King James Version

What Does Isaiah 11:1 Mean?

Isaiah 11:1 in the King James Version says “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:”

Isaiah 11:1 · KJV

Context

1

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

2

And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

3

And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: quick: Heb. scent or, smell

Read Isaiah 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
One of Scripture's clearest Messianic prophecies. The 'rod out of the stem of Jesse' and 'Branch...out of his roots' identify Messiah as David's descendant (Jesse was David's father). The imagery of a cut-down tree (stem/roots) sprouting new growth suggests the Davidic dynasty's apparent end, then miraculous revival in Christ. 'Branch' (Hebrew netzer) connects to Nazareth and Jesus being called a Nazarene. This demonstrates God's faithfulness to Davidic covenant despite dynasty's apparent failure.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

When Isaiah wrote, David's line ruled but was threatened. Later, Babylonian conquest ended Davidic monarchy (586 BC)—the tree was 'cut down.' Yet from these 'roots,' Jesus was born (c. 4 BC) in Bethlehem, David's city, into David's line through both Joseph and Mary. The 'Branch' imagery became a technical Messianic title (Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 3:8). Matthew and Luke's genealogies verify Jesus's Davidic descent.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Branch imagery illustrate God's power to bring life from apparent death?
  2. What does Jesus's descent from David teach about God's faithfulness to His covenant promises?
  3. How does Christ fulfill and exceed all that David's kingship represented?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְיָצָ֥א1 of 7

“And there shall come forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

חֹ֖טֶר2 of 7

“a rod”

H2415

a twig

מִגֵּ֣זַע3 of 7

“out of the stem”

H1503

the trunk or stump of a tree (as felled or as planted)

יִשָׁ֑י4 of 7

“of Jesse”

H3448

jishai, david's father

וְנֵ֖צֶר5 of 7

“and a Branch”

H5342

a shoot; figuratively, a descendant

מִשָּׁרָשָׁ֥יו6 of 7

“out of his roots”

H8328

a root (literally or figuratively)

יִפְרֶֽה׃7 of 7

“shall grow”

H6509

to bear fruit (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 11:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 11:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 23:5Revelation 22:16Zechariah 6:12Revelation 5:5Acts 13:22-23Jeremiah 33:15

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 11 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes