King James Version

What Does Isaiah 60:6 Mean?

Isaiah 60:6 in the King James Version says “The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shal...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 60 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 60:6 · KJV

Context

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.

8

Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?

Read Isaiah 60 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The prophecy becomes specific: "The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah." These Arabian tribes would bring trade goods on camel caravans—a vivid picture of wealth flowing to Zion. "All they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense." Sheba (southwestern Arabia, modern Yemen) was famous for wealth and spices. Gold and incense are royal and priestly gifts—what the magi brought to Christ (Matthew 2:11), connecting this prophecy to Messiah's worship. "And they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD." The climax isn't material wealth but worship—Gentiles proclaiming Yahweh's greatness. The Hebrew yebasser (show forth/proclaim) means announcing good news. From a Reformed perspective, this prophesies the missionary expansion of the church. The elect from all nations, including former enemies, will bring their best offerings and join in worshiping the true God. The material gifts symbolize the dedication of whole lives and cultures to Christ's glory. This fulfills the Abrahamic promise that all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3, 22:18, Galatians 3:8).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Midian, Ephah, and Sheba were descendants of Abraham through Keturah and others (Genesis 25:1-4), but they became distinct peoples often hostile to Israel. Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon (1 Kings 10:1-13) prefigured this prophecy. The magi from the East bringing gifts to infant Jesus (Matthew 2:1-12) provided symbolic fulfillment. Complete fulfillment comes as the gospel reaches Arabia and all nations, transforming former enemies into worshipers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the transformation of former enemies (like Midian) into worshipers demonstrate the gospel's power?
  2. What does the bringing of gold and incense by Gentiles teach about appropriate worship of Christ?
  3. How should material prosperity be connected to proclaiming God's praises rather than self-indulgence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
שִֽׁפְעַ֨ת1 of 15

“The multitude”

H8229

copiousness

גְּמַלִּ֜ים2 of 15

“of camels”

H1581

a camel

תְּכַסֵּ֗ךְ3 of 15

“shall cover”

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

בִּכְרֵ֤י4 of 15

“thee the dromedaries”

H1070

a young camel

מִדְיָן֙5 of 15

“of Midian”

H4080

midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants

וְעֵיפָ֔ה6 of 15

“and Ephah”

H5891

ephah, the name of a son of midian, and of the region settled by him; also of an israelite and of an israelitess

כֻּלָּ֖ם7 of 15
H3605

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

מִשְּׁבָ֣א8 of 15

“all they from Sheba”

H7614

sheba, the name of three early progenitors of tribes and of an ethiopian district

יָבֹ֑אוּ9 of 15

“shall come”

H935

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

זָהָ֤ב10 of 15

“gold”

H2091

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

וּלְבוֹנָה֙11 of 15

“and incense”

H3828

frankincense (from its whiteness or perhaps that of its smoke)

יִשָּׂ֔אוּ12 of 15

“they shall bring”

H5375

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

וּתְהִלֹּ֥ת13 of 15

“the praises”

H8416

laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn

יְהוָ֖ה14 of 15

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

יְבַשֵּֽׂרוּ׃15 of 15

“and they shall shew forth”

H1319

properly, to be fresh, i.e., full (rosy, figuratively cheerful); to announce (glad news)

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 60:6 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 60:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 2:11Psalms 72:10Psalms 72:151 Peter 2:9Judges 6:5Genesis 25:3-4

Places in This Verse

EphahPeople Group · Modern: Al Bad · 28.49°N, 35.01°E1 verse across 1 book
MidianRegion · Modern: Al Bad · 28.49°N, 35.01°E51 verses across 11 books
Sheba 1Region · Modern: Sheba · 15.35°N, 44.21°E18 verses across 8 books
View all places in Isaiah 60 →

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