King James Version

What Does Isaiah 66:12 Mean?

Isaiah 66:12 in the King James Version says “For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing s...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 66 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 66:12 · KJV

Peace

Context

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.

14

And when ye see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants, and his indignation toward his enemies.

Read Isaiah 66 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God promises comprehensive blessing: "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." The imagery is abundant—peace (shalom) like a river (nahar), Gentile glory like a flowing stream (nachal shotef). Rivers and streams suggest continuous, abundant, life-giving flow. Peace encompasses total well-being, not merely absence of conflict. Gentile glory coming to Zion fulfills earlier promises (Isaiah 60:3-16). The verse continues with tender imagery: "then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees." Three verbs depict maternal care: nursing (yanaq), carrying (nasa), dandling/bouncing affectionately (sha'a). From a Reformed perspective, this describes comprehensive covenant blessing—spiritual peace, material provision, tender care. God provides everything His people need through His appointed means. The Gentile glory coming into the kingdom enriches the church. The maternal imagery emphasizes God's tender care for His people, mediated through the church community.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The post-exilic community experienced material hardship and political insecurity. God promised abundant peace and prosperity, particularly through Gentiles bringing resources. Initial fulfillment came through Persian support (Ezra 6:8-12, 7:11-26). Greater fulfillment came in the church age as Gentile believers brought resources to support gospel work (Romans 15:26-27, 2 Corinthians 8-9, Philippians 4:15-18). Complete fulfillment awaits the consummated kingdom where the nations bring their glory into the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:24-26) and God's people experience perfect peace and comprehensive care forever (Revelation 21:3-4, 22:1-5).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does peace 'like a river' look like in the Christian life and church community?
  2. How do Gentile believers bringing their 'glory' enrich the church?
  3. What does God's tender, maternal-like care mean for believers experiencing difficulty or insecurity?

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

כֹ֣ה׀2 of 20
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר3 of 20

“For thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֗ה4 of 20

“the LORD”

H3068

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

הִנְנִ֣י5 of 20
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

נֹטֶֽה6 of 20

“Behold I will extend”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

אֵ֠לֶיהָ7 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כְּנָהָ֨ר8 of 20

“to her like a river”

H5104

a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity

שָׁל֜וֹם9 of 20

“peace”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

וּכְנַ֧חַל10 of 20

“stream”

H5158

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

שׁוֹטֵ֛ף11 of 20

“like a flowing”

H7857

to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer

כְּב֥וֹד12 of 20

“and the glory”

H3519

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

גּוֹיִ֖ם13 of 20

“of the Gentiles”

H1471

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

וִֽינַקְתֶּ֑ם14 of 20

“then shall ye suck”

H3243

to suck; causatively, to give milk

עַל15 of 20
H5921

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

צַד֙16 of 20

“upon her sides”

H6654

a side; figuratively, an adversary

תִּנָּשֵׂ֔אוּ17 of 20

“ye shall be borne”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

וְעַל18 of 20
H5921

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

בִּרְכַּ֖יִם19 of 20

“upon her knees”

H1290

a knee

תְּשָׁעֳשָֽׁעוּ׃20 of 20

“and be dandled”

H8173

(in a good acceptation) to look upon (with complacency), i.e., fondle, please or amuse (self); (in a bad one) to look about (in dismay), i.e., stare

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 66:12 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 66:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 48:18Isaiah 60:16Isaiah 45:14Isaiah 66:11Isaiah 61:6Isaiah 54:3

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Isaiah 66 →

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