverse peoples into the body of Christ, the spiritual temple, and through their lives and contributions, glorifying God.
- Practical Usage Examples:
- Believers from different cultural backgrounds uniting in worship, bringing their unique gifts and talents to the local church.
- Supporting missionary work or global Christian causes with financial resources, recognizing it as an act of worship contributing to God's work.
- Christians demonstrating hospitality and kindness to foreigners, reflecting the inclusive spirit of this prophecy.