Isaiah 54:13

KJV

And all thy children [shall be] taught of the LORD; and great [shall be] the peace of thy children.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all thy children {H1121} shall be taught {H3928} of the LORD {H3068}; and great {H7227} shall be the peace {H7965} of thy children {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All your children will be taught by ADONAI; your children will have great peace.

Berean Standard Bible

Then all your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their prosperity.

American Standard Version

And all thy children shall be taught of Jehovah; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 54:13 presents a profound promise of divine instruction and comprehensive well-being for God's covenant people, often personified as Zion's "children." This verse, embedded within a larger prophecy of restoration and comfort, assures a future where the Lord Himself will be the ultimate teacher, leading to an abundance of profound peace that encompasses wholeness, security, and harmony for all who belong to Him. It highlights God's intimate involvement in the spiritual formation and flourishing of His redeemed community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 54 stands as a vibrant song of joy and restoration, immediately following the profound suffering servant passage in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). While [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant") details the atoning work of the servant, [Isaiah 54](/isaiah/54 "Isaiah 54 - The Barren Woman's Children") shifts to the glorious outcome for God's people, personifying Jerusalem as a barren woman who will miraculously bear many children and experience boundless expansion. The chapter is a divine assurance of steadfast love and covenant faithfulness, promising future glory and security after a period of desolation and affliction. Verse 13 specifically elaborates on the spiritual blessings that underpin this restoration, emphasizing the Lord's direct role in the education and flourishing of His redeemed. It builds on the preceding verses that speak of God's unshakeable covenant and the city's future beauty, providing the spiritual foundation for such prosperity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah, particularly in chapters 40-66 (often referred to as Second Isaiah), are generally understood to address the Jewish exiles in Babylon, offering hope and comfort during their period of captivity and promising their return and restoration. Culturally, the concept of a "childless" woman was a deep source of shame and sorrow in ancient Israel, as children were seen as a divine blessing and a guarantee of lineage and legacy. Thus, the promise of many "children" for Zion would have resonated powerfully, signifying not just demographic growth but also a reversal of fortune, divine favor, and a secure future. The idea of being "taught of the LORD" also connects to the covenantal relationship where God, as the suzerain, directly instructs His people in His ways, a theme deeply ingrained in Israelite thought from the Mosaic Law onward. The promise of "peace" (shalom) was not merely the absence of war, but a comprehensive state of well-being, prosperity, and harmony, a highly coveted blessing in a world often marked by conflict and instability.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. The theme of **Divine Instruction** is central, highlighting God's personal commitment to educating His people, a direct and intimate teaching relationship that transcends human pedagogy. This divine teaching is presented as the source of profound **Abundant Peace**, which is the comprehensive Hebrew concept of _shalom_, encompassing wholeness, security, prosperity, and harmony in all aspects of life. This peace is not merely a cessation of conflict but a positive state of flourishing. Furthermore, the verse underscores God's unwavering **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating His commitment to His promises despite Israel's past failures. The "children" represent not only physical descendants but also the broader community of God's redeemed, emphasizing a **Spiritual Heritage** that transcends generations and ethnic boundaries, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 2:3](/isaiah/2-3 "Isaiah 2:3 - Nations Flow to Zion") where nations come to learn God's ways, and [Jeremiah 31:33-34](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33-34 - The New Covenant") where God promises to write His law on hearts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Children (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From the root meaning "to build," this word (H1121) literally refers to a son, but in its widest sense, it encompasses offspring, descendants, and by extension, those who belong to a group or nation, or even share a quality. In Isaiah 54:13, "thy children" refers to the spiritual offspring of Zion/Jerusalem, representing the multitude of God's redeemed people who will be gathered and blessed. It signifies a renewed and expanded community, built up by God's grace.
* **Taught (Hebrew, _limmûwd'_):** This word (H3928) means "instructed," "accustomed," "disciple," or "learned." It derives from a verb meaning "to learn" or "to teach." The passive form here emphasizes that the teaching comes from an external source – "of the LORD." It implies a process of discipleship and direct divine impartation of knowledge and wisdom, leading to a transformed understanding and way of life.
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** This rich Hebrew term (H7965) is far more comprehensive than the English "peace." It signifies completeness, soundness, welfare, prosperity, health, security, and harmony. It is a holistic well-being that encompasses all aspects of life—spiritual, physical, social, and emotional—and implies a right relationship with God, self, and others. The promise of "great peace" indicates an abundant, overflowing measure of this comprehensive well-being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD;"**: This clause presents the primary condition and blessing. "Thy children" refers to the restored community of God's people, the spiritual descendants of Zion. The promise that they "shall be taught of the LORD" signifies a direct, intimate, and effective divine instruction. This is not merely human education about God, but God Himself acting as the ultimate teacher, imparting truth, wisdom, and understanding directly to the hearts and minds of His people. This implies a deep, personal relationship and an internal transformation that comes from divine revelation.
* **"and great shall be the peace of thy children."**: This second clause reveals the glorious consequence and fruit of the divine teaching. As a direct result of being taught by the LORD, the "children" will experience "great peace." The adjective "great" (H7227, _rab_) emphasizes the abundance and comprehensive nature of this peace. As detailed in the key word analysis, this is _shalom_ in its fullest sense—wholeness, security, prosperity, and harmony in every dimension of their lives, flowing from their right relationship with God and their reception of His wisdom.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 54:13 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of hope and restoration. The entire chapter uses **Personification**, presenting Jerusalem (Zion) as a barren woman who is now promised many "children," making the abstract concept of a nation's restoration tangible and deeply emotional. The promise of "great peace" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the overwhelming and abundant nature of the blessing, suggesting a peace far beyond human comprehension or expectation. There is an implicit **Cause-and-Effect Relationship** established: divine teaching directly leads to profound peace. This highlights the theological principle that true well-being stems from God's direct involvement in the lives of His people. The phrase "taught of the LORD" also contains a subtle **Metaphor**, portraying God as a divine educator, actively engaged in the spiritual formation of His covenant community, much like a parent teaches their child.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 54:13 stands as a pivotal theological statement, articulating God's deep desire for an intimate, transformative relationship with His people. It underscores the truth that true spiritual understanding and lasting peace are not achieved through human effort or worldly wisdom, but are direct gifts from the Lord Himself. This promise of direct divine instruction foreshadows the New Covenant reality where God's law is written on hearts, and His Spirit indwells believers, guiding them into all truth. The "great peace" promised is the _shalom_ of God, a comprehensive well-being that is a hallmark of His kingdom and a fruit of His presence. This verse speaks to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, demonstrating His commitment to restore, teach, and bless His chosen people, ensuring their flourishing.

* [Jeremiah 31:33-34](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33-34 - The New Covenant Promise"): "But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more."
* [John 6:45](/john/6-45 "John 6:45 - Jesus' Reference to Divine Teaching"): "It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me."
* [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God"): "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 54:13 offers profound comfort and direction for believers today, reminding us that our ultimate teacher is God Himself, and the fruit of His instruction is an unparalleled peace. In a world often characterized by anxiety, confusion, and conflict, this verse anchors our hope in the divine promise of _shalom_ that flows directly from being discipled by the Lord. It calls us to cultivate a posture of humility and receptivity, actively seeking to be taught by God through His Word, prayer, the guidance of His Spirit, and the wisdom of His community. As we submit to His instruction, we are promised a comprehensive peace that transcends circumstances, guards our hearts and minds, and enables us to live in harmony with God, ourselves, and others. Furthermore, it challenges us to consider our role in fostering environments where others, especially the younger generation, can also be "taught of the LORD," thereby inheriting this legacy of divine peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do you seek to be "taught of the LORD" in your daily life?**
* **How does the concept of "great peace" (shalom) in Isaiah 54:13 differ from the world's definition of peace, and how can you experience more of God's shalom?**
* **What practical steps can you take to create a greater space for divine instruction and guidance in your personal life and within your community?**
* **Considering the promise that "all thy children shall be taught of the LORD," how does this influence your approach to spiritual formation for the next generation?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "children" mentioned in Isaiah 54:13?**

Answer: In the immediate context of Isaiah 54, the "children" primarily refer to the restored people of Israel, personified as the offspring of Zion (Jerusalem), who were desolate but are now promised a multitude of descendants and a glorious future. The prophecy speaks to the physical and spiritual restoration of God's covenant people after their exile. Theologically, especially in light of the New Testament, this promise expands to include all who are spiritually born into God's family through faith in Christ, regardless of ethnic background, becoming spiritual children of Abraham and heirs of the promises (cf. [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")).

**How does God "teach" His people today according to this promise?**

Answer: God teaches His people today through multiple avenues, fulfilling the promise of Isaiah 54:13. Primarily, He teaches through His inspired Word, the Bible, which is "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" ([2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed")). The Holy Spirit, promised by Jesus, also serves as the divine teacher, guiding believers into all truth and illuminating the Scriptures ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Teacher"); [John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")). God also teaches through life experiences, both joyful and challenging, which refine our character and deepen our reliance on Him, and through the wisdom and guidance of godly leaders and fellow believers within the community of faith ([Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11-13 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Gifts for Equipping the Saints")).

**What is the nature of the "peace" promised in this verse?**

Answer: The "peace" promised in Isaiah 54:13 is the rich Hebrew concept of _shalom_ (H7965), which is far more comprehensive than merely the absence of conflict. It denotes a holistic state of well-being, completeness, soundness, prosperity, security, and harmony in all aspects of life. This includes spiritual peace (reconciliation with God), internal peace (tranquility of mind and heart), relational peace (harmony with others), and even physical and material flourishing. It is a deep, abiding sense of wholeness that flows from a right relationship with God and is a direct result of being taught and guided by Him. It is a peace that "surpasses all understanding" ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God that Surpasses Understanding")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 54:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant He inaugurated. Jesus Himself directly references this prophecy in [John 6:45](/john/6-45 "John 6:45 - Jesus' Words on Divine Teaching"), stating, "It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught of God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me." This highlights that Jesus is the embodiment of God's teaching; through Him, the Father reveals Himself and His truth. As the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), Jesus is the supreme teacher, and His life, ministry, death, and resurrection constitute the ultimate divine instruction for humanity. Furthermore, the "great peace" promised in Isaiah 54:13 is fully realized in Christ. He is our peace ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ is Our Peace")), having broken down the wall of hostility between God and humanity, and between people groups. Through faith in Him, believers receive the peace of reconciliation with God ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith, Peace with God")) and the indwelling Holy Spirit, who imparts the peace that "surpasses all understanding" ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). Thus, all who are "children" of God through Christ are indeed "taught of the LORD" by the Spirit of truth and experience the "great peace" that only He can give.

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

John 6:45

It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Psalms 119:165

¶ Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

Jeremiah 31:34

And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Hebrews 8:10

For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

Romans 15:13

¶ Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,