King James Version

What Does Isaiah 11:6 Mean?

Isaiah 11:6 in the King James Version says “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion an... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.

Isaiah 11:6 · KJV


Context

4

But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. reprove: or, argue

5

And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

6

The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.

7

And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This famous verse depicts the messianic kingdom's perfect peace, where natural enmities cease and predator-prey relationships are transformed. 'The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb'—mortal enemies living harmoniously. The wolf (zeev, זְאֵב) represents danger and predation (Genesis 49:27); the lamb (keves, כֶּבֶשׂ) represents vulnerability and innocence. 'The leopard shall lie down with the kid' (young goat) continues the theme—the leopard's hunting nature supernaturally reversed. 'The calf and the young lion and the fatling together' places prey and predator, domestic and wild, in peaceful coexistence. Most remarkable: 'a little child shall lead them' (na'ar qatan yinhagem). Children, most vulnerable to predators, will safely guide these once-dangerous animals. This isn't mere metaphor but describes literal transformation when Christ's kingdom fully comes. The curse of Genesis 3 (enmity in nature) will be reversed, restoring Eden-like harmony. Romans 8:19-22 explains creation groans awaiting this liberation from corruption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah 11 describes Messiah's reign, beginning with 'a rod out of the stem of Jesse' (David's father)—the royal lineage. Verses 1-5 describe Messiah's character and righteous judgment; verses 6-9 describe the resulting peace in nature. Ancient readers understood this as future hope beyond current experience. Jewish apocalyptic literature developed these themes (Testament of Levi, 1 Enoch). Christians recognize Christ's first coming inaugurated the kingdom spiritually (peace with God through the gospel, natural enemies reconciled in the church—Jew and Gentile, slave and free), while the second coming will consummate it physically (renewed creation, literal peace in nature). This vision has inspired Christian hope through persecutions and trials—ultimate peace is certain.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this vision of perfect peace in Messiah's kingdom give you hope amid current brokenness and conflict?
  2. What 'natural enemies' has Christ reconciled in your life or community through the gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְגָ֤ר1 of 16

also shall dwell

H1481

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

זְאֵב֙2 of 16

The wolf

H2061

a wolf

עִם3 of 16
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

כֶּ֔בֶשׂ4 of 16

with the lamb

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

וְנָמֵ֖ר5 of 16

and the leopard

H5246

a leopard (from its stripes)

עִם6 of 16
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

גְּדִ֣י7 of 16

with the kid

H1423

a young goat (from browsing)

יִרְבָּ֑ץ8 of 16

shall lie down

H7257

to crouch (on all four legs folded, like a recumbent animal); by implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed

וְעֵ֨גֶל9 of 16

and the calf

H5695

a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)

וּכְפִ֤יר10 of 16

and the young lion

H3715

a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane)

וּמְרִיא֙11 of 16

and the fatling

H4806

stall-fed; often (as noun) a beeve

יַחְדָּ֔ו12 of 16

together

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

וְנַ֥עַר13 of 16

child

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

קָטֹ֖ן14 of 16

and a little

H6996

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

נֹהֵ֥ג15 of 16

shall lead

H5090

to drive forth (a person, an animal or chariot), also (from the panting induced by effort), to sigh

בָּֽם׃16 of 16
H0

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 11:6 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 11:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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