Isaiah 60:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} also of them that afflicted {H6031} thee shall come {H1980} bending {H7817} unto thee; and all they that despised {H5006} thee shall bow themselves down {H7812} at the soles {H3709} of thy feet {H7272}; and they shall call {H7121} thee, The city {H5892} of the LORD {H3068}, The Zion {H6726} of the Holy One {H6918} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The children of your oppressors will come and bow low before you, all who despised you will fall at your feet, calling you the city of ADONAI, Tziyon of the Holy One of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of your oppressors will come and bow down to you; all who reviled you will fall facedown at your feet and call you the City of the LORD, Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

American Standard Version

And the sons 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 Jehovah, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 60:14 is a powerful prophetic declaration within a larger vision of Jerusalem's future glory and restoration in the messianic age. It vividly portrays a dramatic reversal of fortunes, where those who once oppressed and despised God's chosen city and people will instead come in profound submission and reverence, acknowledging Zion as "The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel." This verse encapsulates themes of divine vindication, the exaltation of God's people, and the universal recognition of His sovereignty and unique covenant relationship with Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 60:14 is situated within the latter portion of the book of Isaiah, specifically within chapters 56-66, often referred to as "Third Isaiah." This section focuses on the restoration of Jerusalem and the establishment of God's universal kingdom after the Babylonian exile. Chapter 60 itself opens with a majestic call for Jerusalem to "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee" [Isaiah 60:1](/isaiah/60-1 "Isaiah 60:1 - Jerusalem's Light Has Come"). The preceding verses describe the nations of the world bringing their wealth, honor, and peoples to Zion, signifying a global pilgrimage to God's dwelling place. Verse 14 specifically highlights the vindication of Jerusalem, promising that former adversaries will not only cease their opposition but will actively acknowledge her divinely favored and elevated status. This vision stands in stark contrast to the historical periods of Israel's suffering, exile, and humiliation, offering a hope-filled future where God's promises of restoration and justice are fully realized. The chapter culminates in a vision of an everlasting covenant and a righteous, glorious people [Isaiah 60:21](/isaiah/60-21 "Isaiah 60:21 - Everlasting Righteousness").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Isaiah 60 was likely delivered to a post-exilic community, or at least one grappling with the trauma of exile and the challenges of rebuilding. For centuries, Judah had faced oppression, invasion, and contempt from surrounding nations—Assyria, Babylon, Egypt, and others. The idea of these very nations, or their descendants, coming in submission to Jerusalem would have been a profoundly counter-cultural and revolutionary concept. In the ancient Near East, bowing down or kissing the feet of a victor or sovereign was a common gesture of absolute subjugation, homage, and fealty. The humiliation of enemies was a sign of divine favor upon the victorious party. Thus, this prophecy speaks directly to the deep-seated longing for justice and vindication among a people who had experienced immense suffering and perceived abandonment. It promises not merely peace, but a dramatic reversal of power dynamics, where the oppressed become the recipients of homage, all orchestrated by God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Reversal and Vindication**, demonstrating God's justice and His ultimate defense of His chosen city and people. Those who inflicted pain and showed contempt will now humble themselves, showcasing God's sovereignty over history and nations, as seen in other prophecies like [Isaiah 49:23](/isaiah/49-23 "Isaiah 49:23 - Kings and Queens Serving Zion"). Secondly, it highlights the **Restoration and Exaltation of Zion**, portraying Jerusalem as being elevated to a position of unparalleled honor and prominence. She is not merely restored from ruin but is also recognized as the spiritual and political focal point of God's presence and activity on earth, a concept echoed throughout the prophetic books, such as in [Zechariah 8:3](/zechariah/8-3 "Zechariah 8:3 - God Returns to Zion"). Thirdly, the repeated declaration, "The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel," emphasizes the **Recognition of God's Sovereignty** by the nations. Jerusalem's glory is not inherent but derived from her unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. The title "Holy One of Israel" is a signature phrase in Isaiah, appearing over twenty-five times, underscoring God's incomparable holiness, His covenant faithfulness, and His distinct identity as the God of Israel. This recognition signifies that the nations will come to acknowledge the true God through Zion's transformed status, a theme also found in [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - Nations Flow to Zion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, referring to a son as a builder of the family name, in the widest sense. Here, "sons" signifies the descendants or inheritors of those who afflicted Israel. This highlights a generational reversal, indicating that the future generations of former oppressors will be the ones to offer homage, signifying a complete and lasting change in relationship and status.
* **bow themselves down (Hebrew, _shâchâh'_):** From H7812, a primitive root meaning to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or God). This word denotes a profound act of submission, reverence, and worship. It is a posture of utter humility, acknowledging superior authority and power, far beyond a mere polite greeting. The prostration signifies a complete surrender and recognition of Zion's divinely appointed preeminence.
* **Holy One (Hebrew, _qâdôwsh'_):** From H6918, meaning sacred (ceremonially or morally); as a noun, God (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary. This title, frequently used by Isaiah, emphasizes God's absolute distinctiveness, moral purity, and transcendent majesty. Attributing Zion to the "Holy One of Israel" elevates its status beyond a mere earthly city, declaring it to be uniquely consecrated and belonging to the most sacred and powerful being in existence, whose holiness is the source of Israel's identity and future glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee;":** This clause initiates the dramatic reversal. "The sons" indicates a future generation, suggesting a lasting change. "Them that afflicted thee" refers to Israel's historical oppressors, highlighting the justice and vindication God will bring. Their "coming bending unto thee" signifies an act of profound submission and humility, a complete reversal of their former stance of aggression and contempt. It implies a recognition of Zion's elevated status, which is divinely ordained.
* **"and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet;":** This clause intensifies the imagery of submission. "All they that despised thee" broadens the scope to include any who held Israel in contempt, emphasizing the universality of this recognition. To "bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet" is an ancient Near Eastern gesture of ultimate deference, signifying complete subjugation and homage. It is an act of acknowledging absolute superiority and authority, demonstrating that Israel's former adversaries will be utterly humbled before her.
* **"and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.":** This final clause reveals the ultimate reason for the enemies' submission: their acknowledgment of God's unique relationship with Zion. They will verbally declare Jerusalem's divine ownership and special status. "The city of the LORD" asserts Yahweh's proprietorship and presence. "The Zion of the Holy One of Israel" further emphasizes this unique bond, using Isaiah's distinctive title for God, "the Holy One of Israel," to underscore God's incomparable holiness and His covenant faithfulness as the source of Zion's glory. This declaration signifies a universal recognition of God's sovereignty through His chosen city.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 60:14 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of future glory and vindication. **Personification** is evident as Zion (Jerusalem) is treated as a living entity, capable of receiving homage and having "feet" at which others bow. This elevates the city beyond a mere geographical location to a symbol of God's chosen people and His dwelling place. **Hyperbole** is used in the phrase "bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet," which, while rooted in ancient customs of submission, emphasizes the extreme and total nature of the enemies' humiliation and Zion's exaltation. It suggests an overwhelming and undeniable recognition of Zion's divine favor. The **Repetition** of naming Jerusalem as "The city of the LORD" and "The Zion of the Holy One of Israel" serves to emphasize and reinforce its unique theological significance and divine ownership. This double appellation acts as a powerful declaration, cementing Zion's identity as God's special possession. Furthermore, the entire verse is built upon a profound **Irony** and **Reversal of Fortune**, where the oppressors become the humbled, and the despised become the revered. This dramatic turnaround highlights God's justice and His sovereign power to transform circumstances, bringing about His perfect will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 60:14 is a profound theological statement on God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His ultimate triumph over all opposition. It underscores the biblical theme of divine justice, where the scales of history are ultimately balanced by God's righteous hand. This future vindication of Zion is not merely about human triumph but about the universal recognition of Yahweh's sovereignty and holiness. It points to a time when all nations will acknowledge that salvation and truth emanate from the God of Israel, and that His chosen people, represented by Zion, are indeed His unique possession. This vision of a restored and exalted Jerusalem serves as a powerful symbol of God's eschatological kingdom, where His glory will fill the earth and His people will dwell in secure peace and honor. It is a testament to the enduring hope that God's purposes will prevail, and that His light will ultimately dispel all darkness, drawing all peoples to Himself.

* [Psalm 72:11](/psalm/72-11 "Psalm 72:11 - Kings Bow Before Him")
* [Revelation 21:24](/revelation/21-24 "Revelation 21:24 - Nations Walk in Her Light")
* [Zechariah 14:16](/zechariah/14-16 "Zechariah 14:16 - Nations Come to Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 60:14 offers profound hope and assurance for believers navigating a world often hostile to faith. It reminds us that God is a God of perfect justice who will ultimately vindicate His people and His divine purposes. For those who have faced affliction, contempt, or marginalization for their faith, this verse promises a future where God's truth will prevail, and those who mocked or oppressed will acknowledge His power and the unique status of His kingdom. It encourages perseverance in the face of adversity, trusting that God will bring about His perfect will and establish His people in their rightful place of honor. This is not a call for human vengeance, but a divine assurance that God Himself will set things right, demonstrating His glory to all nations. Our present struggles are temporary, and our ultimate vindication is secure in God's sovereign plan. We are called to live now as citizens of this future glorious city, reflecting its light and truth even amidst present darkness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of divine reversal in this verse encourage you in times of personal or collective adversity?**
* **In what ways can we, as the spiritual "Zion" (the Church), live out the reality of God's glory and holiness in the present day, even before full eschatological fulfillment?**
* **What does the phrase "The Zion of the Holy One of Israel" teach us about God's character and His relationship with His people?**
* **How does this prophecy challenge our perspective on those who oppose or despise the message of the Gospel?**

### FAQ
**Does this prophecy refer to a literal bowing down of nations to physical Jerusalem, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: While the imagery in Isaiah 60:14 is vivid and uses literal actions (bending, bowing at feet), biblical prophecy often operates on multiple levels of fulfillment. Historically, there might have been partial fulfillments, but the grandeur of the vision suggests an ultimate, eschatological fulfillment that transcends a purely physical, earthly city. The "Zion" here represents not just the geographical city but also God's people and the spiritual dwelling place of His presence. Therefore, it is best understood as both a literal promise of future recognition for Jerusalem and, more broadly, a symbolic depiction of the universal acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and the triumph of His kingdom, ultimately fulfilled in the New Jerusalem and the Church. This spiritual interpretation aligns with passages like [Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem") and [Hebrews 12:22](/hebrews/12-22 "You Have Come to Mount Zion").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 60:14 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His new covenant community, the Church. While the prophecy speaks of a future glory for literal Zion, the New Testament reveals that the true "city of the LORD" and "Zion of the Holy One of Israel" is now spiritual, encompassing all who are in Christ. Jesus Himself is the "light" that has come, as proclaimed in [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), and through Him, the glory of God is fully revealed. The "sons of them that afflicted" and "they that despised" are not merely ancient nations, but all humanity, who, apart from Christ, stand in opposition to God. Yet, through the Gospel, these very individuals are invited to come in submission, not to an earthly city, but to the reign of Christ. As [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow") declares, "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." This universal homage, once promised to Zion, is now directed to Christ, the true King of Zion. The Church, as the body of Christ and the spiritual Israel, becomes the recipient of this honor, not for its own sake, but because it is indwelt by the Holy Spirit and represents the presence of the "Holy One of Israel" in the world. The ultimate vision of the New Jerusalem in [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Jerusalem") depicts the nations walking by its light and bringing their glory into it, signifying the final and complete fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy in the eternal reign of Christ.

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 3:9

Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Isaiah 49:23

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.

Hebrews 12:22

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

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 14:1

¶ For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.

Isaiah 14:2

And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors.

Isaiah 62:12

And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.