King James Version

What Does Isaiah 56:6 Mean?

Isaiah 56:6 in the King James Version says “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 h... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 56 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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;

Isaiah 56:6 · KJV


Context

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.

8

The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him. beside: Heb. to his gathered


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Foreigners who join themselves to the LORD 'to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants' are welcomed. The threefold description - serving, loving, being servants - emphasizes genuine devotion. Sabbath-keeping and covenant-holding again mark true faith.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This anticipates Gentile inclusion in the people of God, later explicitly fulfilled in the New Testament church. The barriers between Jew and Gentile are broken down in Christ (Ephesians 2:11-22).

Reflection Questions

  1. What marks genuine joining to the LORD versus mere association?
  2. How does this passage prepare for the New Testament inclusion of Gentiles?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וּבְנֵ֣י1 of 19

Also the 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

הַנֵּכָ֗ר2 of 19

of the stranger

H5236

foreign, or (concretely) a foreigner, or (abstractly) heathendom

הַנִּלְוִ֤ים3 of 19

that join

H3867

properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend

עַל4 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יְהוָ֔ה5 of 19

of the LORD

H3068

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

לְשָׁ֣רְת֔וֹ6 of 19

to serve

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

וּֽלְאַהֲבָה֙7 of 19

him and to love

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

אֶת8 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שֵׁ֣ם9 of 19

the name

H8034

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

יְהוָ֔ה10 of 19

of the LORD

H3068

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

לִהְי֥וֹת11 of 19
H1961

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

ל֖וֹ12 of 19
H0
לַעֲבָדִ֑ים13 of 19

to be his servants

H5650

a servant

כָּל14 of 19
H3605

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

שֹׁמֵ֤ר15 of 19

every one that keepeth

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

שַׁבָּת֙16 of 19

the sabbath

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

מֵֽחַלְּל֔וֹ17 of 19

from polluting

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

וּמַחֲזִיקִ֖ים18 of 19

it and taketh hold

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

בִּבְרִיתִֽי׃19 of 19

of my covenant

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)


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 56:6 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 56:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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