King James Version

What Does Isaiah 9:6 Mean?

Isaiah 9:6 in the King James Version says “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall b...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:6 · KJV

Eternal LifePeace

Context

4

For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. For: or, When thou brakest

5

For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. For: or, When the whole battle of the warrior was, etc but: or, and it was, etc fuel: Heb. meat

6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

7

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

8

The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel.

Read Isaiah 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. This prophetic verse, written 700 years before Christ's birth, stands as one of Scripture's most stunning messianic prophecies. Isaiah announces both the Incarnation ("a child is born") and the divine nature of the Messiah through five extraordinary titles.

The duality "child is born...son is given" captures the mystery of the Incarnation. As human, Christ was born of Mary in time; as God's eternal Son, He was given from eternity. The passive voice "is given" indicates divine initiative—the Father sent the Son as humanity's greatest gift (John 3:16). "Unto us" emphasizes the beneficiaries: not just Israel but all who receive Him.

"The government shall be upon his shoulder" prophesies Messiah's kingly authority. In ancient times, the key to a city or palace was carried on the shoulder as a symbol of administrative authority (Isaiah 22:22). Christ bears the weight of cosmic governance—He upholds all things by His powerful word (Hebrews 1:3).

The five names are progressively astonishing: (1) Pele-Yo'etz (Wonderful Counselor)—He embodies wisdom that surpasses human understanding; (2) El Gibbor (Mighty God)—divine warrior who defeats all enemies; (3) Avi'ad (Everlasting Father)—eternal source of life and care; (4) Sar-Shalom (Prince of Peace)—establisher of ultimate peace between God and humanity.

These titles demand deity. No mere human could be called "Mighty God" or "Everlasting Father." Isaiah's prophecy requires the Incarnation—God becoming man to save His people. This prophecy refutes Arianism, Unitarianism, and all Christologies that deny Christ's full deity and humanity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah prophesied during tumultuous times (740-681 BC) when the Assyrian Empire threatened to destroy Israel and Judah. The northern kingdom of Israel fell to Assyria in 722 BC, and Judah faced constant danger. Against this backdrop of military threat and political instability, Isaiah proclaimed hope in a coming divine King who would establish eternal peace.

The immediate context of Isaiah 9:6 follows the promise that people walking in darkness would see great light (9:2)—fulfilled in Jesus' Galilean ministry (Matthew 4:13-16). The prophecy contrasts sharply with failed human kings who brought war, oppression, and exile. Where Ahaz and other kings failed to protect and shepherd God's people, the promised Child-King would succeed perfectly.

Ancient Near Eastern royal ideology provides important background. Kings bore grandiose titles claiming divine authority and eternal rule. Egyptian pharaohs were called "mighty god," and Mesopotamian rulers claimed eternal kingship. However, these were empty boasts by mortal men. Isaiah's prophecy, by contrast, announces a King who genuinely possesses divine attributes—not hyperbole but literal truth.

For first-century Jews suffering under Roman occupation, Isaiah 9:6 fueled messianic expectations of a warrior-king who would overthrow oppressors and establish Israel's kingdom. Yet Jesus fulfilled the prophecy in unexpected ways—not through military conquest but through sacrificial death and resurrection, establishing a spiritual kingdom that transcends all earthly powers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does each of the five titles (Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace) address a specific human need or longing?
  2. What does it mean that "the government shall be upon his shoulder"? In what areas of your life do you struggle to let Christ's government rest on His shoulders rather than your own?
  3. How does recognizing Christ as "Mighty God" change the way you approach difficulties, spiritual warfare, or overwhelming circumstances?
  4. What does it mean practically that Christ is the "Prince of Peace"? What false sources of peace compete with Him in your life?
  5. How should the truth that Christ is both "a child born" (fully human) and "Mighty God" (fully divine) shape your worship and prayer life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
כִּי1 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יֶ֣לֶד2 of 21

“For unto us a child”

H3206

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

יֻלַּד3 of 21

“is born”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

לָ֗נוּ4 of 21
H0
בֵּ֚ן5 of 21

“unto us a son”

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

נִתַּן6 of 21

“is given”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָ֔נוּ7 of 21
H0
וַתְּהִ֥י8 of 21
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַמִּשְׂרָ֖ה9 of 21

“and the government”

H4951

empire

עַל10 of 21
H5921

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

שִׁכְמ֑וֹ11 of 21

“shall be upon his shoulder”

H7926

the neck (between the shoulders) as the place of burdens; figuratively, the spur of a hill

וַיִּקְרָ֨א12 of 21

“shall be called”

H7121

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

שְׁמ֜וֹ13 of 21

“and his name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

פֶּ֠לֶא14 of 21

“Wonderful”

H6382

a miracle

יוֹעֵץ֙15 of 21

“Counsellor”

H3289

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

אֵ֣ל16 of 21

“God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

גִּבּ֔וֹר17 of 21

“The mighty”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

אֲבִי18 of 21

“Father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

עַ֖ד19 of 21

“The everlasting”

H5703

properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit

שַׂר20 of 21

“The Prince”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

שָׁלֽוֹם׃21 of 21

“of Peace”

H7965

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

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 9:6 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 9:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 2:11Matthew 28:18Jeremiah 23:5-6Isaiah 7:14Matthew 1:231 John 5:20

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 9 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes