King James Version

What Does Isaiah 61:5 Mean?

Isaiah 61:5 in the King James Version says “And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 61 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.”

Isaiah 61:5 · KJV

Context

3

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

4

And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.

5

And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.

6

But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.

7

For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.

Read Isaiah 61 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The role reversal continues: "And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers." In the ancient world, conquered peoples performed agricultural labor for their conquerors. Here the pattern reverses—foreigners willingly serve Israel, performing necessary but humble work. The Hebrew zarim (strangers) and nekar (aliens/foreigners) emphasize their outsider status. From a Reformed perspective, this doesn't teach ethnic superiority but prophesies Gentile believers gladly serving Christ's kingdom. Those formerly alienated from God's covenants (Ephesians 2:12-13) become willing servants in the household of faith. The imagery of feeding flocks, plowing, and dressing vines represents essential kingdom work—pastoral care, preparation of hearts for gospel seed, and cultivating spiritual fruit. Gentile believers don't merely receive blessing but actively participate in building God's kingdom, performing vital service alongside Jewish believers in the one body of Christ (Ephesians 2:14-22).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Under foreign domination (Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome), Israelites served alien masters. The prophecy promised reversal—not through military conquest but through the gospel's power. Gentiles would voluntarily join in serving God's purposes. The early church saw dramatic fulfillment as Gentile converts outnumbered Jewish believers and took up gospel work—Paul, the apostle to Gentiles, exemplifying this (Acts 9:15, Romans 11:13, Galatians 2:7-9). Gentile churches supported Jewish believers materially (Romans 15:27, 2 Corinthians 8-9), demonstrating mutual service in Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do Gentile believers today participate as willing servants in God's kingdom work?
  2. What does humble service in God's kingdom reveal about our transformed hearts?
  3. How does mutual service between Jewish and Gentile believers demonstrate gospel unity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְעָמְד֣וּ1 of 8

“shall stand”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

זָרִ֔ים2 of 8

“And strangers”

H2114

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

וְרָע֖וּ3 of 8

“and feed”

H7462

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

צֹאנְכֶ֑ם4 of 8

“your flocks”

H6629

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

וּבְנֵ֣י5 of 8

“and the 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

נֵכָ֔ר6 of 8

“of the alien”

H5236

foreign, or (concretely) a foreigner, or (abstractly) heathendom

אִכָּרֵיכֶ֖ם7 of 8

“shall be your plowmen”

H406

a farmer

וְכֹרְמֵיכֶֽם׃8 of 8

“and your vinedressers”

H3755

a vinedresser

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 61:5 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 61:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 60:10-14Isaiah 14:1-2Ephesians 2:12-20

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 61 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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