King James Version

What Does Isaiah 60:10 Mean?

Isaiah 60:10 in the King James Version says “And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote th...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 60 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee.”

Isaiah 60:10 · KJV

Context

8

Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?

9

Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.

10

And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee.

11

Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought. forces: or, wealth

12

For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The prophecy shifts to Zion's reconstruction: "And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee." Former enemies become builders and servants—complete reversal. This was partially fulfilled when Persian kings funded temple rebuilding (Ezra 6:8-12), but ultimate fulfillment is spiritual. Gentiles become living stones building God's spiritual temple (1 Peter 2:5, Ephesians 2:19-22). The reason for this reversal is stated: "for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee." God's wrath brought exile and destruction; His favor brings restoration. The Hebrew qetseph (wrath) and ratson (favour) stand in stark contrast. The final phrase richamtik (had mercy) comes from racham, meaning compassionate love. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates the distinction between God's justice and mercy. Justice demanded judgment for covenant violation; mercy restores beyond what is deserved. This points to Christ's work—He bore God's wrath so we might receive God's favor (2 Corinthians 5:21). The transition from wrath to mercy demonstrates God's sovereign prerogative and gracious character.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Babylonian exile demonstrated God's wrath against covenant unfaithfulness—Jerusalem's walls destroyed, temple burned, people exiled. The Persian period brought mercy—Cyrus's decree (Ezra 1:1-4), Artaxerxes's support (Ezra 7:11-26, Nehemiah 2:7-8), enabling rebuilding. However, Gentiles remained generally hostile or indifferent. True fulfillment came when Gentile believers joined in building the church, with former persecutors like Paul becoming master builders (1 Corinthians 3:10). This continues as converts from all nations build up Christ's body.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the transformation of strangers into builders illustrate the reconciling power of the gospel?
  2. What does the transition from God's wrath to His favor teach about His character and redemptive purposes?
  3. How are we, as Gentile believers, participating in building up God's spiritual temple?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וּבָנ֤וּ1 of 11

“shall build up”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

בְנֵֽי2 of 11

“And 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

נֵכָר֙3 of 11

“of strangers”

H5236

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

חֹמֹתַ֔יִךְ4 of 11

“thy walls”

H2346

a wall of protection

וּמַלְכֵיהֶ֖ם5 of 11

“and their kings”

H4428

a king

יְשָׁרְת֑וּנֶךְ6 of 11

“shall minister”

H8334

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

כִּ֤י7 of 11
H3588

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

בְקִצְפִּי֙8 of 11

“unto thee for in my wrath”

H7110

a splinter (as chipped off)

הִכִּיתִ֔יךְ9 of 11

“I smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

וּבִרְצוֹנִ֖י10 of 11

“thee but in my favour”

H7522

delight (especially as shown)

רִֽחַמְתִּֽיךְ׃11 of 11

“have I had mercy”

H7355

to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate

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 60:10 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 60:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 61:5Isaiah 49:23Revelation 21:26Isaiah 14:1-2Isaiah 54:7-8Revelation 21:24

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