Isaiah 60:14 Meaning and Explanation
“The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Even those who once oppressed and despised you will bow before you in reversal and honor you as the city of the Lord.
The Context of Isaiah 60:14
The verse continues the theme of reversal. Enemies and oppressors acknowledge the vindication of Zion and submit to its glory. This would resonate deeply with exiles who had experienced the humiliation of captivity.
What Does Isaiah 60:14 Mean?
This is a reversal of the deepest wounds. Those who afflicted Zion, who despised her, will come bending, bowing, and calling her by names of glory. This is not revenge but vindication. What was scorned is now honored. What was crushed is now exalted. The ones who caused suffering bear witness to the transformation. They acknowledge that Zion is the city of the Lord, chosen and beloved, the dwelling place of the Holy One of Israel. There is no bitterness in this verse, only the quiet triumph of the vindicated. Even the former enemies become part of the chorus of praise.
In Christ, this is perfectly fulfilled. Those who hated him, who beat and crucified him, watched as death itself could not hold him. His exaltation is the exaltation of all who trust in him. We, too, will see every knee bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. Our former shame will be replaced by honor, not through our merit but through his. The world will see what we have known, that Jesus is worthy of all worship and all glory.
Isaiah 60:14 in the Original Language
shachach (Hebrew), 'shall bow themselves down' -- to bow, prostrate oneself, show submission and reverence.
How to Apply Isaiah 60:14 Today
When we have been wounded by others, this verse offers hope. God sees the injustice. God will vindicate you. The healing may not come in the form of apologies or changed hearts in every case, but it will come in the form of your ultimate exaltation in Christ. Others' past judgments of you will prove false, and you will be known as belonging to God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 60:14
What does Isaiah 60:14 mean?
Even those who once oppressed and despised you will bow before you in reversal and honor you as the city of the Lord.
What is the context of Isaiah 60:14?
The verse continues the theme of reversal. Enemies and oppressors acknowledge the vindication of Zion and submit to its glory. This would resonate deeply with exiles who had experienced the humiliation of captivity.
How can I apply Isaiah 60:14 today?
When we have been wounded by others, this verse offers hope. God sees the injustice. God will vindicate you. The healing may not come in the form of apologies or changed hearts in every case, but it will come in the form of your ultimate exaltation in Christ. Others' past judgments of you will prove false, and you will be known as belonging to God.