King James Version

What Does Isaiah 61:6 Mean?

Isaiah 61:6 in the King James Version says “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 t...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 61 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 61:6 · KJV

Context

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.

8

For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.

Read Isaiah 61 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The identity transformation is profound: "But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God." Israel receives priestly identity—kohanim Adonai (priests of the LORD) and mesharetei Eloheinu (ministers of our God). This fulfills Exodus 19:6: "ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests." Peter applies this to the church: "ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9). All believers receive priestly status, offering spiritual sacrifices (1 Peter 2:5, Hebrews 13:15-16) and mediating God's presence to the world. The material blessing follows: "ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves." This isn't exploitation but the nations bringing their wealth and glory into God's kingdom (Isaiah 60:5-6, 11, Revelation 21:24-26). "Boast" (titmaru) can mean "exchange" or "glory in"—believers glory in God's work among the nations. From a Reformed perspective, this describes the believer's dual identity: priests to God and recipients of comprehensive blessing—spiritual and material, individual and corporate.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Under the old covenant, only Levites served as priests, with most Israelites excluded from direct priestly ministry. The new covenant democratizes priestly status—all believers access God directly through Christ the High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16, 10:19-22) and serve as priests to God (Revelation 1:6, 5:10). The early church experienced this as both Jews and Gentiles functioned as priests, offering spiritual worship. The riches of Gentiles flowing to God's people was fulfilled as Gentile converts brought resources to support gospel work (Philippians 4:18, 2 Corinthians 8:1-5).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your identity as a priest to God shape your daily worship and service?
  2. What spiritual sacrifices are you called to offer as part of the royal priesthood?
  3. How should believers 'boast in' or 'glory in' the riches that flow into God's kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְאַתֶּ֗ם1 of 13
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

כֹּהֲנֵ֤י2 of 13

“the Priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

יְהוָה֙3 of 13

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

תִּקָּרֵ֔אוּ4 of 13

“But ye shall be named”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

מְשָׁרְתֵ֣י5 of 13

“you the Ministers”

H8334

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

אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ6 of 13

“of our 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

יֵאָמֵ֖ר7 of 13

“men shall call”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָכֶ֑ם8 of 13
H0
חֵ֤יל9 of 13

“the riches”

H2428

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

גּוֹיִם֙10 of 13

“of the Gentiles”

H1471

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

תֹּאכֵ֔לוּ11 of 13

“ye shall eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וּבִכְבוֹדָ֖ם12 of 13

“and in their glory”

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

תִּתְיַמָּֽרוּ׃13 of 13

“shall ye boast”

H3235

to exchange; by implication, to change places

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 61:6 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 61:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 19:61 Peter 2:51 Peter 2:9Isaiah 60:5-7Isaiah 66:21Revelation 5:10

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