King James Version

What Does Isaiah 49:23 Mean?

Isaiah 49:23 in the King James Version says “And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their fac...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 49 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me. nursing fathers: Heb. nourishers queens: Heb. princesses”

Isaiah 49:23 · KJV

Context

21

Then shalt thou say in thine heart, Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? and who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where had they been?

22

Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders. arms: Heb. bosom

23

And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me. nursing fathers: Heb. nourishers queens: Heb. princesses

24

Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? lawful: Heb. captivity of the just

25

But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children. captives: Heb. captivity

Read Isaiah 49 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me. This remarkable prophecy promises royal patronage for God's people, with kings serving as omen (אֹמֵן, "nursing fathers/guardians") and queens as wet nurses. The imagery conveys tender care and provision from the highest human authorities—a reversal of typical ancient Near Eastern power dynamics where conquered peoples served royalty.

The posture of bowing with faces to the ground and "licking the dust" depicts complete submission, using hyperbolic language common in ancient diplomatic correspondence. Importantly, this homage directs not toward Israel's inherent merit but toward the LORD whom they represent. The phrase "thou shalt know that I am the LORD" (ki ani YHWH, כִּי־אֲנִי יְהוָה) is Yahweh's self-revelation formula, establishing His identity through redemptive action.

The concluding promise—"they shall not be ashamed that wait for me"—connects to the biblical theme that trusting God never leads to ultimate disappointment (Romans 5:5, 9:33, 10:11). From a Reformed perspective, this prophesies Christ's kingdom where earthly powers acknowledge His lordship (Philippians 2:10-11). The church's vindication comes not through political dominance but through Christ's exaltation. Those who wait on God in faith will see His promises fulfilled, however delayed they appear.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical antecedents include Persian kings supporting Israel's return: Cyrus authorized temple rebuilding, Darius confirmed it, Artaxerxes funded Ezra's mission and authorized Nehemiah's governorship. These Gentile monarchs acted as "nursing fathers" providing for God's people. Queen Esther's intervention also exemplifies royal protection.

The prophecy extends to Christian history where rulers like Constantine, Theodosius, and various Christian monarchs provided legal protection and resources for the church. However, the closer church-state alliance often led to corruption, reminding us that ultimate fulfillment awaits Christ's return when "every knee shall bow" (Isaiah 45:23, Philippians 2:10). The promise that those who wait won't be ashamed sustained Christians through centuries of persecution, vindicated by the faith's ultimate triumph.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does waiting on God's timing challenge your impatience for visible results?
  2. In what ways should the church demonstrate Christ's lordship without worldly power-seeking?
  3. How has God proven faithful to you in ways that vindicated your trust in Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְהָי֨וּ1 of 20
H1961

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

מְלָכִ֜ים2 of 20

“And kings”

H4428

a king

אֹֽמְנַ֗יִךְ3 of 20

“shall be thy nursing fathers”

H539

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

וְשָׂרֽוֹתֵיהֶם֙4 of 20

“and their queens”

H8282

a mistress, i.e., female noble

מֵינִ֣יקֹתַ֔יִךְ5 of 20

“thy nursing mothers”

H3243

to suck; causatively, to give milk

אַפַּ֗יִם6 of 20

“to thee with their face”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

אֶ֚רֶץ7 of 20

“toward the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יִשְׁתַּ֣חֲווּ8 of 20

“they shall bow down”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

לָ֔ךְ9 of 20
H0
וַעֲפַ֥ר10 of 20

“the dust”

H6083

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

רַגְלַ֖יִךְ11 of 20

“of thy feet”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

יְלַחֵ֑כוּ12 of 20

“and lick up”

H3897

to lick

וְיָדַ֙עַתְּ֙13 of 20

“and thou shalt know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּֽי14 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֲנִ֣י15 of 20
H589

i

יְהוָ֔ה16 of 20

“that I am the LORD”

H3068

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר17 of 20
H834

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

לֹֽא18 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֵבֹ֖שׁוּ19 of 20

“for they shall not be ashamed”

H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

קוָֹֽי׃20 of 20

“that wait”

H6960

to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect

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 49:23 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 49:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 60:14Isaiah 60:16Isaiah 60:3Micah 7:17Isaiah 45:14Isaiah 60:10-11

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