Isaiah 66 12

Isaiah 66:12 kjv

For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees.

Isaiah 66:12 nkjv

For thus says the LORD: "Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, And the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. Then you shall feed; On her sides shall you be carried, And be dandled on her knees.

Isaiah 66:12 niv

For this is what the LORD says: "I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees.

Isaiah 66:12 esv

For thus says the LORD: "Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall nurse, you shall be carried upon her hip, and bounced upon her knees.

Isaiah 66:12 nlt

This is what the LORD says:
"I will give Jerusalem a river of peace and prosperity.
The wealth of the nations will flow to her.
Her children will be nursed at her breasts,
carried in her arms, and held on her lap.

Isaiah 66 verses

Isaiah 66 12 Meaning

The Lord declares He will extend peace to His people, like a river that flows abundantly and steadily. This peace will bring prosperity and a sense of overflowing well-being, like a nurturing flood, to Zion and its inhabitants.

Isaiah 66 12 Context

This verse concludes the book of Isaiah, drawing together themes of judgment and restoration. The preceding verses (Isaiah 66:1-9) speak of God's judgment upon the ungodly and the destruction of their superficial worship. This verse, however, pivots to the future, glorious restoration and expansion of God's people, particularly associated with Jerusalem (Zion). It offers a powerful vision of enduring peace and prosperity, flowing directly from God's abundant presence and care. Historically, the audience would have understood this in terms of national restoration and blessings following exilic periods, but it points to a far greater, messianic fulfillment.

Isaiah 66 12 Word analysis

• Ki (כִּי): A versatile Hebrew conjunction meaning "for," "because," "indeed," introducing a reason or explanation. Here it introduces God's declaration of future blessings.
• Ko amar (כֹּה אָמַר): "Thus says." A formal pronouncement characteristic of prophetic oracles, indicating a divine message.
• Yahweh (יְהוָה): The covenant name of God. Emphasizes the LORD as the source of these blessings.
• Hen (הִנֵּה): "Behold," "look." A particle of attention-getting, drawing the listener's focus to what follows.
• Avia (אָבִיא): From the root "bow," meaning "to bring in," "to extend," "to lead in." Signifies an active bestowal and a comprehensive provision.
• Shalom (שָׁלוֹם): "Peace." Not merely absence of conflict, but wholeness, completeness, well-being, security, and prosperity.
• Larah (כַּנָּהָר): "Like a river." A simile highlighting the abundance, continuous flow, and life-giving nature of the peace God will provide. Rivers sustained life and prosperity in the ancient Near East.
• Vechoved (וְכָבוֹד): "And glory." Refers to the honor, radiance, splendor, and presence of God, and also the acknowledgment and reverence given to Him.
• Goyim (גּוֹיִם): "Nations," "peoples." Indicates the extensive reach of this blessing, encompassing even the Gentile world brought into God's favor.
• Kenaftzuftzazefazina (כָּאַשְּׁפִיחַ): "Like an overflowing stream/flood." A further intensification of the river imagery, signifying an overwhelming and abundant outpouring. The root signifies overflow or surge.
• Lirk (וּתְרוּץ): "And you shall be nursed." From "rua", meaning "to suckle," "to be fed," or "to be carried." It speaks of being nurtured, sustained, and tenderly cared for.
• Tiuzar (תּוּעָרוּ): "You shall be carried." Implies gentle transport and security, akin to a mother carrying a child on her hip.
• Al (עַל): "Upon."
• Katea (כָּתֵף): "Shoulder," "hip." Specifically implies carrying on the hip or side, a common way for mothers to carry children.
• Ketzetz (וּבָרָוּ): "And bounced" or "caressed/fondled." Implies tender affection and soothing.
• Al (עַל): "Upon."
• Birkayima (בִּרְכַּיִם): "Knees." Suggests intimate comfort and close parental care.
• Ka-asher (כַּאֲשֶׁר): "As," "just as."
• Yinacham (יְנַחֵם): "He comforts." From the root "nacham," meaning to comfort, console, be sorry.
• Ish (אִישׁ): "Man," "one."
• Imo (אִמּוֹ): "His mother."
• Ken (כֵּן): "So."
• Enachemnach (אָנִיחֳמְכֶם): "I will comfort you." The verb is in the plural, directed to "you" (plural), the restored people.
• En Yerushalyim (וְאַחְפִפַצָל): "And you shall be comforted in Jerusalem." Ties the comfort specifically to the renewed city, the center of God's presence.

Isaiah 66 12 Bonus section

The promise of "glory of the nations" flowing in is a key eschatological theme in Isaiah. It signifies the incorporation of Gentiles into God's redeemed community, a significant expansion from the Old Covenant focus on Israel. The imagery of nursing and being carried speaks to God's intimate personal care and security, which is the ultimate essence of "shalom." This intimate care is a hallmark of God's relationship with His people, both in the Old Testament (e.g., God leading Israel as a shepherd) and especially in the New Testament (e.g., Christ's compassionate ministry and the indwelling Holy Spirit).

Isaiah 66 12 Commentary

This verse offers a profound vision of peace and comfort flowing from God to His people. The "river" and "overflowing stream" imagery emphasizes an abundant, constant, and life-sustaining peace. This is not a passive state but an active outpouring of God's grace and glory, drawing in the nations. The tender maternal imagery—being carried on the hip and bounced on the knees—speaks of intimate, nurturing, and secure care from God Himself, just as a mother cares for her child. This promise transcends mere earthly peace, finding its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament through the peace provided by Jesus Christ and the abundant spiritual life He offers.