Isaiah 56:8

KJV

The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather [others] to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.

KJV (with Strong's)

The Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} which gathereth {H6908} the outcasts {H1760} of Israel {H3478} saith {H5002}, Yet will I gather {H6908} others to him, beside those that are gathered {H6908} unto him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Adonai ELOHIM says, he who gathers Isra'el's exiles: "There are yet others I will gather, besides those gathered already."

Berean Standard Bible

Thus declares the Lord GOD, who gathers the dispersed of Israel: “I will gather to them still others besides those already gathered.”

American Standard Version

The Lord Jehovah, who gathereth the outcasts of Israel, saith, Yet will I gather others to him, besides his own that are gathered.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 56:8 powerfully declares the Lord GOD's unwavering commitment to His people, Israel, promising to gather those who have been scattered and marginalized. Yet, in a profound expansion of His redemptive purpose, the verse immediately extends this divine gathering beyond the boundaries of Israel, announcing God's intention to bring "others" into His fold. This prophetic declaration reveals God's universal heart, foreshadowing a future where His saving grace and covenant community encompass all nations, demonstrating His boundless love and inclusive nature.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 56:8 is situated within the latter section of the Book of Isaiah (chapters 40-66), often referred to as "Third Isaiah." This segment primarily addresses the post-exilic community, focusing on themes of restoration, spiritual renewal, and the expansion of God's kingdom. The immediate context of [Isaiah 56](/isaiah/56 "Isaiah 56 - Inclusivity and God's House") begins with a call to righteousness and justice, emphasizing the importance of keeping the Sabbath and doing what is right, as seen in [Isaiah 56:1-2](/isaiah/56-1-2 "Isaiah 56:1-2 - Call to Righteousness and Justice"). Crucially, the preceding verses ([Isaiah 56:3-7](/isaiah/56-3-7 "Isaiah 56:3-7 - Welcome to Foreigners and Eunuchs")) highlight God's radical inclusivity, explicitly welcoming foreigners and eunuchs into the covenant community, promising them a "place and a name better than sons and daughters" within His house and declaring that His "house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples" ([Isaiah 56:7](/isaiah/56-7 "Isaiah 56:7 - A House of Prayer for All Peoples")). This sets the stage for the even broader, universal scope of gathering announced in verse 8, acting as a divine affirmation and expansion of the principles laid out earlier in the chapter.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Isaiah 56 is the post-exilic period, following the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon. The community was engaged in rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple, facing challenges of national identity, spiritual renewal, and interaction with surrounding peoples. There was a natural tendency towards ethnocentricity and exclusivity among some of the returned exiles, who sought to preserve their distinct identity and purity after the trauma of exile. The Law of Moses, while providing for proselytes, also emphasized Israel's unique covenant relationship with God. Against this backdrop, Isaiah 56:8, along with the preceding verses, presents a radical counter-cultural vision. It challenges the narrow perspectives of the time by asserting God's overarching plan to transcend ethnic and social barriers, demonstrating that His redemptive purpose was never solely confined to one nation, but always intended to embrace a global family, fulfilling earlier promises of blessing to "all the families of the earth" (e.g., [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")).

* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 56:8 contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in the book and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Restoration**, showcasing God's commitment to fulfilling His covenant promises by regathering the scattered "outcasts of Israel." Secondly, it introduces and powerfully affirms the theme of **Radical Inclusion**, expanding God's redemptive scope beyond ethnic Israel to encompass "others," prophetically pointing to the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community. This theme is foundational to the concept of **Universal Salvation**, demonstrating God's desire for a global family united in worship and relationship with Him. It anticipates the breaking down of barriers that would later be fully realized in the New Covenant. This verse also implicitly touches on the **Nature of God's Kingdom**, portraying it as an ever-expanding reality, not limited by human distinctions, but defined by divine grace and sovereign purpose, echoing earlier prophecies about the nations flowing to Zion, as seen in [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gathereth (Hebrew, _qâbats'_):** This primitive root means "to grasp, i.e., collect; assemble (selves), gather (bring) (together, selves together, up), heap, resort, [idiom] surely, take up." In Isaiah 56:8, it highlights God as the active agent in bringing together His scattered people, emphasizing His sovereign power and intentionality in reversing dispersion and alienation. It's a powerful verb of restoration and assembly, demonstrating God's active pursuit of His people.
* **outcasts (Hebrew, _dâchâh'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to push down; chase, drive away (on), overthrow, outcast, [idiom] sore, thrust, totter." This term vividly describes the state of Israel's dispersed and marginalized people, highlighting their vulnerable and seemingly forgotten condition. It underscores the depth of God's compassion and power, as He gathers those who were driven away or considered beyond hope, bringing them from a state of rejection to divine embrace.
* **saith (Hebrew, _nᵉʼum'_):** Originating from a root meaning "an oracle," this word signifies a divine utterance or declaration. Its use here emphasizes that the promise of gathering is not a human conjecture but a direct, authoritative word from the Lord GOD Himself, lending immense weight and certainty to the prophecy. It underscores the divine origin and infallible nature of the declaration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith":** This opening clause establishes the divine speaker and His primary action. "The Lord GOD" (Adonai YHWH) identifies the sovereign, covenant-keeping God as the one who initiates this work. His character as the "gatherer" of "the outcasts of Israel" speaks to His faithfulness to His covenant people, particularly those who have been dispersed, exiled, or marginalized. It reaffirms His commitment to restoring His chosen nation, a theme deeply resonant with the post-exilic context of Isaiah and God's enduring covenant love.
* **"Yet will I gather [others] to him":** This is the pivotal phrase, introducing a radical expansion of God's redemptive plan. The KJV's "[others]" is an interpretive addition, but the Hebrew word _'od_ (still, yet, more) strongly implies additional people. This signifies that God's gathering work is not limited to ethnic Israel but extends beyond them. It points to a distinct, new group that will be brought into relationship with God, highlighting the universal scope of His salvation and the boundless nature of His grace.
* **"beside those that are gathered unto him":** This concluding phrase clarifies that the gathering of "others" is not a replacement of Israel, but an addition to them. God's ongoing work with Israel is affirmed, and the inclusion of Gentiles (the "others") is presented as an expansion of His existing redemptive community, demonstrating the ever-increasing breadth of His kingdom and His desire for a multi-ethnic family of worshippers united under His sovereign rule.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 56:8 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Divine Oracle**, indicated by the phrase "The Lord GOD... saith," which stamps the declaration with absolute divine authority and certainty. This is a direct, infallible pronouncement from God, not a human speculation, ensuring its ultimate fulfillment. The verse also utilizes **Metaphor** in the concept of "gathering," which evokes the vivid image of a shepherd collecting scattered sheep or a farmer harvesting a dispersed crop. This metaphor powerfully conveys God's tender care, active pursuit, and sovereign power in bringing together those who are lost or separated, restoring them to His fold. Furthermore, there is a clear **Thematic Expansion** at play, moving from the specific gathering of "outcasts of Israel" to the broader, inclusive gathering of "others." This expansion highlights the universal trajectory of God's redemptive plan, contrasting the initial focus on Israel with a future, wider embrace that transcends ethnic and national boundaries.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 56:8 is a profound theological statement, revealing God's expansive heart for all humanity. It transcends the typical Old Testament focus on Israel's unique covenant relationship, unveiling a divine purpose that always intended to include the nations. This verse serves as a crucial bridge, connecting the particularistic promises made to Abraham and his descendants with the universal scope of salvation that would be fully revealed in the New Testament. It underscores God's sovereignty over history and His unwavering commitment to building a people for Himself from every tribe, tongue, and nation, demonstrating that His grace knows no ethnic or social boundaries. The "gathering" signifies not merely physical return but spiritual inclusion into His family and presence, a testament to His redemptive love for all peoples.

* [John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus' Other Sheep")
* [Ephesians 2:11-22](/ephesians/2-11-22 "Ephesians 2:11-22 - Gentiles Made Near in Christ")
* [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 56:8 offers a powerful and challenging vision for believers today. It calls us to embrace the expansive nature of God's grace and to actively participate in His ongoing work of gathering. This verse directly confronts any tendencies towards exclusivity or ethnocentrism within the church, reminding us that God's family is intentionally diverse, comprising people from every background, social status, and nationality. It compels us to look beyond our immediate communities and comfort zones, seeking out those who are "outcasts" in society—the marginalized, the forgotten, the overlooked—and to extend to them the same welcoming embrace that God extends to all. Our mission is not merely to maintain existing structures but to join God in His global, redemptive work, ensuring that our churches reflect the multi-ethnic, inclusive kingdom that Isaiah prophesied, embodying His heart for all humanity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of God gathering "others" challenge any exclusive or ethnocentric thinking within my own heart or community?**
* **Who are the "outcasts" in my contemporary context—those who are marginalized, overlooked, or driven away—and how can I, or my church, intentionally extend God's welcoming embrace to them?**
* **In what practical ways can I participate in God's ongoing work of gathering people from diverse backgrounds into His family?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "outcasts of Israel" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "outcasts of Israel" primarily refer to the Jewish people who had been dispersed, exiled, and scattered from their homeland, particularly after the Babylonian captivity. This term encapsulates their physical displacement, their spiritual alienation due to sin, and their vulnerable status in foreign lands. God's promise to gather them speaks to His faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises and restoring His people from their state of dispersion and brokenness, bringing them back into His presence and land.

**Who are the "others" God promises to gather "beside those that are gathered unto him"?**

Answer: The "others" refer to non-Israelites, specifically the Gentiles. This phrase is a profound prophetic declaration of God's universal redemptive plan, indicating that His salvation and covenant community would expand beyond the ethnic boundaries of Israel to include people from all nations. This vision is extensively developed throughout the New Testament, where the inclusion of Gentiles is a central theme, as seen in passages like [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter and Cornelius") with Cornelius, or Paul's theological arguments in [Romans 9-11](/romans/9 "Romans 9-11 - God's Plan for Israel and Gentiles") concerning God's plan for both Israel and the Gentiles. It reveals God's desire for a global family of worshippers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 56:8 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the divine "gatherer" par excellence, the one through whom God's universal plan of salvation is realized. Jesus Himself spoke of having "other sheep that are not of this fold," whom He "must bring also" ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus' Other Sheep")), directly echoing Isaiah's prophecy of gathering "others." Through His atoning death on the cross, Christ broke down the "dividing wall of hostility" between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), creating "one new humanity in place of the two" ([Ephesians 2:15](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - One New Humanity")). The Great Commission given by Jesus to His disciples—to "make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"))—is the direct mandate for His followers to participate in this ongoing divine gathering. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit empowered believers to proclaim the gospel to people from "every nation under heaven" ([Acts 2:5](/acts/2-5 "Acts 2:5 - Pentecost and the Nations")), demonstrating the immediate commencement of this universal ingathering. Thus, the church, the body of Christ, becomes the living embodiment of Isaiah's prophecy, a multi-ethnic community where there is "neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")), fulfilling God's ancient promise of a global family.

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 10:16

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd.

Isaiah 60:3

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

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.

Isaiah 54:7

For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.

Genesis 49:10

The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be].

Ephesians 1:10

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him:

Jeremiah 30:17

For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, [saying], This [is] Zion, whom no man seeketh after.