King James Version

What Does Isaiah 60:18 Mean?

Isaiah 60:18 in the King James Version says “Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls S...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 60 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 60:18 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

20

Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.

Read Isaiah 60 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The climactic promise: "Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders." The Hebrew chamas (violence), shod (wasting/devastation), and sheber (destruction) emphasize complete security. All forms of harm cease. Instead: "but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise." The walls are named Yeshuah (Salvation)—the same root as Jesus' name. Gates are called Tehillah (Praise). This means salvation provides protection and praise grants access—security and worship define the city. From a Reformed perspective, this describes both present spiritual reality and future consummated kingdom. Presently, believers find security in salvation through Christ (Romans 8:31-39)—no enemy can ultimately harm those protected by God's saving grace. Our access to God is through praise and worship made possible by Christ's mediation (Hebrews 10:19-22). Ultimately, the New Jerusalem perfectly fulfills this—no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain (Revelation 21:4), only eternal worship (Revelation 22:3-5). The walls are unnecessary because God's salvation is complete; the gates are perpetually open for worship.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jerusalem's history was marked by violence—foreign invasions, internal conflicts, sieges, destructions. The walls repeatedly breached, gates burned. Even after post-exilic rebuilding, threats remained. The prophecy looked beyond physical security to spiritual reality. Christ achieved true salvation, defeating sin, death, and Satan (Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14-15). The church experiences spiritual security even amid physical persecution (Romans 8:35-39). Complete fulfillment comes in the New Jerusalem where all threats are eternally eliminated (Revelation 21:4, 22:3).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does salvation in Christ function as protective 'walls' for believers?
  2. What does it mean that praise is our 'gates'—our access to God?
  3. How does the promise of no more violence in the consummated kingdom provide hope amid present troubles?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
לֹא1 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִשָּׁמַ֨ע2 of 13

“shall no more be heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

ע֤וֹד3 of 13
H5750

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

חָמָס֙4 of 13

“Violence”

H2555

violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain

בְּאַרְצֵ֔ךְ5 of 13

“in thy land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

שֹׁ֥ד6 of 13

“wasting”

H7701

violence, ravage

וָשֶׁ֖בֶר7 of 13

“nor destruction”

H7667

a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)

בִּגְבוּלָ֑יִךְ8 of 13

“within thy borders”

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

וְקָרָ֤את9 of 13

“but thou shalt call”

H7121

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

יְשׁוּעָה֙10 of 13

“Salvation”

H3444

something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity

חוֹמֹתַ֔יִךְ11 of 13

“thy walls”

H2346

a wall of protection

וּשְׁעָרַ֖יִךְ12 of 13

“and thy gates”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

תְּהִלָּֽה׃13 of 13

“Praise”

H8416

laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn

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 60:18 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 60:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 26:1Isaiah 11:9Zechariah 9:8Psalms 72:3-7Isaiah 2:4Micah 4:3

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 60 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 60 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes