Isaiah 60:16 Meaning and Explanation
“Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jerusalem will be nourished and sustained by the nations, recognizing God as her Savior and Redeemer.
The Context of Isaiah 60:16
Through receiving the world's abundance, Jerusalem experiences God's saving power.
What Does Isaiah 60:16 Mean?
The imagery shifts to that of an infant nursing: Jerusalem will 'suck the milk' of Gentiles and 'the breast of kings.' This describes complete dependence and nurture provided by foreign nations and their rulers. What once was a besieged city dependent on internal resources will now receive sustenance from the abundance of the world.
Through this reversal, Jerusalem will know—understand with certainty—the nature of her God: 'I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.' The experience of being cared for and sustained by former enemies clarifies God's power and His commitment to restore and preserve His people.
Isaiah 60:16 in the Original Language
gâ'al (גָּאַל), 'Redeemer'—one who redeems, restores, or recovers what was lost.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 60:16
What does Isaiah 60:16 mean?
Jerusalem will be nourished and sustained by the nations, recognizing God as her Savior and Redeemer.
What is the context of Isaiah 60:16?
Through receiving the world's abundance, Jerusalem experiences God's saving power.