King James Version

What Does Isaiah 60:4 Mean?

Isaiah 60:4 in the King James Version says “Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come fro...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 60 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side.”

Isaiah 60:4 · KJV

Context

2

For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.

3

And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

4

Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side.

5

Then thou shalt see , and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee. abundance: or, noise of the sea shall be turned toward thee forces: or, wealth

6

The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD.

Read Isaiah 60 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The prophet commands: "Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee." This echoes Genesis 13:14-15 where God commanded Abraham to survey his inheritance. The panoramic vision encompasses gathering multitudes—God's people returning and nations streaming to Zion. "Thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side" pictures the restoration of scattered Israel and the incorporation of Gentiles into the covenant community. "Nursed at thy side" (al-tsad teamannah) suggests tender care and intimacy—these are not second-class citizens but beloved children. From a Reformed perspective, this describes the ingathering of the elect—both Jews and Gentiles becoming one in Christ (Ephesians 2:11-22). The "sons" and "daughters" are all who come to faith, adopted into God's family (Romans 8:15-17, Galatians 3:26-29). The church militant experiences partial fulfillment as converts join from all nations; the church triumphant will see complete fulfillment when the full number of the elect is gathered (Romans 11:25-26).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This addressed the post-exilic community awaiting the return of Jews still scattered throughout the Persian Empire and beyond. Some returned under Ezra and Nehemiah, but many remained in diaspora. The prophecy looked beyond immediate return to the Messianic age when both scattered Jews and believing Gentiles would be gathered into one people (John 11:51-52, Acts 15:14-18). The early church saw itself fulfilling this as Jews and Gentiles united in Christ (Galatians 3:28-29, Ephesians 2:14-18).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the vision of sons and daughters from all directions being gathered reflect God's electing love?
  2. What does it mean that Gentiles are 'nursed at the side' rather than being peripheral to God's purposes?
  3. How should the reality of the elect being gathered from all nations shape our understanding of the church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
שְׂאִֽי1 of 15

“Lift up”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

סָבִ֤יב2 of 15

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

עֵינַ֙יִךְ֙3 of 15

“thine eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וּרְאִ֔י4 of 15

“and see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כֻּלָּ֖ם5 of 15
H3605

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

נִקְבְּצ֣וּ6 of 15

“all they gather themselves together”

H6908

to grasp, i.e., collect

יָבֹ֔אוּ7 of 15

“shall come”

H935

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

לָ֑ךְ8 of 15
H0
בָּנַ֙יִךְ֙9 of 15

“to thee thy 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

מֵרָח֣וֹק10 of 15

“from far”

H7350

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

יָבֹ֔אוּ11 of 15

“shall come”

H935

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

וּבְנֹתַ֖יִךְ12 of 15

“and thy daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

עַל13 of 15
H5921

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

צַ֥ד14 of 15

“at thy side”

H6654

a side; figuratively, an adversary

תֵּאָמַֽנָה׃15 of 15

“shall be nursed”

H539

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

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 60:4 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 60:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 42:6Isaiah 49:20-22Isaiah 49:18Galatians 3:28-29Isaiah 43:6Acts 13:44

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