King James Version

What Does Isaiah 60:14 Mean?

Isaiah 60:14 in the King James Version says “The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themse...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 60 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.”

Isaiah 60:14 · KJV

Context

12

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

13

The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.

14

The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

15

Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations.

16

Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

Read Isaiah 60 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The stunning reversal continues: "The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee." Former oppressors' descendants will bow in submission. "And all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet." The most humiliating posture—bowing at feet—is adopted by former despisers. This echoes Revelation 3:9 where Christ promises that false worshipers will acknowledge the true church. The result: "and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel." Former enemies recognize Zion's identity as God's city, the dwelling place of the Holy One. From a Reformed perspective, this prophesies the vindication of God's people. Though presently persecuted and despised, believers will ultimately be honored (1 Corinthians 6:2-3, Revelation 3:9). This doesn't promote vengeance but demonstrates God's justice—truth will be vindicated, and those who opposed God's people will acknowledge their error. It also illustrates conversion—many former enemies become worshipers (Paul being the prime example, Acts 9).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel endured oppression from Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, and others. The idea of their oppressors' descendants bowing seemed impossible. However, the gospel transformed former persecutors into believers. Paul, who persecuted the church, bowed before Christ (Acts 9). Romans who crucified Christ became Christians. The spread of Christianity into formerly hostile territories fulfilled this. Eschatologically, every knee will bow and acknowledge Christ's lordship (Philippians 2:10-11), including those who pierced Him (Revelation 1:7).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's vindication of His people demonstrate His justice and faithfulness?
  2. What comfort does this promise provide to believers currently facing persecution or contempt?
  3. How does Paul's conversion from persecutor to apostle illustrate this prophecy's fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְהָלְכ֨וּ1 of 18

“thee shall come”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֵלַ֤יִךְ2 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שְׁח֙וֹחַ֙3 of 18

“bending”

H7817

to sink or depress (reflexive or causative)

בְּנֵ֣י4 of 18

“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

מְעַנַּ֔יִךְ5 of 18

“also of them that afflicted”

H6031

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

וְהִֽשְׁתַּחֲו֛וּ6 of 18

“thee shall bow themselves down”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

עַל7 of 18
H5921

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

כַּפּ֥וֹת8 of 18

“at the soles”

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

רַגְלַ֖יִךְ9 of 18

“of thy feet”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

כָּל10 of 18
H3605

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

מְנַֽאֲצָ֑יִךְ11 of 18

“unto thee and all they that despised”

H5006

to scorn; or (in ecclesiastes 12:5), by interchange for h5132, to bloom

וְקָ֤רְאוּ12 of 18

“and they shall call”

H7121

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

לָךְ֙13 of 18
H0
עִ֣יר14 of 18

“thee The city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

יְהוָ֔ה15 of 18

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

צִיּ֖וֹן16 of 18

“The Zion”

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

קְד֥וֹשׁ17 of 18

“of the Holy One”

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃18 of 18

“of Israel”

H3478

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

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 60:14 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 60:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 3:9Isaiah 49:23Isaiah 45:14Hebrews 12:22Isaiah 62:12Isaiah 14:1-2

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
ZionSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E148 verses across 19 books
View all places in Isaiah 60 →

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