Isaiah 56:5

KJV

Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.

KJV (with Strong's)

Even unto them will I give {H5414} in mine house {H1004} and within my walls {H2346} a place {H3027} and a name {H8034} better {H2896} than of sons {H1121} and of daughters {H1323}: I will give {H5414} them an everlasting {H5769} name {H8034}, that shall not be cut off {H3772}.

Complete Jewish Bible

in my house, within my walls, I will give them power and a name greater than sons and daughters; I will give him an everlasting name that will not be cut off.

Berean Standard Bible

I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off.

American Standard Version

Unto them will I give in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name better than of sons and of daughters; I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 56:5 unveils a profound divine promise of inclusion and an enduring legacy, specifically extended to those who, by societal or even Mosaic law standards, might have been marginalized or excluded from the full communal and familial privileges of ancient Israel. This verse declares God's intention to grant such individuals a place of honor and an identity within His sacred dwelling that surpasses the esteemed heritage of biological lineage, assuring them of an eternal, unassailable name.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 56:5 is situated within the latter section of the book of Isaiah (chapters 56-66), often referred to as "Third Isaiah," which addresses the post-exilic community returning to Judah. This segment of prophecy focuses on the challenges and hopes of a restored but still struggling people, emphasizing the importance of righteousness, justice, and the future glory of Jerusalem as a spiritual center for all nations. The immediate preceding verses, [Isaiah 56:3-4](/isaiah/56-3 "Isaiah 56:3-4 - Promise to Eunuchs and Foreigners"), specifically highlight God's welcoming embrace of eunuchs and foreigners who commit to His covenant, keep the Sabbath, and hold fast to His principles. Verse 5 then elaborates on the specific nature of the blessing promised to these previously excluded groups, demonstrating God's radical redefinition of belonging and inheritance. The broader context of [Isaiah 56](/isaiah/56 "Isaiah 56 - Salvation for All") anticipates a time when God's "house" will be a "house of prayer for all peoples" ([Isaiah 56:7](/isaiah/56-7 "Isaiah 56:7 - God's House for All Nations")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, lineage and progeny were paramount. Having "sons and daughters" was essential for family continuity, inheritance, and the perpetuation of one's name and legacy. Conversely, certain groups faced social and religious exclusion. Eunuchs, for instance, were explicitly barred from the assembly of the Lord according to [Deuteronomy 23:1](/deuteronomy/23-1 "Deuteronomy 23:1 - Exclusion of Eunuchs"), often due to their physical condition preventing procreation and thus the continuation of a family line. Foreigners, while permitted to reside in Israel, typically did not possess full inheritance rights or status within the tribal system. Isaiah 56:5 directly challenges these traditional limitations, revealing a divine perspective that transcends human-made or even divinely-instituted (for a specific time) boundaries, emphasizing spiritual faithfulness over physical or ethnic qualifications. The "house" and "walls" refer to the Temple in Jerusalem and the city itself, symbolizing God's dwelling place and the community of His people, making the promise of a "place" within them profoundly significant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Radical Inclusion**, demonstrating God's expansive grace that extends beyond conventional boundaries of birthright, physical status, or ethnicity. This theme foreshadows the New Testament's universal message of salvation for all who believe, regardless of background, as articulated in [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ"). Secondly, it highlights a **Superior Spiritual Inheritance**, where God offers a legacy and identity that surpasses the most cherished earthly forms of heritage—the continuation of one's family name through children. This spiritual adoption is a core concept in the New Covenant, where believers become [children of God](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Becoming Children of God") not by natural descent but by faith. Thirdly, the promise of an "everlasting name, that shall not be cut off" emphasizes **Eternal Identity and Covenant Security**. Unlike human lineages that can fade or be broken, the identity and standing granted by God are permanent and secure, providing immense comfort and hope. This divine assurance of an unperishable name contrasts sharply with the impermanence of earthly renown, aligning with God's eternal covenant faithfulness seen throughout Scripture, from [Genesis 17:7](/genesis/17-7 "Genesis 17:7 - Everlasting Covenant with Abraham") to [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31 "Jeremiah 31 - The New Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** From a primitive word, this term signifies an appellation, serving as a mark or memorial of individuality. By implication, it conveys honor, authority, and character. To be given a "name" by God is to receive a divinely bestowed identity, renown, and a lasting report, establishing one's essence and status.
* **Everlasting (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** Properly meaning "concealed," or "the vanishing point," this word generally refers to "time out of mind," encompassing both past and future, effectively signifying eternity. It denotes something that is perpetual, enduring always, and without end. In this context, it emphasizes the permanent, unending, and eternal nature of the name and place God promises, highlighting the absolute security and timelessness of His blessing.
* **Cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** As a primitive root, this word primarily means "to cut (off, down or asunder)." By implication, it extends to "destroy" or "consume." In the negative construction "shall not be cut off," it signifies that the name and legacy bestowed by God will never be abolished, destroyed, or caused to perish. It guarantees an unbreakable continuity and a divine safeguard against oblivion or loss of status, standing in stark contrast to the transient nature of earthly inheritances.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters:"** This clause specifies the recipients ("them" – referring to the eunuchs and foreigners from the preceding verses) and the extraordinary nature of God's gift. The "house" and "walls" symbolize the Temple and Jerusalem, representing God's presence and the community of His people. To be given a "place" within these sacred bounds signifies full acceptance, belonging, and participation in worship. The "name" refers to an honored identity and legacy. Crucially, this divine bestowal is "better than of sons and of daughters," a radical revaluation that elevates spiritual inheritance and divine recognition above the most prized earthly legacy of progeny and lineage.
* **"I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off."** This second clause reinforces and expands upon the promise, emphasizing its permanence and security. The repetition of "I will give them" underscores God's sovereign initiative and commitment. The "everlasting name" means a permanent, unperishable identity and remembrance in God's eyes, a legacy that will never be abolished, destroyed, or forgotten. This divine assurance provides ultimate comfort and hope, guaranteeing an eternal standing and recognition that transcends the limitations and uncertainties of human existence and earthly inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 56:5 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Symbolism** is prominent, with "house" and "walls" representing the Temple and Jerusalem, which in turn symbolize God's dwelling place and the community of His covenant people. This imagery conveys a sense of intimate belonging and sacred inclusion. The phrase "sons and daughters" serves as a **Metonymy** for the traditional, highly valued means of securing legacy and inheritance in ancient society. By promising something "better than" this, the prophet uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the incomparable superiority of God's spiritual gift over any earthly equivalent. Furthermore, the verse features a strong element of **Divine Promise**, marked by the repeated "I will give," which underscores God's sovereign will and unwavering commitment to fulfill His word. The concluding phrase, "that shall not be cut off," utilizes **Negative Contrast** to highlight the eternal and unbreakable nature of the divine name, setting it apart from the finite and vulnerable nature of human legacies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 56:5 is a cornerstone passage for understanding the expansive nature of God's covenant love and His redemptive plan, which consistently moves towards greater inclusion. It challenges the narrow, ethnocentric interpretations of God's people, revealing a divine heart that welcomes all who faithfully seek Him, regardless of societal status or physical condition. This verse prefigures the New Covenant era, where spiritual lineage through faith in Christ supersedes physical descent, and the boundaries of God's family are defined by spiritual rebirth rather than biological birthright. It underscores that true honor and lasting legacy come not from human achievement or inheritance but from God's gracious bestowal of a new identity and an eternal place within His kingdom.

* [Romans 9:6-8](/romans/9-6-8 "Romans 9:6-8 - Not All Israel Is Israel")
* [Ephesians 2:19-20](/ephesians/2-19-20 "Ephesians 2:19-20 - Fellow Citizens with Saints")
* [Revelation 3:12](/revelation/3-12 "Revelation 3:12 - New Name in God's City")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 56:5 offers profound encouragement and a radical reorientation of our understanding of belonging and worth. In a world often defined by exclusion, status, and physical attributes, this verse reminds us that God's embrace transcends all human-made barriers. For those who have felt marginalized, overlooked, or inadequate due to circumstances beyond their control, this is a powerful affirmation of divine acceptance. It calls us to recognize that our deepest value and most enduring legacy are not found in earthly achievements, family trees, or societal recognition, but in the "everlasting name" God bestows upon us through faithfulness to Him. This should inspire us to live lives that reflect God's inclusive love, welcoming others into the community of faith, and valuing spiritual commitment above all external qualifications.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, consciously or unconsciously, impose human-made barriers to inclusion within the community of faith?**
* **How does the promise of an "everlasting name" from God change my perspective on earthly achievements, legacies, or even personal failures?**
* **What does it mean practically to live as someone who has been given "a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters" by God?**

### FAQ

**Who are "them" to whom God gives this promise?**

Answer: "Them" refers specifically to the eunuchs and foreigners mentioned in the preceding verses, [Isaiah 56:3-4](/isaiah/56-3-4 "Isaiah 56:3-4 - Promise to Eunuchs and Foreigners"). These were groups traditionally excluded from full participation in the assembly of the Lord or the inheritance rights of Israel. The promise highlights God's radical inclusion of those who, despite their physical or ethnic status, commit themselves to Him by keeping the Sabbath and holding fast to His covenant.

**What does "a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters" signify?**

Answer: In ancient Israelite culture, having sons and daughters was the primary means of ensuring family continuity, inheritance, and the perpetuation of one's name and legacy. For eunuchs, who could not procreate, this was a particularly poignant issue. The phrase "better than of sons and of daughters" means that the identity, honor, and enduring legacy God bestows upon the faithful, regardless of their physical or social status, is superior and more secure than any earthly inheritance or family line. It is a spiritual legacy, divinely granted, that transcends biological limitations and societal norms.

**How can this promise of an "everlasting name" apply to believers today?**

Answer: The promise of an "everlasting name, that shall not be cut off" assures believers today of their permanent and secure identity in God's family. Unlike earthly reputations or legacies that can fade or be destroyed, the name God gives is eternal and unassailable. It means that those who faithfully commit to God are eternally remembered, recognized, and honored by Him. This provides immense comfort, security, and purpose, knowing that our true identity and belonging are forever established in Christ, regardless of our earthly circumstances or perceived worth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 56:5 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. The radical inclusion promised to eunuchs and foreigners foreshadows the universal scope of salvation offered through Christ, where all who believe, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or social standing, are welcomed into God's family. In Christ, the old distinctions are abolished, and a new spiritual lineage is established, as [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ") declares, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Through faith in Him, believers are not merely given a "place" within God's house, but are spiritually adopted as [children of God](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Becoming Children of God"), receiving an inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Incorruptible Inheritance")). The "everlasting name, that shall not be cut off" is ultimately the name of Christ Himself, which believers bear, signifying their eternal union with Him and their secure identity as members of His body, the Church. This divine promise culminates in the New Jerusalem, where God's redeemed people will bear His name on their foreheads, signifying their eternal belonging and the permanence of their relationship with Him ([Revelation 22:4](/revelation/22-4 "Revelation 22:4 - God's Name on Their Foreheads")).

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

Revelation 3:12

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name.

1 John 3:1

¶ Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Revelation 3:5

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

John 1:12

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name:

Isaiah 55:13

Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign [that] shall not be cut off.

1 Timothy 3:15

But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Matthew 16:18

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.