King James Version

What Does Isaiah 60:9 Mean?

Isaiah 60:9 in the King James Version says “Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 60 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Isaiah 60:9 · KJV


Context

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.

10

And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee.

11

Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought. forces: or, wealth


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God explains: "Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first." The "isles" (iyyim) refers to distant coastlands—the furthest reaches of the known world. "Wait" (qawah) means eager expectation, the same word used for waiting on the Lord in prayer (Psalm 27:14, Isaiah 40:31). Even distant Gentiles will eagerly anticipate God's salvation. "Ships of Tarshish" were large merchant vessels capable of long voyages (1 Kings 10:22). Their purpose: "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." The ships bring both people (scattered Jews, converted Gentiles) and wealth, all dedicated "unto the name of the LORD." Everything serves His glory, for "he hath glorified thee"—God has honored Zion. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates God's sovereignty in redemption. He glorifies His church, which in turn glorifies Him. The ingathering occurs "unto the name of the LORD"—for His fame and worship. Missions serves doxology; evangelism magnifies God's glory.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Tarshish likely refers to distant Mediterranean ports, possibly southern Spain—representing the far west of the known world. Ships of Tarshish symbolized extensive trade and wealth (1 Kings 10:22, Jonah 1:3). The prophecy looked beyond the Persian period to when maritime nations would serve God's purposes. The spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, often following trade routes and using sea travel, fulfilled this. Paul's missionary journeys utilized sea transport (Acts 13:4, 14:26, 16:11, 18:18, 21:1-3, 27-28). The gospel's global spread continues this pattern.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do distant peoples 'waiting for' God demonstrate the universal scope of redemption?
  2. What does the dedication of wealth and resources 'unto the name of the LORD' teach about stewardship?
  3. How should missions be oriented toward God's glory rather than merely human benefit?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
כִּֽי1 of 20
H3588

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

לִ֣י׀2 of 20
H0
אִיִּ֣ים3 of 20

Surely the isles

H339

properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island

יְקַוּ֗וּ4 of 20

shall wait

H6960

to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect

וָאֳנִיּ֤וֹת5 of 20

for me and the ships

H591

a ship

תַּרְשִׁישׁ֙6 of 20

of Tarshish

H8659

tarshish, a place on the mediterranean, hence, the ephithet of a merchant vessel (as if for or from that port); also the name of a persian and of an i

בָּרִ֣אשֹׁנָ֔ה7 of 20

first

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

לְהָבִ֤יא8 of 20

to bring

H935

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

בָנַ֙יִךְ֙9 of 20

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

מֵֽרָח֔וֹק10 of 20

from far

H7350

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

כַּסְפָּ֥ם11 of 20

their silver

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וּזְהָבָ֖ם12 of 20

and their gold

H2091

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

אִתָּ֑ם13 of 20
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

לְשֵׁם֙14 of 20

with them unto the name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָ֣ה15 of 20

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהַ֔יִךְ16 of 20

thy God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְלִקְד֥וֹשׁ17 of 20

and to the Holy One

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל18 of 20

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כִּ֥י19 of 20
H3588

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

פֵאֲרָֽךְ׃20 of 20

because he hath glorified

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 60:9 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 60:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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