Isaiah 60:22 Meaning and Explanation
“A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God will multiply Jerusalem's small beginnings into a great nation, accomplishing it in His appointed time.
The Context of Isaiah 60:22
The vision closes with affirmation of God's power to multiply and fulfill His purposes.
What Does Isaiah 60:22 Mean?
The verse celebrates exponential growth from minimal beginnings. 'A little one shall become a thousand'—a small number multiplies beyond measure. 'A small one a strong nation'—what seems insignificant becomes militarily and politically powerful. The language reflects how a restored remnant returns from exile as what appears small will grow dramatically.
The closing affirmation emphasizes divine agency: 'I the LORD will hasten it in his time.' God takes ownership of the multiplication and growth. 'Hasten' suggests God actively accelerates the process according to His sovereign timing—'in his time,' not according to human schedule. The restoration is not gradual happenstance but divinely orchestrated speed.
Isaiah 60:22 in the Original Language
qâtân (קָטָן), 'small'—little, insignificant, or of small stature.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 60:22
What does Isaiah 60:22 mean?
God will multiply Jerusalem's small beginnings into a great nation, accomplishing it in His appointed time.
What is the context of Isaiah 60:22?
The vision closes with affirmation of God's power to multiply and fulfill His purposes.