Isaiah 11:6 Meaning and Explanation
“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Predator and prey live together in peace; children lead them.
The Context of Isaiah 11:6
A vision of peace extends to all creation.
What Does Isaiah 11:6 Mean?
This verse paints an image of complete reconciliation between natural enemies. The wolf (predator) and lamb (prey), leopard and young goat, lion and calf—all ancient symbols of danger and vulnerability—coexist without threat. Even more striking: a small child directs them all, suggesting a reversal of the power that natural strength commands.
This is not nature reformed by selective breeding, but nature reordered by peace itself. In ancient thought, the wild animals represented chaos and danger; their taming symbolized the arrival of a new order where fear and aggression have been overcome.
Isaiah 11:6 in the Original Language
shakab (שָׁכַב), 'lie down' — rest together in proximity, implying no threat or predatory intent.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 11:6
What does Isaiah 11:6 mean?
Predator and prey live together in peace; children lead them.
What is the context of Isaiah 11:6?
A vision of peace extends to all creation.