King James Version

What Does Isaiah 25:6 Mean?

Isaiah 25:6 in the King James Version says “And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, o... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.

Isaiah 25:6 · KJV


Context

4

For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.

5

Thou shalt bring down the noise of strangers, as the heat in a dry place; even the heat with the shadow of a cloud: the branch of the terrible ones shall be brought low.

6

And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.

7

And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations. destroy: Heb. swallow up cast: Heb. covered

8

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast (וְעָשָׂה יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת לְכָל־הָעַמִּים...מִשְׁתֶּה, ve'asah YHWH Tsevaot lekhol-ha'amim...mishteh)—This marks dramatic shift from judgment to salvation. יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת (YHWH Tsevaot, LORD of hosts/armies) emphasizes sovereign power. In this mountain likely means Mount Zion, where God's presence dwells. Unto all people (לְכָל־הָעַמִּים, lekhol-ha'amim)—universal invitation, not just Israel but all nations.

The feast (מִשְׁתֶּה, mishteh) isn't ordinary meal but lavish banquet. A feast of fat things (מִשְׁתֵּה שְׁמָנִים, mishteh shemanim)—the choicest, richest foods. A feast of wines on the lees (שְׁמָרִים, shemarim)—aged wines that matured on their sediment, producing rich flavor. Of fat things full of marrow (שְׁמָנִים מְמֻחָיִם, shemanim memuchayim)—the very best portions, marrow-filled delicacies. Of wines on the lees well refined (שְׁמָרִים מְזֻקָּקִים, shemarim mezuqqaqim)—carefully filtered, purified wines of highest quality.

This banquet imagery represents messianic salvation—God hosting all nations at His table in the age to come.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern kings displayed power through lavish feasts (Esther 1:3-7, Daniel 5:1). Isaiah reverses this: the divine King hosts the feast, and guests are 'all people,' not just nobility. This democratization of God's blessing scandalized exclusivistic thinking. Jesus used feast imagery for the kingdom (Matthew 22:1-14, Luke 14:15-24), and instituted the Lord's Supper as foretaste of the messianic banquet (Luke 22:16-18). Revelation depicts 'marriage supper of the Lamb' (Revelation 19:9) when Christ welcomes all believers to eternal celebration. This prophecy assures that God's salvation reaches all nations—fulfilled as gospel spreads globally, gathering 'all people' to His table.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the extravagance of this feast (fat things, aged wines, marrow-filled delicacies) reflect the richness of salvation in Christ?
  2. What does God's invitation to 'all people' teach about the gospel's universal offer and the church's inclusive mission?
  3. How does the Lord's Supper serve as present foretaste of this future messianic banquet, and how should that shape our communion practices?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְעָשָׂה֩1 of 15

make

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

יְהוָ֨ה2 of 15

shall the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָא֜וֹת3 of 15

of hosts

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

לְכָל4 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָֽעַמִּים֙5 of 15

unto all people

H5971

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

בָּהָ֣ר6 of 15

And in this mountain

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

הַזֶּ֔ה7 of 15
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

מִשְׁתֵּ֣ה8 of 15

a feast

H4960

drink, by implication, drinking (the act); also (by implication) a banquet or (generally) feast

שְׁמָנִים֙9 of 15

of fat things

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

מִשְׁתֵּ֣ה10 of 15

a feast

H4960

drink, by implication, drinking (the act); also (by implication) a banquet or (generally) feast

שְׁמָרִ֖ים11 of 15

of wines on the lees

H8105

something preserved, i.e., the settlings (plural only) of wine

שְׁמָנִים֙12 of 15

of fat things

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

מְמֻ֣חָיִ֔ם13 of 15

full of marrow

H4229

properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat

שְׁמָרִ֖ים14 of 15

of wines on the lees

H8105

something preserved, i.e., the settlings (plural only) of wine

מְזֻקָּקִֽים׃15 of 15

well refined

H2212

to strain, (figuratively) extract, clarify


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 25:6 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 25:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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