King James Version

What Does Isaiah 56:7 Mean?

Isaiah 56:7 in the King James Version says “Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 56 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Isaiah 56:7 · KJV


Context

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

9

All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God promises to bring foreigners to His holy mountain and make them joyful in His 'house of prayer.' Their offerings and sacrifices are accepted on God's altar. The stunning declaration: 'for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.' Jesus quotes this when cleansing the temple (Mark 11:17).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The temple, often viewed as exclusively Jewish, is declared a house for all nations. This universal vision exceeded most Jewish expectations and was partially fulfilled in the court of the Gentiles.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's use of this verse inform your understanding of the church's mission?
  2. What barriers to 'all people' accessing God's house still exist today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַהֲבִיאוֹתִ֞ים1 of 19

Even them will I bring

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל2 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַ֣ר3 of 19

mountain

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

קָדְשִׁ֗י4 of 19

to my holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וְשִׂמַּחְתִּים֙5 of 19

and make them joyful

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

בֵּית6 of 19

an house

H1004

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

תְּפִלָּ֥ה7 of 19

of prayer

H8605

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

עוֹלֹתֵיהֶ֧ם8 of 19

their burnt offerings

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וְזִבְחֵיהֶ֛ם9 of 19

and their sacrifices

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

לְרָצ֖וֹן10 of 19

shall be accepted

H7522

delight (especially as shown)

עַֽל11 of 19
H5921

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

מִזְבְּחִ֑י12 of 19

upon mine altar

H4196

an altar

כִּ֣י13 of 19
H3588

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

בֵּית14 of 19

an house

H1004

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

בֵּית15 of 19

an house

H1004

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

תְּפִלָּ֥ה16 of 19

of prayer

H8605

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

יִקָּרֵ֖א17 of 19

shall be called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לְכָל18 of 19
H3605

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

הָעַמִּֽים׃19 of 19

for all people

H5971

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


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 56:7 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 56:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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