King James Version

What Does Isaiah 60:5 Mean?

Isaiah 60:5 in the King James Version says “Then thou shalt see , and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea s...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 60 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Isaiah 60:5 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

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.

7

All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory.

Read Isaiah 60 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The response to this vision is profoundly emotional: "Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged." Four verbs describe Zion's reaction. "Flow together" (nahar) literally means to shine or beam—radiant joy. "Fear" (pachad) indicates reverential awe at God's work. "Be enlarged" (rachab) means expanding to capacity—overwhelming joy. The reason follows: "because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee." The "abundance of the sea" likely refers to maritime trade wealth and island nations (coastlands). "Forces" (chayil) means wealth, resources, and might—not merely people but their treasures and capabilities dedicated to God's purposes. This prophesies the Gentiles bringing their wealth and glory into the kingdom (Revelation 21:24-26). From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates the cultural mandate redeemed—human creativity, productivity, and achievement consecrated to God's glory. Christ claims not just souls but the totality of creation, transforming culture and commerce for kingdom purposes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Post-exilic Judah was economically weak, depending on Persian imperial permission and resources to rebuild. This promise looked forward to reversal—instead of being tributaries to empires, they would receive tribute from nations. Partial fulfillment came through temple donations from Gentiles (Ezra 1:4, 6:8-9), but complete fulfillment awaits the consummated kingdom when all creation acknowledges Christ's lordship (Philippians 2:10-11) and all things are reconciled to God (Colossians 1:20).

Reflection Questions

  1. How should the prospect of worldwide conversion produce both joy and reverent fear in believers?
  2. What does the dedication of Gentile wealth and resources to God's kingdom teach about comprehensive redemption?
  3. In what ways should believers consecrate their vocational skills and economic resources to kingdom purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
אָ֤ז1 of 15
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

תִּרְאִי֙2 of 15

“Then thou shalt see”

H7200

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

וְנָהַ֔רְתְּ3 of 15

“and flow together”

H5102

to sparkle, i.e., (figuratively) be cheerful

וּפָחַ֥ד4 of 15

“shall fear”

H6342

to be startled (by a sudden alarm); hence, to fear in general

וְרָחַ֖ב5 of 15

“and be enlarged”

H7337

to broaden (intransitive or transitive, literal or figurative)

לְבָבֵ֑ךְ6 of 15

“and thine heart”

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

כִּֽי7 of 15
H3588

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

יֵהָפֵ֤ךְ8 of 15

“shall be converted”

H2015

to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert

עָלַ֙יִךְ֙9 of 15
H5921

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

הֲמ֣וֹן10 of 15

“because the abundance”

H1995

a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth

יָ֔ם11 of 15

“of the sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

חֵ֥יל12 of 15

“unto thee the forces”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

גּוֹיִ֖ם13 of 15

“of the Gentiles”

H1471

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

יָבֹ֥אוּ14 of 15

“shall come”

H935

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

לָֽךְ׃15 of 15
H0

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 60:5 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 60:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 61:6Isaiah 23:18Isaiah 24:14-15Psalms 34:5Acts 11:171 Samuel 2:1

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