King James Version

What Does Isaiah 60:16 Mean?

Isaiah 60:16 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD a...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 60 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 60:16 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

17

For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness.

18

Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.

Read Isaiah 60 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The nursing imagery appears again: "Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings." This reverses typical imperial relationships where subjected peoples provide tribute to conquering nations. Now Gentiles and kings provide nourishment and sustenance to Zion. The nursing metaphor suggests intimate care, life-giving support, and tender provision. The purpose clause is critical: "and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob." Three titles emphasize God's saving work: moshia (Saviour), goal (Redeemer), and the mighty One of Jacob. The result of experiencing salvation is knowing God truly. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates that salvation brings experiential knowledge of God, not merely intellectual assent. We know God as Saviour by experiencing salvation, as Redeemer by experiencing redemption, as mighty by experiencing His power. The reference to "Jacob" connects present salvation to ancient covenant promises—the same God who chose Jacob continues His faithful work.

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Historical & Cultural Context

During the monarchy and exile, Judah often paid tribute to foreign powers—Assyria, Egypt, Babylon, Persia. The prophecy reversed this: nations would support Zion. Partially fulfilled through Persian support for temple rebuilding (Ezra 6:8-9) and Gentile contributions to early church (Romans 15:26-27, 2 Corinthians 8-9). Ultimately fulfilled as Gentile believers bring their resources to support gospel work and sustain God's people. The knowledge of God as Saviour, Redeemer, and Mighty One comes through experiencing His salvation in Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do Gentile believers provide sustenance and support for the church's mission?
  2. What does it mean to 'know' God as Saviour, Redeemer, and Mighty One through experience?
  3. How does God's covenant faithfulness to Jacob relate to His saving work in our lives?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
תִּינָ֑קִי1 of 14

“Thou shalt also suck”

H3243

to suck; causatively, to give milk

חֲלֵ֣ב2 of 14

“the milk”

H2461

milk (as the richness of kine)

גּוֹיִ֔ם3 of 14

“of the Gentiles”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

וְשֹׁ֥ד4 of 14

“the breast”

H7699

the breast of a woman or animal (as bulging)

מְלָכִ֖ים5 of 14

“of kings”

H4428

a king

תִּינָ֑קִי6 of 14

“Thou shalt also suck”

H3243

to suck; causatively, to give milk

וְיָדַ֗עַתְּ7 of 14

“and thou shalt know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּ֣י8 of 14
H3588

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

אֲנִ֤י9 of 14
H589

i

יְהוָה֙10 of 14

“that I the LORD”

H3068

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

מֽוֹשִׁיעֵ֔ךְ11 of 14

“am thy Saviour”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

וְגֹאֲלֵ֖ךְ12 of 14

“and thy Redeemer”

H1350

to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido

אֲבִ֥יר13 of 14

“the mighty One”

H46

mighty (spoken of god)

יַעֲקֹֽב׃14 of 14

“of Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

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 60:16 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 60:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 49:23Isaiah 66:11-12Isaiah 66:14Isaiah 61:6Isaiah 43:3-4Ezekiel 34:30

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