Isaiah 7:21 kjv
And it shall come to pass in that day, that a man shall nourish a young cow, and two sheep;
Isaiah 7:21 nkjv
It shall be in that day That a man will keep alive a young cow and two sheep;
Isaiah 7:21 niv
In that day, a person will keep alive a young cow and two goats.
Isaiah 7:21 esv
In that day a man will keep alive a young cow and two sheep,
Isaiah 7:21 nlt
In that day a farmer will be fortunate to have a cow and two sheep or goats left.
Isaiah 7 21 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isa 7:21 | a man shall keep alive a cow and two sheep; | Peace and prosperity returned |
| Psa 23:2 | He makes me lie down in green pastures; | God's provision and care |
| Mic 4:4 | they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; | Era of peace and security |
| Zec 3:10 | So in that day everyone will invite his neighbor to sit under his vine and fig tree.” | Messianic promise of peace |
| Luk 1:75 | that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, | Deliverance leading to worship |
| Jer 23:9 | My heart is broken within me, all my bones shake; | Prophets of disaster contrasted |
| Joel 2:22 | The pastures of the wilderness are green, | restoration and fruitfulness |
| Amos 9:13 | Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, | Abundant harvest and blessing |
| Ezek 34:25 | “I will make with them a covenant of peace... | God's covenant of peace |
| John 10:11 | I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. | Jesus as the ultimate shepherd |
| Heb 13:20 | Now may the God of peace... equip you with everything good... | God as the source of peace |
| Phil 4:7 | and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts... | Peace that guards the heart |
| Isa 11:6 | The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat,... | Peaceful coexistence |
| Jer 30:10 | But as for you, fear not, O my servant Jacob, nor be dismayed, O Israel; | assurance of future restoration |
| Ezek 34:26 | And I will make them and the regions all around my hill a blessing... | Blessing and abundance |
| Isa 65:23 | They shall not labor in vain or bear children for trouble; for they shall be the offspring of the blessed of the Lord, | Fruitfulness without struggle |
| Deut 28:5 | Blessed shall be your basket and your kneadingbowl. | blessings upon daily activities |
| Jer 31:23 | Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: ... “The Lord bless you, O habitation of justice,... | God's blessing upon a righteous nation |
| Luke 12:32 | Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. | Kingdom as a gift of peace |
| John 14:27 | Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. | Jesus' gift of peace |
| Acts 2:17 | ‘And in the last days it shall come to pass, God declares, | The Holy Spirit's empowerment |
Isaiah 7 verses
Isaiah 7 21 Meaning
The verse describes a farmer tending his flock, emphasizing the simplicity and peace that will characterize the land of Israel, even amidst ongoing threats. The mention of milking cows and sheep implies a return to normalcy and abundance after a period of turmoil and devastation.
Isaiah 7 21 Context
This verse is part of Isaiah's prophecy during a period of intense political and military threat to Jerusalem. The northern kingdom of Israel had already been destroyed by Assyria, and Syria (Aram) and the northern kingdom of Israel were now allied against Judah. King Ahaz of Judah was considering an alliance with Assyria, a move Isaiah warned against. Chapter 7 opens with this looming crisis. However, Isaiah also offers a prophecy of future hope and restoration, looking beyond the immediate danger to a time when God's people would experience lasting peace and security under a Davidic ruler. This specific verse paints a picture of that future abundance and tranquility.
Isaiah 7 21 Word Analysis
- וְהָיָה (wə·hā·yâ): "And it shall be" or "And it came to pass." Connects the statement to preceding or following events, indicating a consequence or a future condition.
- כִּי־ (kî-): "For," "that," or "when." Introduces a reason, condition, or explanation.
- אָדָם (’ā·ḏām): "A man" or "mankind." Refers to an individual.
- מִלֵּא (mil·lê): "To keep alive," "to preserve," or "to rear." Implies sustenance and care, not just survival. The basic root refers to fullness or completion, here implying sustaining life.
- בָּקָר (bā·qār): "Cattle" or "oxen." Represents livestock and agricultural wealth.
- וָצֹאן (wā·ṣō·’n): "And sheep." Another important form of livestock, signifying pastoral life and provision. The conjunction "and" links it as a parallel possession.
- עֶצְמֹת (ʿeṣ·mōṯ): "Bones." This word, in this context, likely refers to the essential parts or the very substance of these animals, suggesting that even a single animal or minimal number of these animals would be treasured and meticulously cared for, possibly implying scarcity that makes each unit valuable. It can also emphasize the completeness and wholeness of the surviving animals. The idea of keeping "bones" alive could idiomatically mean to preserve the very life force or essence of the animal.
- לְמִלֵּא (lə·mil·lê): "To feed" or "to tend." Reinforces the idea of careful provision and maintenance. The lamed prefix here indicates purpose or direction.
Word-Group Analysis
- "a cow and two sheep": This specific enumeration of animals signifies a minimal, but vital, number. It points to a restoration where even small possessions are precious and carefully preserved after a time of severe loss and plunder. The pairing emphasizes having both agricultural (cattle) and pastoral (sheep) resources, representing a basic sustenance.
Isaiah 7 21 Bonus Section
The imagery of keeping alive a "cow and two sheep" resonates with themes of God's redemptive work. It represents the rebuilding of a shattered community, where the foundation of life, represented by essential livestock, is re-established. This echoes God's covenant faithfulness in restoring even the smallest remnants of His people, much like Abraham, who started with very little, or the scattering and regathering of Israel. The focus on the common farmer and his flock suggests a democratization of peace and prosperity, a blessing for all of God's people, not just the elite. This future envisioned by Isaiah anticipates a state of grace and divine favor that transcends the immediate political struggles.
Isaiah 7 21 Commentary
This verse beautifully encapsulates a promise of profound restoration and enduring peace. Following periods of war, famine, and captivity, the land will be so thoroughly revitalized that even a humble farmer will possess the means to sustain his household. The careful preservation of a single cow and two sheep speaks volumes about a future where the ravages of conflict are healed, and basic necessities are not only available but are cherished and nurtured. It highlights God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to a place of security, abundance, and pastoral tranquility. This is not just about survival but about thriving, where the rhythm of life is restored, allowing for the quiet, essential tasks of tending to livestock.