King James Version

What Does Isaiah 11:10 Mean?

Isaiah 11:10 in the King James Version says “And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. glorious: Heb. glory

Isaiah 11:10 · KJV


Context

8

And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. cockatrice: or, adders

9

They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

10

And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. glorious: Heb. glory

11

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

12

And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. corners: Heb. wings


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse identifies the 'root of Jesse' as a rallying point for Gentiles. The 'root' refers to Messiah (also verse 1), to whom 'the Gentiles shall seek.' His 'rest' (dwelling place/kingdom) 'shall be glorious.' This explicitly prophesies Gentile inclusion in Messiah's kingdom—revolutionary for Isaiah's time when Israel was God's exclusive covenant people. Paul quotes this verse (Romans 15:12) to prove the gospel's inclusion of Gentiles was always God's plan. This universality distinguishes Christ's kingdom from David's earthly reign.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Fulfilled when Gentiles began entering the church at Pentecost and especially after Peter's Cornelius encounter (Acts 10) and Paul's missionary journeys. The 'glorious rest' describes the church as God's dwelling and ultimately the new creation. The prophecy that Gentiles would seek the Jewish Messiah seemed impossible, yet it's precisely what happened and continues. Christ's kingdom encompasses all nations, fulfilling Abrahamic promises (Genesis 12:3).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Gentile inclusion in God's kingdom demonstrate the gospel's universal scope?
  2. What does it mean that Christ's 'rest' is glorious, and how do we experience this rest?
  3. How should the multi-ethnic nature of Christ's kingdom affect our church communities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְהָיָה֙1 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בַּיּ֣וֹם2 of 15

And in that day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֔וּא3 of 15
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

שֹׁ֣רֶשׁ4 of 15

there shall be a root

H8328

a root (literally or figuratively)

יִשַׁ֗י5 of 15

of Jesse

H3448

jishai, david's father

אֲשֶׁ֤ר6 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עֹמֵד֙7 of 15

which shall stand

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

לְנֵ֣ס8 of 15

for an ensign

H5251

a flag; also a sail; by implication, a flagstaff; generally a signal; figuratively, a token

עַמִּ֔ים9 of 15

of the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֵלָ֖יו10 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

גּוֹיִ֣ם11 of 15

to it shall the Gentiles

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

יִדְרֹ֑שׁוּ12 of 15

seek

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

וְהָיְתָ֥ה13 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מְנֻחָת֖וֹ14 of 15

and his rest

H4496

repose or (adverbially) peacefully; figuratively, consolation (specifically, matrimony); hence (concretely) an abode

כָּבֽוֹד׃15 of 15

shall be glorious

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness


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 11:10 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 11:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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