Isaiah 11:6

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.

The wolf {H2061} also shall dwell {H1481} with the lamb {H3532}, and the leopard {H5246} shall lie down {H7257} with the kid {H1423}; and the calf {H5695} and the young lion {H3715} and the fatling {H4806} together {H3162}; and a little {H6996} child {H5288} shall lead {H5090} them.

The wolf will live with the lamb; the leopard lie down with the kid; calf, young lion and fattened lamb together, with a little child to lead them.

The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat; the calf and young lion and fatling will be together, and a little child will lead them.

And the wolf 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.

Commentary

Isaiah 11:6 paints a vivid, poetic picture of the ideal Messianic age, a time of profound peace and harmony that reverses the natural order of the world. This verse is part of a larger prophecy concerning the coming of the Messiah, often referred to as the "Branch" or "Root of Jesse," and the characteristics of His righteous reign.

Context

This verse is found within Isaiah chapter 11, which begins by foretelling the rise of a righteous King from the lineage of David (Jesse's son). Verses 1-5 describe the Messiah's divine wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and fear of the Lord, emphasizing His just and equitable rule. Verse 6 then transitions to describe the profound impact of this rule on the natural world, illustrating a transformed creation where enmity ceases. This prophetic vision stands in stark contrast to the chaos and injustice prevalent in Isaiah's contemporary world, offering a hopeful glimpse into God's ultimate plan for redemption and restoration.

Key Themes

  • Universal Peace and Harmony: The most striking theme is the cessation of conflict. Predators like the wolf and leopard coexist peacefully with their natural prey (lamb, kid, calf), and even the young lion dines with the fatling. This imagery symbolizes not just peace among animals, but a deeper, fundamental harmony that permeates all of creation, including human relationships. It speaks to a world where violence and fear are eradicated.
  • Restoration of Creation: This verse echoes the perfect state of creation before the Fall in the Garden of Eden, where all creatures coexisted without harm. It points towards a future new heaven and new earth, where God's original design for peace and life is fully realized.
  • Innocence and Gentle Leadership: The phrase "and a little child shall lead them" is incredibly powerful. It suggests that this profound peace is not achieved through force or dominance, but through a gentle, innocent, and pure authority. It symbolizes the Messiah's reign, characterized by humility and love, under which even the fiercest natures are subdued and transformed, not by coercion, but by His very presence.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew text uses vivid, concrete imagery to convey abstract spiritual truths. The pairing of predator and prey (wolf/lamb, leopard/kid, lion/calf) emphasizes the complete reversal of natural instincts. The term "fatling" (ืžึฐืจึดื™ื - mฤ•rรฎ') refers to a well-fed, plump animal, often prepared for sacrifice or feasting, reinforcing the idea of abundance and security in this peaceful kingdom. The simplicity of "a little child" (ื ึทืขึทืจ ืงึธื˜ึนืŸ - na'ar qaton) highlights the unexpected nature of this leadership, relying on divine power rather than human might.

Related Scriptures

  • This vision of peace is further elaborated in Isaiah 65:25, which reiterates similar imagery of the wolf and lamb feeding together, and the lion eating straw like the ox.
  • The ultimate source of this peace is the Messiah, the "Prince of Peace," as prophesied in Isaiah 9:6-7, whose government will bring an increase of peace.
  • The concept of creation groaning for its liberation and restoration is also found in Romans 8:19-21, pointing to the future glory when all things are made new.

Practical Application

Isaiah 11:6 offers immense hope and comfort, reminding us of God's ultimate plan for a world free from conflict and suffering. While we live in a fallen world, this prophecy encourages believers to:

  • Anticipate God's Kingdom: Look forward to the day when Christ's reign brings perfect peace and justice to all creation.
  • Cultivate Peace Now: Though the full realization is future, we are called to be peacemakers in our own spheres of influence, seeking to reconcile differences and foster harmony, reflecting the character of the coming kingdom.
  • Trust in Divine Transformation: Just as natural enemies are transformed, God can transform hardened hearts and hostile relationships through His grace.
  • Embrace Humility: The leadership of a "little child" reminds us that true influence and peace often come not from power or dominance, but from humility, innocence, and reliance on God.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the profound and beautiful future that awaits those who trust in God's redemptive plan through His Messiah.

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 65:25 (30 votes)

    The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust [shall be] the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.

  • Hosea 2:18 (19 votes)

    And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and [with] the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely.

  • Ezekiel 34:25 (14 votes)

    And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods.

  • Galatians 3:26 (6 votes)

    For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

  • Galatians 3:27 (6 votes)

    For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

  • Revelation 5:9 (6 votes)

    And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

  • Revelation 5:10 (6 votes)

    And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.