King James Version

What Does Isaiah 9:7 Mean?

Isaiah 9:7 in the King James Version says “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to or... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Isaiah 9:7 · KJV


Context

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.

9

And all the people shall know, even Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in the pride and stoutness of heart,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes the unending kingdom of the Messiah, emphasizing both its perpetual duration and its character of justice and righteousness. The promise that it will be established 'upon the throne of David' connects it to God's covenant with David (2 Samuel 7), ensuring a descendant would reign forever. The phrase 'the zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this' affirms that this is God's work, not human achievement, guaranteeing its fulfillment through divine passion and power.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Written during Assyria's threat to Israel (8th century BC), this prophecy offered hope for a future righteous king when earthly monarchs repeatedly failed. The angel Gabriel specifically referenced this prophecy when announcing Jesus's birth to Mary (Luke 1:32-33). Jesus's resurrection and ascension initiated this eternal kingdom, which continues to expand through the preaching of the gospel and will culminate in His return and eternal reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the eternal nature of Christ's kingdom differ from earthly kingdoms that rise and fall?
  2. What does it mean that God's 'zeal' will accomplish this, and how should this affect our confidence in His promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
לְםַרְבֵּ֨ה1 of 23

Of the increase

H4766

properly, increasing; as noun, greatness, or (adverbially) greatly

הַמִּשְׂרָ֜ה2 of 23

of his government

H4951

empire

וּלְשָׁל֣וֹם3 of 23

and peace

H7965

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

אֵֽין4 of 23
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

קֵ֗ץ5 of 23

there shall be no end

H7093

an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after

עַל6 of 23
H5921

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

כִּסֵּ֤א7 of 23

upon the throne

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

דָוִד֙8 of 23

of David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וְעַל9 of 23
H5921

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

מַמְלַכְתּ֔וֹ10 of 23

and upon his kingdom

H4467

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

לְהָכִ֤ין11 of 23

to order

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

אֹתָהּ֙12 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וּֽלְסַעֲדָ֔הּ13 of 23

it and to establish

H5582

to support (mostly figurative)

בְּמִשְׁפָּ֖ט14 of 23

it with judgment

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

וּבִצְדָקָ֑ה15 of 23

and with justice

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

מֵעַתָּה֙16 of 23
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

וְעַד17 of 23

from henceforth even for

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עוֹלָ֔ם18 of 23

ever

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

קִנְאַ֛ת19 of 23

The zeal

H7068

jealousy or envy

יְהוָ֥ה20 of 23

of the LORD

H3068

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

צְבָא֖וֹת21 of 23

of hosts

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

תַּעֲשֶׂה22 of 23

will perform

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

זֹּֽאת׃23 of 23
H2063

this (often used adverb)


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 9:7 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 9:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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