King James Version

What Does Isaiah 56:8 Mean?

Isaiah 56:8 in the King James Version says “The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gather...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 56 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Isaiah 56:8 · KJV

Context

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.

10

His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. sleeping: or, dreaming, or, talking in their sleep

Read Isaiah 56 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Lord GOD who 'gathereth the outcasts of Israel' declares He 'will gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.' The Hebrew 'qabats' (gather) describes God actively assembling His scattered people. The 'others' added to Israel anticipates Gentile inclusion in salvation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This looks beyond the physical return from Babylon to a greater ingathering. Jesus references this concept when speaking of 'other sheep' He must bring (John 10:16).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's ongoing gathering of 'others' shape your view of evangelism?
  2. Who are the 'outcasts' God is gathering today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
נְאֻם֙1 of 10

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

אֲדֹנָ֣י2 of 10

“The Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִ֔ה3 of 10

“GOD”

H3069

god

לְנִקְבָּצָֽיו׃4 of 10

“Yet will I gather”

H6908

to grasp, i.e., collect

נִדְחֵ֣י5 of 10

“the outcasts”

H1760

to push down

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל6 of 10

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

ע֛וֹד7 of 10
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

לְנִקְבָּצָֽיו׃8 of 10

“Yet will I gather”

H6908

to grasp, i.e., collect

עָלָ֖יו9 of 10
H5921

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

לְנִקְבָּצָֽיו׃10 of 10

“Yet will I gather”

H6908

to grasp, i.e., collect

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 56:8 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 56:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 10:16Isaiah 60:3-11Isaiah 54:7Jeremiah 30:17Ephesians 1:10Isaiah 66:18-21

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