King James Version

What Does Isaiah 66:21 Mean?

Isaiah 66:21 in the King James Version says “And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the LORD.” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 66 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the LORD.”

Isaiah 66:21 · KJV

Context

19

And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.

20

And they shall bring all your brethren for an offering unto the LORD out of all nations upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon swift beasts, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the LORD, as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the LORD. litters: or, coaches

21

And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the LORD.

22

For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.

23

And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD. from one new: Heb. from new moon to his new moon, and from sabbath to his sabbath

Read Isaiah 66 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
An astonishing promise: "And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the LORD." The Hebrew megam mehem eqach lakohanim lalviyyim means God will select from these Gentile converts to serve as priests and Levites—previously exclusive Jewish roles. This demolishes ethnic privilege in God's kingdom. Under the old covenant, only Aaronic descendants could be priests, only Levites could serve in the temple. God promises to select Gentiles for these roles. From a Reformed perspective, this prophesies the new covenant's universal priesthood (1 Peter 2:5, 9, Revelation 1:6, 5:10). All believers—Jew and Gentile—become priests unto God through Christ. The Levitical priesthood is abolished (Hebrews 7:11-19), replaced by Christ the High Priest and all believers as royal priests offering spiritual sacrifices (1 Peter 2:5, Hebrews 13:15-16). This verse emphasizes the radical equality of Jews and Gentiles in the new covenant—no ethnic or hereditary advantage, only grace through faith in Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Under the old covenant, priestly service was strictly hereditary and ethnic. Gentiles were excluded from priesthood and most temple areas. This prophecy was revolutionary—promising Gentile priests! The early church grappled with its implications (Acts 15, Galatians, Ephesians). The New Testament reveals fulfillment: all believers are priests (1 Peter 2:5, 9), there is neither Jew nor Greek in Christ (Galatians 3:28), and Gentile believers serve in gospel ministry alongside Jewish believers. Throughout church history, leadership has increasingly included converts from all ethnicities. Complete fulfillment comes in the New Jerusalem where all the redeemed, from every nation, serve as priests before God forever (Revelation 5:10, 20:6, 22:3).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Gentile inclusion in priesthood demonstrate the radical nature of new covenant grace?
  2. What does universal priesthood mean for all believers' worship and service?
  3. How should the elimination of ethnic privilege in God's kingdom shape the church's practice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְגַם1 of 7
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

מֵהֶ֥ם2 of 7
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

אֶקַּ֛ח3 of 7

“And I will also take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לַכֹּהֲנִ֥ים4 of 7

“of them for priests”

H3548

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

לַלְוִיִּ֖ם5 of 7

“and for Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

אָמַ֥ר6 of 7

“saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָֽה׃7 of 7

“the LORD”

H3068

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

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 66:21 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 66:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 2:9Exodus 19:61 Peter 2:5Isaiah 61:6Revelation 1:6Revelation 5:10

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