Isaiah 27:6

KJV

He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.

KJV (with Strong's)

He shall cause them that come {H935} of Jacob {H3290} to take root {H8327}: Israel {H3478} shall blossom {H6692} and bud {H6524}, and fill {H4390} the face {H6440} of the world {H8398} with fruit {H8570}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The time is coming when Ya'akov will take root; Isra'el will bud and flower, and fill the whole world with a harvest.

Berean Standard Bible

In the days to come, Jacob will take root. Israel will bud and blossom and fill the whole world with fruit.

American Standard Version

In days to come shall Jacob take root; Israel shall blossom and bud; and they shall fill the face of the world with fruit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 27:6 presents a profound prophetic vision of Israel's future restoration and global influence. Following a period of divine judgment and purification, the verse promises that God Himself will firmly establish His people, causing them to flourish with vibrant life and abundant spiritual fruit. This flourishing will not be confined to Israel but will extend universally, signifying their ultimate purpose to bless and impact the entire world with the knowledge and goodness of God, ultimately culminating in the pervasive spread of God's redemptive truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a section of Isaiah (chapters 24-27) often designated "Isaiah's Apocalypse," which broadly outlines God's universal judgment upon the earth and His subsequent, glorious restoration of His covenant people. Chapter 27, in particular, describes the defeat of God's cosmic and earthly enemies, the purification of Israel, and the ingathering of the scattered remnant. Isaiah 27:6 serves as a climactic promise, looking beyond the immediate historical realities of exile and hardship to a future era when God's faithfulness to His [covenant with Abraham](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abraham and God's Covenant Promise") will result in unprecedented prosperity, stability, and expansive influence for His people. It is a vision of hope and divine vindication following severe chastisement, signaling the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah was delivered during a tumultuous period for Israel, marked by the rise of powerful empires (Assyria, Babylon) that threatened and eventually led to the exile of both the Northern and Southern Kingdoms. The agricultural imagery of rooting, blossoming, budding, and bearing fruit would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society, symbolizing stability, vitality, and prosperity—qualities often lost during periods of war, famine, and displacement. The promise of "taking root" would counter the experience of being uprooted and scattered, while "filling the face of the world with fruit" would echo and expand upon the ancient promises made to the patriarchs that their descendants would be a blessing to [all the families of the earth](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - God's Promise to Abraham to Bless All Nations"). The vision transcends immediate historical circumstances, pointing to God's long-term plan for Israel's ultimate role among the nations as a conduit of divine truth and blessing.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several core theological themes. Firstly, **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty** is paramount, emphasized by the opening phrase, "He shall cause them." This transformation is entirely God's work, a sovereign act of restoration and empowerment, underscoring that Israel's flourishing is not by human might but by divine decree. Secondly, **Restoration and Security** are depicted through the metaphor of "taking root," signifying deep establishment, stability, and an unshakeable foundation after periods of instability and displacement. This speaks to God's commitment to re-plant His people securely. Thirdly, **Flourishing and Abundance** are conveyed by the imagery of "blossom and bud," leading to the extensive production of "fruit." This speaks to vibrant spiritual and numerical growth, a rich outpouring of God's blessings upon His people. Finally, **Global Impact and Blessing to the Nations** is the ultimate outcome, as Israel is prophesied to "fill the face of the world with fruit." This theme aligns with other prophetic passages envisioning Israel as a [light to the Gentiles](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Israel as a Light to the Nations") and the spread of God's truth and righteousness to the ends of the earth, fulfilling God's original purpose for His chosen people to mediate His blessings universally.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **take root (Hebrew, _shârash'_):** (H8327) This primitive root signifies to "root" or "strike into the soil," and by implication, to be firmly established or deeply grounded. In the context of Isaiah 27:6, it conveys a powerful image of stability and security, contrasting with the previous chapters that describe Israel's uprooting and scattering due to judgment. It implies a divinely initiated process of re-establishment, ensuring a secure and permanent dwelling for God's people, suggesting an enduring and unshakeable foundation.
* **fill (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_):** (H4390) This primitive root means "to fill" or "be full of" in a wide range of applications, both literally and figuratively. It can denote completion, abundance, or saturation. Here, in the context of Israel filling "the face of the world with fruit," it speaks to an overflowing, pervasive, and comprehensive abundance that extends globally, suggesting not just a mere presence but a transformative influence that saturates the entire inhabited earth with its produce.
* **fruit (Hebrew, _tᵉnûwbâh'_):** (H8570) Derived from a root meaning "to produce," this noun refers to "produce," "fruit," or "increase." In an agricultural context, it is the natural yield of a plant. Figuratively, as used in this verse, it represents the spiritual blessings, righteousness, truth, and knowledge of God that emanate from a restored and flourishing Israel. It signifies the tangible outcome of God's work in His people, which is then shared universally as a testament to His goodness and power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root:"** This opening clause immediately highlights God's sovereign agency ("He shall cause"). The phrase "them that come of Jacob" refers to the descendants of Jacob, Israel, emphasizing their lineage and covenant identity, signifying the continuity of God's promises to His chosen people. "To take root" signifies a divinely orchestrated process of re-establishment, stability, and security for a people who had experienced displacement and dispersion. It is a promise of being firmly planted and grounded by God's hand, ensuring their enduring presence and purpose.
* **"Israel shall blossom and bud,"** This clause continues the agricultural metaphor, describing the vibrant, initial stages of growth and vitality. "Blossom and bud" indicate a renewal of life, productivity, and beauty after a period of barrenness or judgment. It speaks to an internal spiritual and numerical flourishing within the nation of Israel, a sign of God's life-giving presence among them, indicating a period of renewed vigor and internal prosperity.
* **"and fill the face of the world with fruit."** This culminating phrase expands the vision from internal flourishing to global impact. The "fruit" represents the blessings, truth, and righteousness that God's restored people will produce, which includes the knowledge of God and His redemptive plan. To "fill the face of the world" (Hebrew: _pânîym_ H6440, _têbêl_ H8398, referring to the inhabited earth) signifies a pervasive, comprehensive, and universal spread of this divine produce. It points to Israel's ultimate role as a channel of God's blessing and knowledge to all nations, fulfilling the ancient Abrahamic covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 27:6 is rich with **agricultural imagery**, centrally employing an extended **metaphor** where Israel is likened to a deeply rooted, blossoming, and fruit-bearing plant. This metaphor powerfully conveys themes of stability, vitality, growth, and productivity, illustrating God's nurturing care. The progression from "take root" to "blossom and bud" and finally to "fill... with fruit" illustrates a natural, organic development from secure establishment to abundant output, creating a sense of dynamic growth. The phrase "fill the face of the world" uses a form of **personification** for the world, giving it a "face" that can be filled, emphasizing the comprehensive and pervasive nature of Israel's influence across the globe. The use of "Jacob" and "Israel" in **parallelism** reinforces the singular identity of God's covenant people, while the overall structure of the verse builds from divine action ("He shall cause") to internal transformation and then to external, global impact, creating a sense of escalating promise and **climax**.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This prophetic utterance in Isaiah 27:6 stands as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even in the face of Israel's unfaithfulness and subsequent judgment. It underscores the divine intention for Israel to be not merely a recipient of blessing but a conduit of blessing to the entire world. The imagery of rooting, blossoming, and bearing fruit speaks to a spiritual vitality that originates from God's restorative power, leading to a pervasive global impact. This vision extends beyond a purely ethnic or nationalistic interpretation, pointing to God's grand redemptive plan for all humanity through His chosen people, ultimately fulfilled in the spiritual Israel, the Church, which spreads the "fruit" of the Gospel to every corner of the earth.

* [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2-3 "Genesis 12:2-3 - God's Covenant with Abraham to Make Him a Blessing")
* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Israel as a Light to the Nations")
* [Romans 11:17-24](/romans/11-17-24 "Romans 11:17-24 - The Grafting of Wild Olive Branches into the Olive Tree")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 27:6 offers profound encouragement and direction for believers today. It reminds us that our spiritual vitality and fruitfulness are not self-generated but are the direct result of God's gracious work within us. Just as Israel was promised to be deeply rooted and abundantly fruitful, so too are we, as spiritual Israel, called to be firmly established in Christ, drawing our life and sustenance from Him. This rooting in faith enables us to "blossom and bud" in our personal lives, producing the beautiful [fruit of the Spirit](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Moreover, our individual fruitfulness is never meant to be insular; it is designed by God to contribute to the global expansion of His kingdom. We are called to participate in "filling the face of the world with fruit" by sharing the transforming truth of the Gospel, demonstrating God's character, and living out His righteousness in a way that impacts our communities and extends to the nations, fulfilling the Great Commission.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "uprooted" or lacking stability, and how can you intentionally seek God's hand to "take root" more deeply in Him?**
* **What "fruit" (spiritual qualities, good works, or gospel impact) do you believe God is calling you to "blossom and bud" in your life right now?**
* **How can your personal spiritual fruitfulness contribute to the broader mission of "filling the face of the world with fruit," both locally and globally?**

### FAQ
**Who is "Jacob" and "Israel" referring to in this prophecy?**

Answer: In Isaiah 27:6, "Jacob" and "Israel" primarily refer to the literal descendants of the patriarch Jacob, who was renamed Israel. This prophecy specifically concerns the nation of Israel, God's chosen covenant people, and their future restoration. However, in a broader theological sense, especially from a New Testament perspective, "Israel" can also refer to the spiritual people of God, which includes all who believe in Christ, both Jew and Gentile, who are grafted into the promises made to Abraham (see [Romans 9:6-8](/romans/9-6-8 "Romans 9:6-8 - Not All Israel Is Israel") and [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")). The prophecy anticipates a future flourishing that encompasses both the physical restoration of the Jewish people and the spiritual expansion of God's kingdom through the Church.

**What does it mean for Israel to "fill the face of the world with fruit"?**

Answer: This powerful imagery signifies a comprehensive and pervasive global influence. "Fruit" here represents the spiritual blessings, truth, righteousness, and the knowledge of God that emanate from a restored and vibrant Israel. It implies that the blessings and revelation entrusted to Israel would not be confined to their borders but would spread universally, impacting and transforming all nations. Historically, this began with the spread of monotheism and the Law, but its ultimate fulfillment is seen in the global dissemination of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which originated from Israel and now "fills the face of the world" through the Church, the spiritual inheritors of Israel's mission (see [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit and Global Witness")).

**How does this prophecy relate to the Church today?**

Answer: The Church, composed of believers from every nation, is often understood as the spiritual fulfillment and continuation of God's purposes for Israel, particularly in its mission to be a light to the nations. Just as God promised to cause Israel to "take root" and "blossom and bud," He establishes and empowers the Church to grow in spiritual vitality. The command to "fill the face of the world with fruit" finds its contemporary expression in the Church's mandate to make disciples of all nations, bearing the [fruit of the Spirit](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit") and sharing the life-transforming message of the Gospel. Thus, this prophecy serves as an enduring reminder of God's desire for His people—both ancient Israel and the modern Church—to be deeply rooted in Him, abundantly fruitful, and globally impactful for His glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 27:6, with its vibrant imagery of rooting, blossoming, and global fruitfulness, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the new covenant He inaugurated. Jesus is the true vine (as declared in [John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine")), and His followers, the branches, are enabled to "take root" deeply in Him, drawing life and nourishment directly from His divine presence. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ established the spiritual Israel—the Church—as a new entity, deeply rooted not in a physical land but in the person of God's Son. It is through abiding in Him that believers "blossom and bud," producing the spiritual fruit of righteousness, love, and transformed lives (as described in [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ to Bear Much Fruit")). The prophecy that Israel would "fill the face of the world with fruit" is gloriously realized through the global mission of the Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to spread the Gospel to every nation. The "fruit" now is the knowledge of God in Christ, the salvation He offers, and the transformative power of His kingdom, which is indeed expanding to "fill the face of the world" as commanded in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission to Make Disciples of All Nations"). Thus, Isaiah 27:6 is a beautiful foretelling of the Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered, and globally impactful work of redemption that continues through His body, the Church, until His glorious return.

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

Isaiah 37:31

And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward:

Hosea 14:5

I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.

Hosea 14:6

His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon.

Romans 11:16

For if the firstfruit [be] holy, the lump [is] also [holy]: and if the root [be] holy, so [are] the branches.

Romans 11:26

And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

Psalms 92:13

Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.

Psalms 92:15

To shew that the LORD [is] upright: [he is] my rock, and [there is] no unrighteousness in him.