Isaiah 49:23

KJV

And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with [their] face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And kings {H4428} shall be thy nursing fathers {H539}, and their queens {H8282} thy nursing mothers {H3243}: they shall bow down {H7812} to thee with their face {H639} toward the earth {H776}, and lick up {H3897} the dust {H6083} of thy feet {H7272}; and thou shalt know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}: for they shall not be ashamed {H954} that wait {H6960} for me.

Complete Jewish Bible

Kings will be your foster-fathers, their princesses your nurses. They will bow to you, face toward the earth, and lick the dust on your feet. Then you will know that I am ADONAI - those who wait for me will not be sorry."

Berean Standard Bible

Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow to you facedown and lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in Me will never be put to shame.”

American Standard Version

And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their faces to the earth, and lick the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am Jehovah; and they that wait for me shall not be put to shame.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 49:23 is a profound prophetic declaration within the "Book of Comfort," assuring God's people, often identified as Zion or the spiritual Israel, of their future vindication and exaltation. It vividly portrays a dramatic reversal of fortunes, where earthly rulers, symbolized by kings and queens, will not only tenderly care for but also humbly submit to God's chosen ones. This ultimate homage serves to reveal and confirm the absolute sovereignty of the LORD, underscoring His unwavering faithfulness to those who patiently trust in Him, guaranteeing that they will never be put to shame.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the second major section of Isaiah (chapters 40-66), often termed the "Book of Comfort" or "Deutero-Isaiah," which addresses the exilic and post-exilic community. Following the initial "Servant Songs" in [Isaiah 42](/isaiah/42 "Isaiah 42 - The First Servant Song") and [Isaiah 49](/isaiah/49 "Isaiah 49 - The Second Servant Song"), which introduce the Servant of the LORD and His mission to restore Israel and be a light to the nations, the focus shifts to the glorious future of Zion. Chapter 49 specifically moves from the Servant's call to promises of Israel's re-gathering from dispersion and their future honor among the nations. Verse 23 culminates a series of reassurances that God has not forgotten His people, despite their desolate state, and will bring about their glorious restoration and universal recognition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy speaks directly to a people experiencing the profound despair of Babylonian exile, feeling abandoned by God and subjugated by powerful empires. In the ancient Near East, the imagery of kings and queens was synonymous with ultimate power, authority, and often, oppression. The act of "bowing down" and "licking up the dust of thy feet" was a highly symbolic gesture of extreme submission, abject humility, and profound reverence, typically reserved for deities or supreme rulers by conquered peoples or vassals. For the exiled Israelites, who had endured forced labor and humiliation under foreign kings, this prophecy of their oppressors serving them and acknowledging their God was a radical and deeply comforting reversal of their current reality.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 49:23 powerfully articulates several core themes central to Isaiah's message. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Exaltation of God's People**, promising a dramatic reversal where those once oppressed will be honored and served by the world's most powerful figures, symbolizing God’s ultimate vindication of His suffering remnant. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Universal Recognition of God's Sovereignty**, as the submission of earthly rulers underscores the undeniable truth that all authority ultimately bows before the LORD. This theme resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God’s kingdom triumphing over all earthly powers, as seen in passages like [Psalm 2:8-12](/psalm/2 "Psalm 2 - The Reign of the LORD's Anointed"). Finally, the verse powerfully affirms **God's Unwavering Faithfulness**, particularly in the concluding phrase, assuring that those who patiently [wait for the LORD](/isaiah/40-31 "Isaiah 40:31 - Waiting on the LORD") will never be put to shame, reinforcing His covenant-keeping character.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **nursing fathers (Hebrew, _ʼâman'_):** This word (H539) is a primitive root meaning "to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanent or quiet; morally to be true or certain." When applied to "nursing fathers," it conveys not merely a protective or authoritative role, but one of tender, nurturing, and faithful care, akin to a foster parent. This suggests that the submission of kings will not be grudging or merely formal, but will involve genuine support and provision for God's people.
* **lick up (Hebrew, _lâchak'_):** This word (H3897) is a primitive root meaning simply "to lick." In the context of "licking up the dust of thy feet," it is an idiom of extreme prostration and servility. It signifies utter abasement and complete submission, where the one bowing down is so low that their tongue could literally touch the dust at the feet of the one they are honoring. This imagery powerfully conveys the absolute and total homage paid by the most powerful earthly figures to God's exalted people.
* **ashamed (Hebrew, _bûwsh'_):** This word (H954) is a primitive root meaning "to pale, i.e. by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed." In this context, it carries the sense of being put to shame, disgraced, or disappointed. The promise "they shall not be ashamed that wait for me" is a powerful assurance that those who trust in the LORD and patiently endure will ultimately be vindicated and will not experience the humiliation of their hope proving vain. Their faith will be honored and rewarded.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers:"** This clause presents a startling and counter-intuitive image. Kings and queens, symbols of ultimate earthly power and authority, are depicted in roles of tender, parental care and provision for God's people (Zion). This signifies a complete reversal of the typical power dynamic, where the powerful oppress the weak. Instead, the most formidable rulers will serve God's people with nurturing devotion, providing sustenance and protection.
* **"they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet;"** This clause intensifies the imagery of submission. "Bowing down with their face toward the earth" is an act of deep reverence and homage, often performed before a king or deity. "Licking up the dust of thy feet" is an ancient Near Eastern idiom expressing the most extreme form of abasement, servility, and absolute submission. It underscores the profound and undeniable acknowledgment of the superior status and authority of God's people, reflecting the ultimate sovereignty of the God they serve.
* **"and thou shalt know that I am the LORD:"** This pivotal declaration reveals the ultimate purpose of this dramatic reversal. The experience of being exalted and receiving such homage will lead God's people to a deeper, experiential knowledge and affirmation of God's identity as Yahweh (the LORD, H3068). This is not merely intellectual assent but a profound, lived realization of His covenant faithfulness, His omnipotence, and His unwavering commitment to His promises. The recognition of God's power by the nations also serves to confirm His identity to His own people.
* **"for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me."** This final clause provides the theological underpinning and assurance for the entire prophecy. It reiterates a fundamental biblical truth: God is faithful to His promises, and those who patiently and trustingly "wait" for Him—who hope in His deliverance and timing—will never be disappointed, disgraced, or put to shame. Their hope will be vindicated, and their endurance will be rewarded by the LORD's faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 49:23 is rich with **Imagery** and **Metaphor**, particularly in the depiction of "kings as nursing fathers and queens as nursing mothers." This **Metaphor** transforms figures of power into tender caregivers, highlighting a radical shift from oppression to nurturing support. The phrase "bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet" employs **Hyperbole** and a vivid **Idiom** to convey extreme humility and absolute submission, far beyond mere respect. This **Hyperbole** serves to emphasize the dramatic reversal of fortunes for Zion. The verse also exhibits **Parallelism** through the pairing of "kings" and "queens," and the dual actions of "bowing down" and "licking up the dust," which reinforce the comprehensive nature of the submission. Ultimately, the entire passage is permeated with **Symbolism**, where "Zion" or God's people symbolize the righteous remnant, and the actions of the rulers symbolize the universal acknowledgment of God's supreme authority and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse stands as a powerful testament to God's sovereign control over all earthly powers and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It speaks to the ultimate vindication of the righteous and the universal acknowledgment of Yahweh's supremacy. The tender imagery of "nursing fathers and mothers" alongside the profound submission of "licking the dust" reveals the multifaceted nature of God's plan: not just dominance, but also care and provision for His beloved. This prophecy points to an eschatological reality where all nations will recognize and submit to the God of Israel, not out of coercion, but out of a revealed understanding of His true identity and faithfulness. It provides immense hope that despite present suffering or marginalization, God's purposes for His people will ultimately prevail, culminating in His glory being revealed to all the earth.

* [Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow")
* [Psalm 25:3](/psalm/25-3 "Psalm 25:3 - None Who Wait Will Be Ashamed")
* [Revelation 21:24](/revelation/21-24 "Revelation 21:24 - Nations Walk by Its Light")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 49:23 offers profound encouragement and a powerful perspective for believers navigating a world that often seems hostile or indifferent to faith. When we feel marginalized, overlooked, or even persecuted, this verse reminds us that our ultimate vindication comes from God. It calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's faithfulness, knowing that our patient endurance and hope in Him will never lead to disappointment or shame. This passage challenges us to look beyond immediate circumstances and embrace an eternal perspective, recognizing that God is sovereign over all earthly powers, even those that seem most formidable. It encourages us to live with confident hope, assured that the God who promises such a dramatic reversal of fortunes for His people is the same God who upholds us daily, enabling us to wait for Him with steadfast faith, knowing that His timing and His purposes are perfect.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "kings as nursing fathers" challenge your understanding of power and service in God's kingdom?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently "waiting for the LORD," and how does the promise "they shall not be ashamed" encourage you?**
* **How can the assurance of God's ultimate sovereignty over nations impact your prayers and engagement with current global events?**
* **What does it mean for you, personally, to "know that I am the LORD" in light of this prophecy?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "thee" or "thy" being addressed in this verse?**

Answer: The "thee" or "thy" in Isaiah 49:23 primarily refers to Zion, which is a symbolic representation of God's people, often understood as the restored nation of Israel or, in a broader theological sense, the Church. Throughout Isaiah 40-66, Zion is personified as a desolate mother who is promised comfort, restoration, and a glorious future. This verse is part of God's reassurance that despite her past suffering and perceived abandonment, she will be exalted and honored by the very powers that once oppressed her, signifying God's ultimate vindication of His chosen ones.

**What is the significance of "licking up the dust of thy feet"?**

Answer: "Licking up the dust of thy feet" is an ancient Near Eastern idiom that signifies the most extreme form of submission, abject humility, and profound reverence. It implies complete prostration and acknowledgment of absolute superiority. In the context of Isaiah 49:23, it underscores the dramatic reversal of fortunes for God's people. Those who were once downtrodden and humiliated will now receive the highest possible homage from the world's most powerful rulers, demonstrating the undeniable and universal recognition of God's supreme authority and the exalted status of His people. This imagery is not about human pride, but about the ultimate glory of the LORD being revealed through the exaltation of His people, as every knee will ultimately [bow before Him](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow").

**How does this prophecy of earthly rulers serving God's people relate to the New Testament and the Church?**

Answer: While primarily addressed to Israel/Zion, this prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual application in the New Testament through Christ and His Church. The Church, as the spiritual Israel and the body of Christ, inherits these promises. The New Testament teaches that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Christ ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), and that one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). The "kings and queens" serving God's people can be understood as the eventual submission of all earthly powers and systems to the reign of Christ, and by extension, to His Church, which is His representative on earth. This points to a future where the influence of God's kingdom will permeate all aspects of society, and even those in positions of power will ultimately serve God's purposes, often unknowingly, for the benefit of His people and the spread of His Gospel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 49:23, while speaking to the future glory of Zion, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and His Church. The chapter itself begins with the call of the Servant, a figure widely understood to be the Messiah. Just as the Servant endured humiliation and suffering ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected")), He was ultimately exalted to the highest place ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - God Exalted Him")). The homage described in Isaiah 49:23—kings and queens bowing and serving—is ultimately rendered to Christ, the true King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). The Church, as the body of Christ and the spiritual Israel, participates in this promised exaltation through her union with Him. Her vindication and future glory are secured by His victory. The "knowing that I am the LORD" is fully realized in the revelation of God through Jesus, for "no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him" ([Matthew 11:27](/matthew/11-27 "Matthew 11:27 - The Son Reveals the Father")). Furthermore, the promise that "they shall not be ashamed that wait for me" is perfectly fulfilled in Christ, who is the object of our faith and hope ([Romans 10:11](/romans/10-11 "Whoever Believes in Him Will Not Be Put to Shame")). All who wait for His return will be vindicated and glorified with Him, as the nations stream to the light of the New Jerusalem, where God and the Lamb are its temple ([Revelation 21:23-24](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23-24 - New Jerusalem's Light")). Thus, this prophecy paints a majestic picture of the universal reign of Christ, to whom all earthly authority will ultimately submit, and through whom His people share in His eternal glory and vindication.

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 60:14

The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 60:16

Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD [am] thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

Isaiah 60:3

And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

Micah 7:17

They shall lick the dust like a serpent, they shall move out of their holes like worms of the earth: they shall be afraid of the LORD our God, and shall fear because of thee.

Isaiah 45:14

Thus saith the LORD, The labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall come after thee; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, [saying], Surely God [is] in thee; and [there is] none else, [there is] no God.

Isaiah 60:10

And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee.

Isaiah 60:11

Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that [men] may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and [that] their kings [may be] brought.