King James Version

What Does Isaiah 60:7 Mean?

Isaiah 60:7 in the King James Version says “All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 60 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 60:7 · KJV

Context

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?

9

Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.

Read Isaiah 60 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The vision continues: "All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee." Kedar and Nebaioth were Ishmaelite tribes (Genesis 25:13), traditionally enemies of Israel. "Flocks" and "rams" indicate both wealth (livestock) and sacrifices. "Minister unto thee" means serving Zion's worship. "They shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory." The altar acceptance indicates these Gentile offerings are welcomed in authentic worship. God promises to glorify His temple through such worship. From a Reformed perspective, this prophesies the inclusion of Gentiles in acceptable worship through Christ's mediation. The ceremonial law's barrier is removed (Ephesians 2:14-15), allowing Gentiles to approach God through the perfect sacrifice of Christ. The "house of my glory" ultimately refers to the church, God's spiritual temple (1 Corinthians 3:16, Ephesians 2:21-22, 1 Peter 2:5). God glorifies His house not through architectural splendor but through diverse worshipers from all nations united in Spirit-empowered praise.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Kedar and Nebaioth were nomadic Arabian tribes, descendants of Ishmael, often hostile to Israel. Their inclusion represents the most unlikely conversions—those naturally opposed to God's people being incorporated into worship. The post-exilic temple did receive some Gentile participation, but full fulfillment came through Christ who broke down dividing walls, creating one new humanity where Jew and Gentile worship together (Acts 10-11, 15, Ephesians 2:11-22, Revelation 7:9).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the inclusion of Ishmaelite offerings demonstrate that no one is beyond God's saving reach?
  2. What does acceptable worship look like in the New Covenant era?
  3. How does diverse, multinational worship glorify God's house more than ethnic uniformity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
כָּל1 of 15
H3605

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

צֹ֤אן2 of 15

“All the flocks”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

קֵדָר֙3 of 15

“of Kedar”

H6938

kedar, a son of ishmael; also (collectively) bedouin (as his descendants or representatives)

יִקָּ֣בְצוּ4 of 15

“shall be gathered together”

H6908

to grasp, i.e., collect

לָ֔ךְ5 of 15
H0
אֵילֵ֥י6 of 15

“unto thee the rams”

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

נְבָי֖וֹת7 of 15

“of Nebaioth”

H5032

nebajoth, a son of ismael, and the country settled by him

יְשָׁרְת֑וּנֶךְ8 of 15

“shall minister”

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

יַעֲל֤וּ9 of 15

“unto thee they shall come up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עַל10 of 15
H5921

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

רָצוֹן֙11 of 15

“with acceptance”

H7522

delight (especially as shown)

מִזְבְּחִ֔י12 of 15

“on mine altar”

H4196

an altar

וּבֵ֥ית13 of 15

“the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

תִּפְאַרְתִּ֖י14 of 15

“of my glory”

H8597

ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)

אֲפָאֵֽר׃15 of 15

“and I will glorify”

H6286

to gleam, i.e., (causatively) embellish; figuratively, to boast; also to explain (i.e., make clear) oneself; to shake a tree

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 60:7 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 60:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 56:7Genesis 25:13Hebrews 13:15-16Romans 15:16Job 42:8Romans 12:1

Places in This Verse

KedarPeople Group · Modern: Dumat al Jandal · 29.81°N, 39.87°E9 verses across 5 books
View all places in Isaiah 60 →

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