Isaiah 11:7

KJV

And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the cow {H6510} and the bear {H1677} shall feed {H7462}; their young ones {H3206} shall lie down {H7257} together {H3162}: and the lion {H738} shall eat {H398} straw {H8401} like the ox {H1241}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Cow and bear will feed together, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox.

Berean Standard Bible

The cow will graze with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox.

American Standard Version

And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 11:7 presents a profound prophetic tableau of the future Messianic kingdom, depicting a radical transformation of the natural order. It envisions a world where the inherent hostilities between predator and prey are abolished, and creatures like the cow and the bear, the lion and the ox, coexist in perfect harmony, sharing sustenance and resting together. This vivid imagery transcends a mere change in animal behavior, symbolizing a comprehensive cosmic restoration where all creation is reconciled under the righteous and peaceful reign of God's chosen King, demonstrating the ultimate triumph of divine order over chaos, violence, and conflict.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 11:7 is a pivotal component of a sweeping prophecy in [Isaiah chapter 11](/isaiah/11 "Isaiah 11 - The Branch from Jesse and the Messianic Kingdom") that outlines the character and reign of the coming Messiah. The chapter begins with the promise of a "shoot from the stem of Jesse" ([Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch from Jesse")), detailing the Spirit-empowered wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and fear of the Lord that will characterize this future ruler ([Isaiah 11:2-3](/isaiah/11-2-3 "Isaiah 11:2-3 - The Spirit of the Lord on the Messiah")). The Messiah's reign is marked by righteous judgment and faithfulness, even for the poor and meek ([Isaiah 11:4-5](/isaiah/11-4-5 "Isaiah 11:4-5 - Righteous Judgment of the Messiah")). Verses 6-9 then extend this vision of perfect peace from the human realm to the entire created order, using powerful animal imagery, of which verse 7 is a central part, to depict an era of unprecedented tranquility. This section culminates in the declaration that "the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea" ([Isaiah 11:9](/isaiah/11-9 "Isaiah 11:9 - The Earth Full of the Knowledge of the Lord")), underscoring that the pervasive peace described is a direct result of God's universal presence and knowledge. The subsequent verses in [Isaiah 11:10-16](/isaiah/11-10-16 "Isaiah 11:10-16 - The Regathering of Israel and the Nations") shift to the regathering of Israel and the nations, further illustrating the global and redemptive impact of the Messiah's reign.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Isaiah delivered this message during a period of significant political and spiritual turmoil for the kingdom of Judah, facing threats from formidable empires like Assyria and Babylon, alongside internal moral decay. The people of Israel lived in a world characterized by constant conflict, both geopolitical and within the natural realm, where the stark reality of predator and prey was an everyday experience. The imagery of dangerous animals such as lions and bears was not abstract; these creatures posed genuine threats to livestock and human life in ancient Israel. Consequently, the vision of a lion eating straw like an ox would have been utterly counter-intuitive and revolutionary to Isaiah's original audience, speaking to a radical divine intervention that defies all natural expectations. This prophecy offered a profound message of hope and future restoration to a people living in a fallen world, yearning for a return to an Edenic state of peace and security, free from the violence and fear that characterized their daily lives.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 11:7 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Universal Peace and Harmony**, extending the Messiah's righteous rule beyond humanity to encompass the entire cosmos. The cessation of natural hostility between predator and prey signifies a complete cosmic reconciliation, a reversal of the curse of the Fall that introduced enmity and suffering into creation ([Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17-19 "Genesis 3:17-19 - The Curse on the Ground and Humanity")). Secondly, it highlights the **Messianic Kingdom** as a time of unprecedented divine order and tranquility. This peace is not merely an absence of conflict but a positive, active state of *shalom*, directly flowing from the Messiah's perfect justice and Spirit-empowered reign, as described in [Isaiah 11:2-5](/isaiah/11-2-5 "Isaiah 11:2-5 - The Spirit of the Lord on the Messiah")). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Divine Transformation and Restoration**, showcasing God's sovereign power to fundamentally alter the very nature and instincts of His creation. The image of the lion eating straw points to a miraculous intervention that restores creation to a state of pristine harmony, echoing the original creation account where all creatures were given plants for food ([Genesis 1:30](/genesis/1-30 "Genesis 1:30 - God's Provision for All Living Creatures")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **feed (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** From H7462, a primitive root meaning "to tend a flock," "to pasture it," or "to graze." Intransitively, it means "to graze." Generally, it can also mean "to rule" or "to associate with (as a friend)." In this context, it emphasizes the act of communal grazing, suggesting shared sustenance and peaceful coexistence, a stark contrast to the typical predatory behavior of bears and other wild animals.
* **lie down (Hebrew, _râbats'_):** From H7257, a primitive root meaning "to crouch (on all four legs folded, like a recumbent animal)." By implication, it means "to recline," "repose," or "brood." This word conveys a sense of rest, security, and vulnerability. For young ones of different species, especially those typically preyed upon, to lie down together signifies a complete absence of fear and absolute safety, a profound reversal of natural instinct.
* **lion (Hebrew, _ʼărîy'_):** From H738, this term refers to a lion, often associated with strength, ferocity, and predatory power in biblical literature. The lion is the archetypal predator. Its inclusion here, specifically eating straw like an ox, is the most dramatic and counter-intuitive image in the verse, symbolizing the complete and miraculous transformation of destructive nature into peaceful, herbivorous existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the cow and the bear shall feed;":** This clause immediately introduces the radical nature of the Messianic peace. The cow (H6510, *pârâh*), a domesticated herbivore and symbol of gentleness and provision, is paired with the bear (H1677, *dôb*), a powerful wild animal, often a threat to livestock. The verb "feed" (H7462, *râʻâh*) implies shared grazing, indicating that their natural antagonism is overcome, and they partake of the same peaceful sustenance, a complete departure from their current predatory-prey dynamics.
* **"their young ones shall lie down together:":** This further intensifies the image of peace and security. The "young ones" (H3206, *yeled*) are particularly vulnerable and instinctively fear predators. For the offspring of such disparate and naturally hostile creatures to "lie down" (H7257, *râbats*) side-by-side, in repose and without fear, signifies an ultimate state of security and innocence restored to creation. The word "together" (H3162, *yachad*) emphasizes their unity and shared tranquility, a picture of Edenic harmony.
* **"and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.":** This is the climax of the imagery, presenting the most astonishing transformation. The lion (H738, *ʼărîy*), the undisputed king of predators, known for its carnivorous diet, is depicted eating "straw" (H8401, *teben*), the rough fodder of an "ox" (H1241, *bâqâr*), a domesticated herbivore. This is a complete reversal of its intrinsic nature, symbolizing the eradication of violence and the restoration of creation to a pre-Fall, Edenic state where all creatures were originally herbivorous ([Genesis 1:30](/genesis/1-30 "God's Provision for All Living Creatures")).

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 11:7 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message of peace and transformation. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the animals—cow, bear, young ones, lion, and ox—are not merely literal creatures but potent symbols of the natural order and its inherent conflicts. Their peaceful coexistence symbolizes a comprehensive, cosmic **Shalom** that extends beyond humanity to all of creation, reversing the effects of the Fall. The image of the lion eating straw is a striking example of **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used for emphasis. It is an image so contrary to natural observation that it powerfully underscores the miraculous and supernatural extent of the coming peace. This also functions as a type of **Metaphor** or **Allegory**, where the transformation in the animal kingdom serves as a vivid representation of the radical peace and harmony that will characterize the Messiah's reign, both among humans and throughout the entire created order, reflecting a return to an Edenic state of innocence and non-violence. The use of **Juxtaposition** (cow and bear, lion and ox) highlights the dramatic reversal of natural enmity, making the vision of peace all the more impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 11:7 is a cornerstone prophecy concerning the nature of God's future kingdom, demonstrating His ultimate intention to restore creation to a state of perfect harmony and peace. This vision is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative of creation and fall, pointing to a reversal of the curse that introduced enmity and suffering into the world ([Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17-19 "Genesis 3:17-19 - The Curse on the Ground and Humanity")). It speaks to God's sovereign power not only to govern human affairs but to fundamentally transform the very fabric of nature, eradicating the predatory instincts and fear that characterize the present fallen world. The peace depicted is not merely a cessation of conflict but a positive, active *shalom*, a state of wholeness and well-being that flows from the righteous rule of the Messiah. This prophecy assures believers of a future characterized by divine justice, universal peace, and the full knowledge of the Lord covering the earth, offering profound hope for a world currently marred by violence and discord. It anticipates a comprehensive renewal, where the very groaning of creation will cease as it is liberated from its bondage to decay.

* [Isaiah 65:25](/isaiah/65-25 "The Wolf and the Lamb Feed Together")
* [Hosea 2:18](/hosea/2-18 "God's Covenant with the Beasts")
* [Romans 8:19-22](/romans/8-19-22 "Creation Groans for Redemption")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 11:7 offers a breathtaking vision of God's ultimate redemptive purpose, a future where the very instincts of nature are transformed, and perfect peace reigns. For us today, this prophecy serves as a powerful source of hope, reminding us that the brokenness and conflict we experience in our world—both human and natural—are not God's final word. It encourages us to live with an eschatological imagination, allowing this future reality to shape our present actions. While we await the full realization of this cosmic peace, we are called to be agents of reconciliation and *shalom* in our own spheres of influence, striving to embody the peace of Christ amidst a fragmented world. This verse inspires us to trust in God's sovereign plan, to long for His kingdom to come, and to participate in His ongoing work of restoration, however imperfectly, as we anticipate the day when all creation will truly reflect His glory and peace. It challenges us to consider how our lives, marked by Christ's peace, can offer a foretaste of this coming kingdom to those around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of animals coexisting peacefully challenge your understanding of "peace" in the world today, moving beyond mere absence of conflict to active harmony?**
* **What does the transformation of the lion's diet signify about the extent of God's power and His comprehensive redemptive plan for creation, including the natural world?**
* **In what ways can we, as followers of Christ, embody and promote principles of peace and reconciliation in our own lives and communities, even before the full realization of this prophecy, acting as ambassadors of the coming *shalom*?**

### FAQ
**Does Isaiah 11:7 imply a literal change in animal nature in the future, or is it purely symbolic?**

Answer: While the imagery in [Isaiah 11:7](/isaiah/11-7 "Peace in the Messianic Kingdom") is profoundly symbolic, conveying a state of ultimate peace and the comprehensive reversal of the Fall's curse, many biblical scholars interpret it as having a literal component as well. The detailed descriptions of animals like the lion eating straw suggest a genuine, physical transformation of creation, where predatory instincts are removed, and all life returns to an herbivorous state, reminiscent of the original creation in [Genesis 1:30](/genesis/1-30 "God's Provision for All Living Creatures"). This literal transformation underscores the radical and comprehensive nature of the peace brought by the Messiah's reign, where not just human conflict but even natural enmity is abolished. It speaks to a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells and harmony prevails, a complete renewal of all things under Christ's dominion ([Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "A New Heaven and a New Earth")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 11:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the promised "shoot from the stem of Jesse" ([Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "The Branch from Jesse")), who is the true Prince of Peace ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "The Prince of Peace")). While the complete cosmic peace depicted in [Isaiah 11:7](/isaiah/11-7 "Peace in the Messianic Kingdom") awaits Christ's second coming and the establishment of His millennial kingdom, His first advent inaugurated this peace. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus reconciled humanity to God ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Reconciliation Through Christ")), breaking down the spiritual enmity that separated us. His work not only brings peace between God and humanity but also peace between individuals and groups, as seen in His breaking down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ Our Peace")). The vision of the lion eating straw points to a future where the destructive forces of sin and its effects on creation are completely undone. Christ, as both the "Lamb of God" who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "The Lion of the Tribe of Judah")), embodies this profound paradox of power and peace. He is the one through whom all things will be reconciled and made new, ushering in a new creation where the curse is reversed and perfect harmony, both spiritual and physical, is fully realized ([Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1-5 "A New Heaven and a New Earth")). His reign will bring about the full *shalom* that Isaiah prophesied, extending to every corner of creation.

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.