King James Version

What Does Isaiah 66:11 Mean?

Isaiah 66:11 in the King James Version says “That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 66 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory. abundance: or, brightness”

Isaiah 66:11 · KJV

Context

9

Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God. not: or, not beget?

10

Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her:

11

That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory. abundance: or, brightness

12

For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees.

13

As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The nursing imagery returns with rich meaning: "That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory." The Hebrew yanaq (suck/nurse) and matsah (milk out) describe infants nursing—complete dependence and satisfaction. The "breasts of consolations" (shedei tanchumeiha) provide comfort, and the "abundance of glory" (ziz kevodah) offers delight. Jerusalem/Zion functions as mother providing spiritual nourishment. From a Reformed perspective, this describes the church's role as mother of believers (Galatians 4:26). The church provides the means of grace—Word, sacraments, fellowship—through which believers are spiritually nourished and comforted. God feeds His people through the ministry of His body. The satisfaction and delight emphasize that spiritual nourishment fully satisfies—no deficiency, no lingering hunger. Christ, the bread of life, fully satisfies those who come to Him (John 6:35), and His body the church mediates that satisfaction through gospel ministry.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The post-exilic community needed reassurance that restored Jerusalem would provide genuine spiritual satisfaction, not merely physical reconstruction. The promise looked beyond earthly city to the church as mother. Believers find spiritual nourishment in the faith community (Acts 2:42, Hebrews 10:24-25). The early church experienced this richly—spiritual consolation and abundant life flowing through gathered believers ministering to one another (Acts 4:32-35, Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Complete fulfillment comes in the New Jerusalem where the river of life and tree of life provide perpetual nourishment (Revelation 22:1-2).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the church function as spiritual mother providing nourishment and comfort?
  2. What are the 'breasts of consolations' and 'abundance of glory' that the church provides?
  3. How can we ensure we're being adequately nourished through participation in the church's means of grace?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
לְמַ֤עַן1 of 10
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

תִּֽינְקוּ֙2 of 10

“That ye may suck”

H3243

to suck; causatively, to give milk

וּשְׂבַעְתֶּ֔ם3 of 10

“and be satisfied”

H7646

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

מִשֹּׁ֖ד4 of 10

“with the breasts”

H7699

the breast of a woman or animal (as bulging)

תַּנְחֻמֶ֑יהָ5 of 10

“of her consolations”

H8575

compassion, solace

לְמַ֧עַן6 of 10
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

תָּמֹ֛צּוּ7 of 10

“that ye may milk out”

H4711

to suck

וְהִתְעַנַּגְתֶּ֖ם8 of 10

“and be delighted”

H6026

to be soft or pliable, i.e., (figuratively) effeminate or luxurious

מִזִּ֥יז9 of 10

“with the abundance”

H2123

fulness of the breast

כְּבוֹדָֽהּ׃10 of 10

“of her glory”

H3519

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

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 66:11 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 66:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 60:16Joel 3:18Isaiah 60:5Psalms 36:81 Peter 2:2

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