King James Version

What Does Isaiah 60:17 Mean?

Isaiah 60:17 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 60 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Isaiah 60:17 · KJV


Context

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.

19

The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God promises comprehensive upgrade: "For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for brass bronze, and for stones iron." Each element is replaced with something superior. This escalation emphasizes dramatic improvement—what was adequate (brass, iron) becomes excellent (gold, silver). The pattern continues: "I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness." Leaders (peqidut—officers/overseers) will embody shalom (peace/wholeness). Tax collectors (noges—exactors/oppressors) will exemplify tsedaqah (righteousness/justice). This transformation of corrupt systems into just ones reflects kingdom reality. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates sanctification—God replacing our base materials with precious ones, transforming our character progressively. It also pictures the consummated kingdom where all leadership perfectly reflects God's character (Revelation 21:18-21 describes the New Jerusalem's precious materials). The emphasis on peace and righteousness echoes messianic prophecies (Isaiah 9:6-7, 11:1-5)—Christ the Prince of Peace who rules in righteousness, transforming His people to reflect His character.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon's temple used fine materials, but subsequent periods saw degradation and impoverishment. The second temple was inferior architecturally (Ezra 3:12). More significantly, Judah's leadership was often corrupt—officers oppressive, tax collectors exploitative (Isaiah 1:23, 3:14-15, Jeremiah 22:13-17). The prophecy promised not just better materials but transformed leadership characterized by peace and righteousness. This began fulfillment in Christ's inauguration of the kingdom and continues as the gospel transforms leaders to serve rather than exploit (Matthew 20:25-28, 1 Peter 5:2-3).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's progressive sanctification replace the 'brass' in our lives with 'gold'?
  2. What does leadership characterized by peace and righteousness look like in the church?
  3. How do the precious materials of the New Jerusalem reflect the completed transformation of God's people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
תַּ֣חַת1 of 19
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

נְחֹ֔שֶׁת2 of 19

For brass

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

אָ֣בִיא3 of 19

I will bring

H935

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

זָהָ֗ב4 of 19

gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

וְתַ֤חַת5 of 19
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

בַּרְזֶ֑ל6 of 19

and for iron

H1270

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

אָ֣בִיא7 of 19

I will bring

H935

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

כֶ֔סֶף8 of 19

silver

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וְתַ֤חַת9 of 19
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

הָֽעֵצִים֙10 of 19

and for wood

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

נְחֹ֔שֶׁת11 of 19

For brass

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

וְתַ֥חַת12 of 19
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

הָאֲבָנִ֖ים13 of 19

and for stones

H68

a stone

בַּרְזֶ֑ל14 of 19

and for iron

H1270

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

וְשַׂמְתִּ֤י15 of 19

I will also make

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

פְקֻדָּתֵךְ֙16 of 19

thy officers

H6486

visitation (in many senses, chiefly official)

שָׁל֔וֹם17 of 19

peace

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

וְנֹגְשַׂ֖יִךְ18 of 19

and thine exactors

H5065

to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor, an army); by implication, to tax, harass, tyrannize

צְדָקָֽה׃19 of 19

righteousness

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)


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 60:17 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 60:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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