Isaiah 60:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt also suck {H3243} the milk {H2461} of the Gentiles {H1471}, and shalt suck {H3243} the breast {H7699} of kings {H4428}: and thou shalt know {H3045} that I the LORD {H3068} am thy Saviour {H3467} and thy Redeemer {H1350}, the mighty One {H46} of Jacob {H3290}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You will drink the milk of nations, you will nurse at royal breasts and know that I, ADONAI, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Ya'akov.

Berean Standard Bible

You will drink the milk of nations and nurse at the breasts of royalty; you will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt also suck the milk of the nations, and shalt suck the breast of kings; and thou shalt know that I, Jehovah, am thy Saviour, and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 60:16 presents a magnificent prophetic vision of future glory and abundant provision for Zion, understood as God's people and Jerusalem. It vividly portrays a time when foreign nations and their powerful rulers will willingly and intimately contribute their resources and sustenance to Zion's flourishing, symbolized by the act of nourishment. This unprecedented outpouring of blessing culminates in a profound, experiential revelation: Zion will unequivocally recognize the LORD Himself as her exclusive Saviour and Redeemer, the omnipotent God who faithfully upholds His covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 60 forms a radiant centerpiece within the latter portion of Isaiah, often referred to as "Second Isaiah" (chapters 40-66), which focuses on themes of comfort, restoration, and the glorious future of God's people after exile. Chapter 60 itself opens with a triumphant call for Jerusalem to "[Arise, shine; for thy light is come](/isaiah/60-1 "Isaiah 60:1 - Zion's Light Has Come"), and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee." The preceding verses (Isaiah 60:1-15) describe the nations being drawn to Zion's radiant light, bringing their wealth, their children, and their service. Isaiah 60:16 specifically deepens this portrayal of Gentile provision, employing striking metaphors of intimate nourishment, and then pivots to the ultimate spiritual outcome: the profound recognition of God's unique identity as Zion's Saviour and Redeemer. This verse serves as a climactic declaration of divine vindication and sets the stage for the ongoing description of Zion's renewed splendor and righteous governance in the subsequent passages of the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Isaiah 60 is delivered to a people who have experienced the trauma of exile and the arduous task of rebuilding. For Israel, foreign nations had historically been sources of oppression, conquest, and idolatry. In this context, the imagery of "sucking the milk of the Gentiles" and "the breast of kings" would have been revolutionary and profoundly counter-cultural. "Milk" and "breast" were universal symbols of life, sustenance, and intimate care, often associated with a mother's nurturing. To depict powerful foreign nations and their rulers providing such intimate, life-giving support signified a complete reversal of Israel's historical subjugation. This was not merely about material aid but about a profound shift in global power dynamics, where the world's mightiest would serve God's people. While there were partial fulfillments in the post-exilic period, the grandeur of this prophecy points beyond any single historical event to an eschatological reality where God's people are supremely honored and sustained by divine provision, often mediated through unexpected sources.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Provision and Sustenance**, illustrating God's unwavering commitment to lavishly supply His people's needs, even through the agency of their former oppressors or distant nations. This divine care is not merely material but deeply nurturing and comprehensive. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **God's Sovereignty over Nations**, demonstrating that even kings and powerful Gentiles will ultimately serve God's purposes for His people, bringing their resources to Zion, as described in [Isaiah 49:23](/isaiah/49-23 "Isaiah 49:23 - Kings and Queens Serve Zion"). This signifies God's absolute control over human history and political powers. Thirdly, and most crucially, it emphasizes the theme of **God's Unique Identity and Covenant Faithfulness**. The recognition, "thou shalt know that I the LORD [am] thy Saviour and thy Redeemer," is the ultimate goal of this grand restoration. It solidifies God's covenant relationship with Israel, reminding them that all blessings flow from His character as the one true God, the "[Mighty One of Jacob](/genesis/49-24 "Genesis 49:24 - The Mighty One of Jacob")" who never abandons His promises or His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **suck (Hebrew, _yânaq'_):** H3243, a primitive root meaning "to suck" or, causatively, "to give milk." In this context, the verb vividly portrays the act of receiving intimate, life-sustaining nourishment and sustenance. The repetition of "suck" within the verse emphasizes the complete and profound dependence on the provided resources, highlighting the depth and abundance of the provision Zion will receive from the Gentiles and kings. It suggests a nurturing relationship, not merely a transactional one.
* **Gentiles (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** H1471, referring to a "foreign nation" or "heathen." This term stands in stark contrast to Israel, signifying those outside the covenant community of God. The radical nature of the prophecy is underscored by the idea that these foreign nations, historically often seen as adversaries, oppressors, or idolaters, will become willing and abundant sources of life-giving sustenance, wealth, and support for God's people.
* **Redeemer (Hebrew, _gâʼal'_):** H1350, a primitive root meaning "to redeem (according to the Oriental law of kinship)." This rich term evokes the role of the kinsman-redeemer (_goel_) in ancient Israelite society, who had the right and responsibility to buy back family property, avenge wrongs, or marry a deceased relative's widow to preserve the family line. Applied to God, it profoundly signifies His personal, familial bond with His people and His powerful, decisive intervention to reclaim, restore, and set them free from bondage, ruin, or disgrace. It speaks to God's active and intimate commitment to His people's restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles,"**: This initial clause introduces the astonishing imagery of provision. "Sucking milk" powerfully denotes intimate, vital, and life-sustaining nourishment. The "Gentiles" (foreign nations), previously often portrayed as hostile or distant, are here depicted as the source of this essential sustenance and wealth for Zion. This represents a profound reversal of conventional power dynamics, where the powerful nations will willingly serve and nurture God's chosen people.
* **"and shalt suck the breast of kings:"**: This parallel clause intensifies the preceding imagery, elevating the source of provision. "Sucking the breast of kings" further emphasizes the high status, immense resources, and ultimate authority that will be willingly offered to Zion. Kings, representing the apex of worldly power, will humble themselves to provide for God's people, signifying an unparalleled era of honor, abundance, and security for Zion.
* **"and thou shalt know that I the LORD [am] thy Saviour and thy Redeemer,"**: This is the theological climax and ultimate purpose of the verse. The outpouring of Gentile and royal provision is not an end in itself, but a divinely orchestrated means to a greater spiritual revelation. Through this experience of unprecedented divine blessing and vindication, Zion will come to a deeper, experiential "knowledge" (_yada'_) of God's true identity. He is not merely a benevolent benefactor, but specifically "thy Saviour" (the one who actively delivers and brings salvation from distress) and "thy Redeemer" (the kinsman-redeemer who intimately reclaims, restores, and vindicates what was lost or enslaved).
* **"the mighty One of Jacob."**: This concluding phrase serves as a powerful affirmation of God's character and unwavering covenant faithfulness. "The mighty One" (_ʼâbîyr_) speaks of God's immense strength, power, and steadfastness. By associating Himself with "Jacob," God reaffirms His unbreakable commitment to the covenant established with the patriarch and his descendants, assuring Zion that the promised future of glory and provision is firmly grounded in His omnipotence and His unshakeable fidelity to His chosen people.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 60:16 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of divine provision, reversal of fortunes, and profound recognition of God. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the extended metaphor of "sucking the milk of the Gentiles" and "sucking the breast of kings." This vivid imagery transforms abstract concepts of wealth, tribute, and support into concrete, intimate acts of nourishment, emphasizing the life-giving, abundant, and nurturing nature of the provision. The use of "milk" and "breast" also carries connotations of care, tenderness, and vital sustenance, suggesting that the nations will not merely provide tribute but will actively nurture Zion. **Parallelism** is evident in the repetition of the verb "suck" and the pairing of "Gentiles" with "kings," reinforcing the idea of universal provision from all levels of worldly power. The phrase "Saviour and thy Redeemer" also demonstrates **Hendiadys**, a figure of speech where two words are used to express a single, more complex idea – God's comprehensive act of salvation, deliverance, and restoration. Finally, the title "the mighty One of Jacob" functions as an **Epithet**, a descriptive phrase that highlights a key attribute of God, emphasizing His power, strength, and unwavering covenant fidelity to His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 60:16 is a profound testament to God's sovereign plan for His people, demonstrating His ultimate authority over all nations and His unwavering commitment to their flourishing. The striking imagery of nations providing intimate sustenance for Zion underscores a vital theological truth: all creation, including human kingdoms and their vast resources, ultimately exists to serve God's purposes and glorify His name. This divine provision is not earned by human merit but flows freely and abundantly from God's character as Saviour and Redeemer, revealing His intimate, powerful, and covenantal bond with His chosen ones. The verse anticipates a future where God's glory is so manifest through His people that even those outside the immediate covenant community are compelled to acknowledge His supremacy and contribute to the well-being of His kingdom. This recognition of God's identity as the "Mighty One of Jacob" is the ultimate spiritual outcome, signifying a deep, experiential knowledge of His saving power, His redemptive faithfulness, and His unassailable might.

* [Isaiah 49:23](/isaiah/49-23 "Isaiah 49:23 - Kings and Queens Serve Zion")
* [Zechariah 8:22-23](/zechariah/8-22 "Zechariah 8:22-23 - Many Peoples Seek the Lord")
* [Revelation 21:24](/revelation/21-24 "Revelation 21:24 - Nations Walk in Her Light")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 60:16 offers a breathtaking vision of God's future for His people, a future characterized by abundant provision, profound recognition of His sovereignty, and an undeniable display of His glory. For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is not limited in His ability to provide, often using unexpected means and sources. It challenges us to trust implicitly in His comprehensive care, knowing that He is our "Saviour and Redeemer," intimately committed to our well-being and ultimate restoration. This prophecy encourages us to live with an eschatological hope, confident that God's purposes for His Church will ultimately prevail, drawing all peoples to acknowledge His saving power and contribute to His kingdom. It also prompts us to consider how we, as part of God's people, might be channels for His light and provision in a world hungry for truth and spiritual sustenance, recognizing that our ultimate security rests not in worldly resources, but in the "Mighty One of Jacob," who is eternally faithful to His covenant promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "sucking the milk of the Gentiles and the breast of kings" challenge our conventional understanding of power dynamics and the sources of true provision?**
* **In what ways have you personally experienced God as your "Saviour" and "Redeemer" in your life, particularly through unexpected sources of help, comfort, or support?**
* **What does it mean for us to "know" the LORD as our Saviour and Redeemer, beyond mere intellectual assent, and how does this experiential knowledge impact our daily lives and our trust in Him?**
* **How might this prophecy encourage us to pray for and engage with those outside the faith, recognizing God's sovereign ability to use all people and all resources for His ultimate purposes?**

### FAQ

**Who are the "Gentiles" and "kings" mentioned in this verse, and how do they provide "milk" and "breast" to Zion?**

Answer: In the context of Isaiah, "Gentiles" (Hebrew: _gôwy_) refers to the foreign nations, those outside the covenant people of Israel. "Kings" are their rulers, representing the highest worldly authority and power. The "milk" and "breast" are powerful metaphors for life-sustaining nourishment, wealth, and vital resources. This imagery signifies that these nations and their rulers, who historically often oppressed Israel, will, in God's future plan, willingly and abundantly contribute their riches, influence, and support to the flourishing of God's people. It's a profound reversal of fortunes, where the powerful serve the previously downtrodden, not through conquest, but through a recognition of God's glory emanating from Zion, as described in [Isaiah 60:3](/isaiah/60-3 "Isaiah 60:3 - Nations Come to Your Light").

**How does this prophecy relate to the New Testament and the Christian Church?**

Answer: While Isaiah 60:16 primarily addresses the future glory of literal Zion (Jerusalem/Israel), Christian theology often interprets these prophecies with a dual fulfillment or spiritual application to the Church. The Church is seen as the spiritual Zion, the people of God under the New Covenant, comprised of believers from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation. In this sense, the "milk of the Gentiles" and "breast of kings" can symbolize the spiritual and material resources, diverse gifts, and countless individuals from all nations that have been drawn into the Christian faith throughout history, contributing to the growth, sustenance, and global mission of the Church. The ultimate "knowing" of the LORD as Saviour and Redeemer finds its fullest realization in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate expression of God's salvation and redemption for all peoples, as affirmed in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") and [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 60:16, with its vibrant prophecy of Gentile nations nourishing Zion and recognizing the LORD as Saviour and Redeemer, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the establishment of His universal kingdom. The "milk of the Gentiles" and "breast of kings" foreshadow the spiritual nourishment and abundant resources that flow into the Church, comprised of both Jew and Gentile, through the redemptive work of Christ. It is through Christ that the nations are truly drawn to God's light, not merely bringing material wealth, but offering themselves as living sacrifices of worship and service, as seen in [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices"). Jesus Himself is the perfect embodiment of the "Saviour" (_yashaʻ_) and "Redeemer" (_gâʼal_), purchasing humanity from the bondage of sin and death with His own precious blood, as triumphantly proclaimed in [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood"). He is the "Mighty One of Jacob," the promised Messiah who perfectly fulfills God's covenant with Israel and extends its blessings to all who believe, transcending ethnic boundaries to create one new humanity in Himself, as beautifully articulated in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - One New Humanity in Christ"). Thus, the future glory envisioned in Isaiah 60:16 is realized in the spiritual sustenance, global expansion, and ultimate triumph of the Church, where all believers, regardless of background, are united in knowing Jesus Christ as their Lord, Saviour, and the very manifestation of God's redeeming power.

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 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.

Isaiah 66:14

And when ye see [this], your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants, and [his] indignation toward his enemies.

Isaiah 66:11

That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory.

Isaiah 66:12

For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon [her] sides, and be dandled upon [her] knees.

Isaiah 61:6

But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: [men] shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.

Isaiah 43:3

For I [am] the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt [for] thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

Isaiah 43:4

Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.