King James Version

What Does Isaiah 56:5 Mean?

Isaiah 56:5 in the King James Version says “Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 56 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.

Isaiah 56:5 · KJV


Context

3

Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.

4

For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;

5

Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.

6

Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;

7

Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God promises faithful eunuchs 'a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.' The Hebrew 'yad' (hand/memorial) and 'shem' (name) constitute a permanent legacy. The 'dry tree' receives eternal fruit - legacy in God's house surpasses biological descendants.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In a culture where name perpetuation through children was paramount, this promise offers something greater: eternal memorial in God's presence. The Ethiopian eunuch's conversion (Acts 8) begins fulfillment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does eternal legacy in God's house compare to biological legacy?
  2. What comfort does this offer those who cannot have or have lost children?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
אֶתֶּן1 of 16

Even unto them will I give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָהֶ֜ם2 of 16
H0
בְּבֵיתִ֤י3 of 16

in mine house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וּבְחֽוֹמֹתַי֙4 of 16

and within my walls

H2346

a wall of protection

יָ֣ד5 of 16

a place

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

שֵׁ֤ם6 of 16

and a name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

ט֖וֹב7 of 16

better

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

מִבָּנִ֣ים8 of 16

than of sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וּמִבָּנ֑וֹת9 of 16

and of daughters

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

שֵׁ֤ם10 of 16

and a name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

עוֹלָם֙11 of 16

them an everlasting

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

אֶתֶּן12 of 16

Even unto them will I give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

ל֔וֹ13 of 16
H0
אֲשֶׁ֖ר14 of 16
H834

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

לֹ֥א15 of 16
H3808

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

יִכָּרֵֽת׃16 of 16

that shall not be cut off

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt


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 56:5 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 56:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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