Isaiah 11:1

KJV

¶ And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

KJV (with Strong's)

And there shall come forth {H3318} a rod {H2415} out of the stem {H1503} of Jesse {H3448}, and a Branch {H5342} shall grow {H6509} out of his roots {H8328}:

Complete Jewish Bible

But a branch will emerge from the trunk of Yishai, a shoot will grow from his roots.

Berean Standard Bible

Then a shoot will spring up from the stump of Jesse, and a Branch from his roots will bear fruit.

American Standard Version

And there shall come forth a shoot out of the stock of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots shall bear fruit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 11:1 stands as a pivotal messianic prophecy, heralding the future emergence of a righteous and divinely empowered ruler from the seemingly diminished lineage of Jesse, the father of King David. This verse paints a vivid picture of new life and hope springing forth from an unexpected and humble origin, promising a profound restoration and the establishment of an enduring kingdom of peace and justice after a period of national decline and divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 11:1 marks a dramatic shift in tone and theme within the book of Isaiah. The preceding chapters (Isaiah 7-10) are largely dominated by prophecies of judgment against Judah and Israel, particularly concerning the Assyrian invasion and the pride of both nations. Chapter 10, for instance, culminates in the cutting down of the mighty Assyrian "forest" and the judgment upon the proud. Against this backdrop of desolation and divine pruning, Isaiah 11:1 introduces a sudden, radiant promise of hope and renewal. It initiates a new prophetic oracle (Isaiah 11:1-16) that focuses on the coming Messianic King, His righteous reign, and the restoration of God's people, culminating in a song of praise in [Isaiah 12](/isaiah/12 "Isaiah 12 - Song of Salvation"). This transition underscores God's unwavering covenant faithfulness amidst human failure and judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah 11:1 was delivered during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, likely in the 8th century BCE, when the Davidic monarchy was in decline and facing significant threats from powerful empires like Assyria. The kingdom of Judah, though still existing, was far from the glorious heights of David's reign. The imagery of a "stem" or "roots" of Jesse would have resonated deeply with a people whose royal line seemed to be cut down or withered, suggesting a humble and unexpected origin for the promised deliverer. Jesse, as the father of King David, represents the foundational, yet humble, beginnings of the royal dynasty. The prophecy implicitly acknowledges the current state of the Davidic house while simultaneously pointing to God's sovereign plan to raise up a new, righteous branch from that very root, fulfilling the eternal covenant made with [David in 2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant").

* **Key Themes:** This verse is rich with interconnected themes. Primarily, it is a **Messianic Prophecy**, directly foretelling the advent of the Messiah. The "Rod" and "Branch" imagery symbolizes new life, divine authority, and a fresh beginning, unequivocally pointing to the future king who would establish a kingdom of righteousness and peace, fulfilling the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12 - God's Covenant with David"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Davidic Lineage**, specifically naming "Jesse" to firmly root the Messiah within the royal house of David, crucial for Jewish expectations of a king from David's line, a lineage ultimately culminating in [Jesus of Nazareth](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). Lastly, the theme of **Hope from Humility and Despair** shines through. The imagery of a "stem" or "roots" suggests that the Davidic dynasty might appear cut down, withered, or even dead, yet from this seemingly lifeless stump, a new, vigorous shoot will emerge. This offers immense hope, indicating that God's redemptive plan will prevail even when human kingdoms fail or seem to be at their lowest point, demonstrating God's power to bring life out of apparent death, as seen in the broader prophetic narrative of [Isaiah](/isaiah/40 "Isaiah 40 - Comfort for Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rod (Hebrew, _chôṭêr'_):** From an unused root of uncertain signification, this word denotes a twig or a rod. In this context, it implies a young, fresh shoot emerging from a seemingly dead or cut-down trunk. It signifies new, vigorous growth and, by extension, a new leader or ruler.
* **Stem (Hebrew, _gezaʻ'_):** Derived from an unused root meaning "to cut down (trees)," _gezaʻ_ refers to the trunk or stump of a tree, either felled or planted. Here, it powerfully symbolizes the Davidic dynasty in a state of apparent decline or truncation, suggesting that the once-flourishing tree of David's kingdom has been cut down, leaving only a stump.
* **Branch (Hebrew, _nêtser'_):** From a root conveying the sense of greenness as a striking color, _nêtser_ means a shoot or, figuratively, a descendant. This term reinforces the idea of new, vital growth from an unexpected source, emphasizing the Messiah as a true and living descendant who will bring forth fruit and life from the seemingly barren "roots" of Jesse.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse":** This clause introduces the central prophecy. The verb "come forth" (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ_) signifies emergence, springing out, or appearing. The "rod" (Hebrew, _chôṭêr_) is a new shoot, indicating a fresh, unexpected, and vital beginning. This shoot emerges not from a flourishing tree, but from the "stem" (Hebrew, _gezaʻ_) of Jesse, symbolizing the Davidic dynasty in a state of historical decline or near extinction. The emphasis is on God's sovereign act of bringing forth new life from a seemingly dead or cut-down lineage.
* **"and a Branch shall grow out of his roots":** This parallel clause reinforces and expands upon the first. The "Branch" (Hebrew, _nêtser_) further emphasizes the idea of a new, vibrant shoot or descendant. The verb "grow" (Hebrew, _pârâh_) means to bear fruit, to be fruitful, or to increase, highlighting the vitality and flourishing nature of this coming figure. The origin from "his roots" (Hebrew, _sheresh_) again points to Jesse, emphasizing the deep, foundational connection to David's ancestral line, yet also implying a humble, hidden, or seemingly insignificant beginning from which this great figure will arise.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 11:1 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Metaphor**. The "stem of Jesse" and "his roots" are powerful **Metaphors** for the Davidic dynasty, which by Isaiah's time had fallen from its former glory and would eventually be cut down by exile. The imagery of a "rod" and a "Branch" emerging from this seemingly dead or dormant "stem" and "roots" is a profound **Symbol** of new life, unexpected renewal, and divine intervention. This **Organic Imagery** contrasts sharply with the "cutting down" imagery of judgment in previous chapters, highlighting God's ability to bring life out of death and hope out of despair. The two clauses of the verse also exhibit strong **Parallelism**, where "rod out of the stem of Jesse" is echoed and reinforced by "Branch shall grow out of his roots," emphasizing the singular, yet multifaceted, nature of the coming Messiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 11:1 profoundly underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the Davidic Covenant. Even when human kingdoms falter and the chosen lineage appears to be cut down, God's redemptive plan continues to unfold with divine precision and power. This verse teaches that God's greatest acts of salvation often emerge from unexpected, humble, or seemingly insignificant origins, demonstrating His sovereignty over human circumstances and His ability to bring forth life where there seems to be none. It is a testament to the enduring hope that God's purposes will ultimately prevail, culminating in a righteous reign that transcends earthly limitations.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "The Davidic Covenant and an Enduring House")
* [Jeremiah 23:5](/jeremiah/23-5 "The Righteous Branch of David")
* [Zechariah 3:8](/zechariah/3-8 "My Servant the Branch")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 11:1 offers a profound source of hope and encouragement for believers today. In a world often marked by decline, despair, and the apparent failure of human institutions, this prophecy reminds us that God's ultimate plan of redemption is unstoppable. Just as a vibrant shoot emerged from the seemingly dead stump of Jesse, so too can new life, purpose, and hope spring forth in our own lives and circumstances, even when we feel cut down, insignificant, or overwhelmed by challenges. It calls us to fix our gaze not on the visible signs of decay but on the invisible hand of God, who is always at work bringing about His perfect will. We are invited to trust in His faithfulness, knowing that He can raise up strength from weakness and bring about glorious outcomes from humble beginnings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in your life or in the world do you see "stumps" or "roots" that seem devoid of life, yet God might be preparing to bring forth new growth?**
* **How does the humble origin of the "Rod" and "Branch" challenge your expectations of how God works or who He uses?**
* **In what ways can you actively cultivate hope and trust in God's long-term plan, even when immediate circumstances seem bleak?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Jesse" being named instead of "David" in this prophecy?**

Answer: Naming "Jesse" (Hebrew, _Yishay_) instead of "David" is highly significant because it emphasizes the humble and foundational origins of the Davidic dynasty. By Isaiah's time, the Davidic monarchy had lost much of its glory and was facing decline. Referring to "Jesse," David's humble father from Bethlehem, rather than the majestic King David, underscores that the coming Messiah would emerge not from a flourishing, powerful kingdom, but from a seemingly cut-down or withered "stump" (Hebrew, _gezaʻ_) of the royal line. It highlights that God's chosen one would come from a place of obscurity and humility, yet would bring forth new, vibrant life, demonstrating God's power to work through the seemingly insignificant, as seen in [1 Samuel 16:1-13](/1_samuel/16-1 "1 Samuel 16:1-13 - David Anointed by Samuel").

**How does the imagery of "rod" and "branch" relate to the Messiah?**

Answer: The terms "rod" (Hebrew, _chôṭêr_) and "branch" (Hebrew, _nêtser_) are powerful metaphors for the Messiah, signifying new life, growth, and divine authority. A "rod" can imply a scepter of rule or a fresh shoot, while a "branch" denotes a new sprout or descendant. Together, they convey the idea of a vibrant, living shoot emerging from a seemingly dead or cut-down tree (the Davidic dynasty). This imagery points to the Messiah as a new, vital expression of God's covenant faithfulness, bringing forth a new era of righteousness and peace. It foreshadows Jesus' humble earthly origins, yet His ultimate divine authority and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, as prophesied in [Jeremiah 23:5-6](/jeremiah/23-5 "Jeremiah 23:5-6 - The Righteous Branch").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 11:1 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very "Rod" and "Branch" that sprang forth from the seemingly withered "stem of Jesse." Though the Davidic monarchy had long ceased to exist in any political power by the time of Jesus' birth, He was born into the humble lineage of David, through Joseph and Mary, fulfilling the ancient prophecies (see [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus")). Jesus' life and ministry, beginning in the obscure village of Nazareth (a name some scholars connect to _nêtser_), perfectly embody the "Branch" growing from humble roots. He did not come as an earthly king to restore a political kingdom, but as the King of kings, establishing a spiritual kingdom of righteousness, peace, and justice. The Spirit of the Lord rested upon Him (as described in [Isaiah 11:2](/isaiah/11-2 "Isaiah 11:2 - The Spirit of the Lord on the Branch")), empowering Him to judge with equity and bring salvation to all nations. Jesus, the "Root of Jesse" (as referenced in [Romans 15:12](/romans/15-12 "Romans 15:12 - Christ, the Root of Jesse")), is the living embodiment of God's enduring covenant faithfulness, bringing forth eternal life and reign from what appeared to be a dead end.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 23:5

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

Zechariah 6:12

And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name [is] The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD:

Revelation 22:16

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star.

Revelation 5:5

And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

Zechariah 3:8

¶ Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they [are] men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH.

Jeremiah 33:15

In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.

Isaiah 53:2

For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, [there is] no beauty that we should desire him.