Isaiah 61 5

Isaiah 61:5 kjv

And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.

Isaiah 61:5 nkjv

Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, And the sons of the foreigner Shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.

Isaiah 61:5 niv

Strangers will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.

Isaiah 61:5 esv

Strangers shall stand and tend your flocks; foreigners shall be your plowmen and vinedressers;

Isaiah 61:5 nlt

Foreigners will be your servants.
They will feed your flocks
and plow your fields
and tend your vineyards.

Isaiah 61 verses

Isaiah 61 5 Meaning

Isaiah 61:5 proclaims a future restoration and exaltation for God's people, often identified as Zion or Israel. It depicts a dramatic reversal of circumstances where foreign peoples, "strangers" and "sons of the alien," will willingly undertake laborious and essential tasks such as pasturing flocks and cultivating land for the benefit of Israel. This signifies not only relief from manual labor but also abundant prosperity, security, and honor, implying that the nations will recognize and contribute to Israel's blessed state under God.

Isaiah 61 5 Context

Isaiah 61:5 is situated within a triumphant prophecy of Israel's deliverance and glorious future, a central theme of Isaiah's "Book of Consolation" (chapters 40-66). The preceding verses (61:1-3) speak of the Anointed One (Messiah) being empowered by the Spirit to bring good news, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim freedom – a passage Jesus himself quoted in Luke 4:18-19. This sets the stage for a comprehensive restoration. Verse 4 details the rebuilding of ancient ruins and desolate cities by the Israelites. Verse 5 then specifies how this rebuilding and prosperity will be sustained: through the labor of "strangers" and "aliens." Historically, the audience would have been facing potential exile, or living in its aftermath, with their land ravaged and cities in ruins. This prophecy offered radical hope of reversal – instead of being oppressed, they would be served; instead of poverty, abundance; instead of destruction, glorious reconstruction facilitated by those who were once considered outsiders. It depicts a future state of honor, security, and well-being directly stemming from the Messiah's redemptive work.

Isaiah 61 5 Word analysis

• And strangers (וְזָרִים - vəzārīm): From the Hebrew word zār, meaning an outsider, foreigner, or one not part of the family or covenant. In this context, it refers to Gentiles or non-Israelite peoples.
  • Significance: This term underscores the foreign nature of those who will serve, highlighting the reversal of historical roles where often Israelites were subjugated by foreign powers. The once distant will now be near in service.
• shall stand (yaʿămedū): This verb denotes readiness, establishment, or being in a designated position.
  • Significance: Implies a stable and consistent service, not temporary or coerced, but rather a recognized and settled role.
• and feed (yirʿū): From rāʿâ, meaning to shepherd, graze, or feed.
  • Significance: Refers to the care of livestock, a fundamental and vital part of ancient livelihood, often requiring vigilance and skill. It suggests providing for the sustenance and wealth of Israel.
• your flocks (t͡sōʾnkhem): Referring to sheep, goats, or generally herds.
  • Significance: "Your" emphasizes ownership by Israel. Flocks represented wealth, provision, and a key aspect of nomadic and agricultural life. Their care by outsiders signifies a blessed abundance for Israel without their direct labor.
• and the sons of the alien (וּבְנֵי נֵכָר - uvənei nēkhār): Another phrase for foreigners or non-Israelites, where nēkhār intensifies the sense of an unfamiliar or estranged people. "Sons of" can denote a whole generation or a continuous presence.
  • Significance: This parallelism reinforces the pervasive nature of Gentile service and ensures clarity that various non-Israelite groups will contribute.
• shall be your plowmen (ʾikkārēykhem): From ʾikkār, meaning a farmer, husbandman, or one who plows the land.
  • Significance: Plowing is arduous agricultural labor, foundational for planting crops. Outsiders doing this implies release from drudgery for Israel and plentiful food.
• and your vinedressers (vəkhormēykhem): From kōrēm, a cultivator of vineyards.
  • Significance: Vinedressing is a specialized, year-round agricultural task requiring expertise and signifying more advanced, prosperous farming. It suggests a future of luxury, fine produce, and careful stewardship of Israel's fertile land, cultivated by others.

Word-Groups Analysis:

• "And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks": This phrase speaks to the care of livestock, a primary source of wealth and sustenance. The involvement of "strangers" (Gentiles) in this direct service demonstrates a profound shift in power and provision. It implies security, as these foreigners, once potentially threats or competitors, are now contributing to Israel's prosperity and welfare.
• "and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers": This parallel phrase extends the concept of service to the realm of agriculture, encompassing both foundational land preparation ("plowmen") and specialized crop cultivation ("vinedressers," specifically for vineyards). It represents comprehensive material blessing where all fundamental and advanced agricultural labor is provided by others, allowing Israel to enjoy the fruits without the toil.

Isaiah 61 5 Bonus section

• Reversal of Exile Experience: In exile, Israel was subjected to foreign rule and forced labor, losing control of their land. This verse promises a complete reversal where the land is theirs, bountiful, and others provide the labor, representing true freedom and dominion.
• Holistic Redemption: The promise here isn't solely spiritual, but deeply practical and economic. It highlights God's plan for a holistic redemption that touches every aspect of life – security, sustenance, and dignity.
• Connection to Kingly/Priestly Roles: While outsiders perform agricultural tasks, the very next verse (Isa 61:6) states that Israel "shall be called the priests of the LORD," suggesting a complementary division of labor where Israel focuses on spiritual leadership while others provide material support.
• Prophetic Parallel in Zechariah: Zechariah's prophecies (e.g., Zec 8:20-23, Zec 14:16) echo this theme of nations being drawn to Jerusalem and engaging with God's people, though sometimes focused more on worship. Isaiah 61:5 gives a practical, daily-life dimension to this drawing.

Isaiah 61 5 Commentary

Isaiah 61:5 presents a vibrant image of future glory for God's redeemed people, directly contrasting their past and present hardships. The core message is divine restoration bringing not only comfort but also a profound reordering of international relations around Zion. The use of "strangers" and "sons of the alien" to perform essential and laborious tasks such as tending flocks and cultivating fields is not about forced servitude in a cruel sense, but rather a reflection of the nations being drawn to and participating in the blessings of Zion. It symbolizes an abundance where Israel is freed from the most physically demanding toil, signifying a position of honor and the gracious provision of God extending through the peoples of the earth. This service underscores Israel's secure ownership of their land and resources ("your flocks," "your plowmen," "your vinedressers"), enjoying the fruits of labor provided by others, often understood in the messianic era. It portrays a world where nations acknowledge God's unique covenant relationship with Israel, willingly contributing to their well-being and prosperity, ultimately fulfilling God's promise to make Israel a blessing to all nations. This divine reversal indicates comprehensive, tangible blessings that are both material and social, an outworking of the Messiah's liberating work proclaimed in the preceding verses.