Isaiah 61 6

Isaiah 61:6 kjv

But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.

Isaiah 61:6 nkjv

But you shall be named the priests of the LORD, They shall call you the servants of our God. You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, And in their glory you shall boast.

Isaiah 61:6 niv

And you will be called priests of the LORD, you will be named ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast.

Isaiah 61:6 esv

but you shall be called the priests of the LORD; they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God; you shall eat the wealth of the nations, and in their glory you shall boast.

Isaiah 61:6 nlt

You will be called priests of the LORD,
ministers of our God.
You will feed on the treasures of the nations
and boast in their riches.

Isaiah 61 verses

Isaiah 61 6 Meaning

Isaiah 61:6 prophesies a dramatic reversal of fortunes for God's redeemed people, often identified as Zion or true Israel. Instead of being subservient or desolate, they will be exalted with a dual sacred identity as "priests of the LORD" and "ministers of our God," indicating direct access to God and dedicated service. Concurrently, they will experience profound material prosperity and honor, receiving the "wealth of the nations" and taking pride in the glory bestowed upon them, which reflects God's favor and establishes their prominent position among the nations.

Isaiah 61 6 Context

Isaiah chapter 61 opens with the prophetic declaration of the "Spirit of the LORD God" upon the speaker, identified with the Servant, who is anointed to bring good news, heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty, and comfort mourners (v. 1-3). This section, often referred to as a "Third Servant Song," sets the stage for a period of divine intervention and restoration. Verses 4-5 detail the physical rebuilding of ancient ruins and foreigners serving as shepherds and laborers for the restored community of Judah/Israel. Isaiah 61:6 flows directly from this promise of restoration, focusing on the transformed identity and elevated status of the previously downtrodden people of God. The immediate context anticipates a profound reversal where the recipients of God's favor are elevated to roles of sacred honor and material blessing, a stark contrast to their former desolation and servitude during the Babylonian exile and subsequent period. Historically and culturally, this passage provided immense hope for those suffering under foreign domination or returning to a devastated homeland, promising not just survival but supreme exaltation by God's hand.

Isaiah 61 6 Word analysis

• But (וְאַתֶּם - vĕ'attem): This conjunction serves as a strong contrast to the preceding descriptions of desolation and service provided by foreigners (Isa 61:4-5). It introduces a shift from what "they" (foreigners) will do, to what "you" (God's people) will be and receive, marking a distinctive elevation in identity and status.
• you (אַתֶּם - attem): Refers directly to the addressed community—Zion, the redeemed people of God, those for whom the Anointed One came (Isa 61:1-3). It is the same "you" mentioned implicitly throughout the chapter as the beneficiaries of divine blessing.
• shall be called (תִּקָּרְאוּ - tiqqa'ru): This is a prophetic passive voice, implying divine appointment. Being "called" something in the prophetic literature signifies actually being that thing, a divine declaration that establishes identity and reality, not merely a title or suggestion.
• priests of the LORD (כֹּהֲנֵי יְהוָה - kōhaney Yahweh):
  • priests (כֹּהֲנֵי - kōhaney): The literal term for those consecrated for holy service, mediating between God and man, offering sacrifices and teaching the Law. It evokes Israel's foundational calling (Exod 19:6) and implies direct access to God and a role of spiritual leadership. This is a corporate, not just an individual, priesthood.
  • of the LORD (יְהוָה - Yahweh): Emphasizes their direct consecration and belonging to God Himself, marking them as His unique and chosen servants.
• people shall call you (יְקַמּוּ - yĕqimmu - (The text actually uses the previous `תִּקָּרְאוּ` (shall be called) in Hebrew to govern this next phrase as well) ) It maintains the sense of public acknowledgement and divinely ordained designation, rather than an act by "people" themselves independently initiating the calling. The actual structure links "priests of the LORD" directly to "ministers of our God."
• ministers of our God (מְשָׁרְתֵי אֱלֹהֵינוּ - mĕshārĕtey 'elōheinu):
  • ministers (מְשָׁרְתֵי - mĕshārĕtey): Refers to attendants, those who serve, often in a temple or sacred context. It denotes service, stewardship, and perhaps even administrative duties related to spiritual affairs, reinforcing the priestly role but also extending to active service in God's presence.
  • of our God (אֱלֹהֵינוּ - 'elōheinu): The use of "our God" fosters intimacy and possession, distinguishing Yahweh from other deities and affirming their special relationship.
• you shall eat (וְחֵיל - vĕcheil - lit. "and the wealth of"): The verb "you shall eat" (תֹּאכֵלוּ - tokhĕlu) implies not just consumption but full enjoyment and possession. Eating wealth symbolizes deep and complete appropriation and sustenance derived from it. It contrasts with the lack and hunger often experienced in exile.
• the wealth of the nations (גּוֹיִם - goyim): "Wealth" (חֵיל - cheil) includes strength, resources, possessions, and material abundance. "Nations" (גּוֹיִם - goyim) refers to the non-Israelite peoples, signifying a global transfer of resources from Gentile powers to God's chosen. This reverses previous patterns where Israel paid tribute or was plundered.
• and in their glory (וּבִכְבוֹדָם - u'vichvōdam): "Glory" (כְּבוֹדָם - kĕvōdam) denotes honor, splendor, riches, and weighty importance. It signifies a profound elevation of status where what the nations once esteemed for themselves will now serve to highlight the preeminence of God's people.
• you shall boast (תִתְיַמָּרוּ - tit'yammaru): This verb means to "boast," "glory in," or "exult." It signifies a joyful and confident display of their exalted position, not an arrogant, self-seeking pride, but a celebratory acknowledgement of the blessings and honor graciously bestowed by God, bringing glory back to Him through their exalted state.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "But you shall be called the priests of the LORD; people shall call you the ministers of our God": This powerful pairing signifies a double investiture into a sacred identity. It moves beyond a general "holy nation" (Exod 19:6) to specific functional roles: priests who mediate and offer spiritual service, and ministers who actively serve and administer God's sacred purpose. This elevates them to a unique and hallowed position before God and among nations. The divine calling bestows both dignity and responsibility, representing direct access to God and a life consecrated to His service, which would have been exclusive to the Aaronic priesthood in earlier eras.
• "you shall eat the wealth of the nations, and in their glory you shall boast": This second pair speaks to the material and status reversal. The "wealth of the nations" denotes abundant provision, economic flourishing, and resources freely given (Isa 60:5, 11, 16). To "eat" signifies to fully benefit from and enjoy this provision. "In their glory you shall boast" implies that the very honor, status, and magnificent display that once characterized the nations (perhaps in their self-sufficiency or opposition to God) will now be directed towards magnifying God's people. This boasting is not arrogant pride, but a joyful acknowledgment and exhibition of divine favor, confirming God's justice and power by the exalting of His previously downtrodden servants. It represents a visible, public validation of God's faithfulness and a fulfillment of His promises of restoration and supremacy.

Isaiah 61 6 Bonus section

This verse carries profound implications for the identity and mission of God's people today. As a "royal priesthood," believers are called to draw near to God and serve Him in all aspects of life (Heb 10:19-22). The transfer of "wealth of the nations" and "their glory" can be understood not merely as literal material acquisition, but as the redirection of human gifts, talents, resources, and influence—previously used for worldly endeavors—towards God's redemptive purposes through His Church. It highlights a principle where God's people become beneficiaries and stewards of creation's resources for divine ends, not for their own selfish ambition. The prophecy underscores God's commitment to honor and bless those who honor Him, establishing them as a testimony of His magnificent grace and power in a fallen world. This verse finds a spiritual fulfillment in the New Testament Church, where believers collectively function as a light to the nations, drawing others to Christ and bringing their resources into the kingdom.

Isaiah 61 6 Commentary

Isaiah 61:6 stands as a monumental prophecy of God's restorative justice and transformational grace. Following the suffering of exile and the promises of comfort, this verse pivots to describe the renewed identity and privileged status of God's people. Their double designation as "priests of the LORD" and "ministers of our God" speaks to an intimate, sacred relationship with Yahweh and a dedicated purpose of service. This extends beyond the specific Aaronic priesthood, encompassing the entire redeemed community, foreshadowing the "priesthood of all believers" in the New Testament (1 Pet 2:9). Their role is not just to worship but to mediate God's presence and truth to the world, demonstrating His glory.

Furthermore, the prophecy assures not only spiritual exaltation but also material provision and honor. The "wealth of the nations" coming to them signifies a reversal of fortunes where those who once plundered or dominated will now contribute their resources. This is not for self-indulgence but to equip God's people for their divine calling, building His kingdom, and reflecting His light. To "boast in their glory" implies a righteous exultation in the abundant blessings God has bestowed, acknowledging His faithfulness and demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations. It proclaims that God vindicates His chosen and glorifies them in the sight of the world, making their spiritual and material flourishing a testament to His power and covenant faithfulness.