Isaiah 60:18

KJV

Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.

KJV (with Strong's)

Violence {H2555} shall no more be heard {H8085} in thy land {H776}, wasting {H7701} nor destruction {H7667} within thy borders {H1366}; but thou shalt call {H7121} thy walls {H2346} Salvation {H3444}, and thy gates {H8179} Praise {H8416}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Violence will no longer be heard in your land, desolation or destruction within your borders; instead, you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise.

Berean Standard Bible

No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders. But you will name your walls Salvation and your gates Praise.

American Standard Version

Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, desolation nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 60:18 is a powerful prophetic declaration of God's transformative promise for Zion, envisioning a future where all forms of violence, desolation, and destruction are utterly banished from her borders. This verse heralds an era of profound peace and security, divinely established, where the very infrastructure of the city—her walls and gates—will be renamed to reflect God's sovereign deliverance and the perpetual adoration due to Him. It speaks to a complete spiritual and physical restoration, transforming a history of suffering into a destiny of divine favor and unending praise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 60:18 is situated within the latter section of the book of Isaiah (chapters 40-66), often termed the "Book of Consolation" or "Second Isaiah." This segment shifts from prophecies of judgment and exile to a glorious vision of restoration and future hope for Jerusalem, or Zion. Chapter 60 specifically opens with a call for Zion to "Arise, shine, for your light has come!" ([Isaiah 60:1](/isaiah/60-1 "Isaiah 60:1 - Zion's Future Glory")). It describes a dramatic influx of nations and their wealth, drawn by the radiant glory of the Lord resting upon Zion. The preceding verses detail the return of her sons and daughters, the abundance of nations serving her, and the transformation of her desolate places into sites of beauty and honor. Verse 18 serves as a climactic declaration within this chapter, assuring the absolute cessation of past afflictions and the establishment of an unparalleled era of divine peace and honor, solidifying the vision of a city utterly transformed by God's presence and power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The original audience of Isaiah's prophecies would have understood the profound longing for peace and security. Jerusalem, throughout its history, had experienced repeated sieges, destructions, and occupations, culminating in the Babylonian exile. The imagery of "walls" and "gates" was deeply significant in ancient Near Eastern cities; walls provided defense and defined boundaries, while gates were crucial for commerce, justice, and community life. To rename these fundamental elements of a city was to declare a complete redefinition of its identity and purpose, indicating that its security and character would no longer be derived from human strength or vulnerability, but entirely from divine intervention. The promise of "no more violence" directly addresses the historical trauma and constant threat of warfare and oppression that defined much of Israel's existence, offering a radical vision of divine protection far beyond any earthly fortification.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in Isaiah and broader biblical theology. It highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Restoration**, emphasizing God's ultimate power to bring about complete healing and renewal, transforming a broken people and city into a beacon of His glory. The theme of **Peace and Security** is central, promising an end to the pervasive violence and destruction that marked Israel's past, pointing to a shalom that transcends mere absence of conflict, encompassing wholeness and well-being. Furthermore, the renaming of walls as "Salvation" and gates as "Praise" underscores the theme of **God as Deliverer and Object of Worship**. It proclaims that God Himself is the source of all deliverance and that the appropriate response to His saving work is perpetual adoration and thanksgiving. This echoes the prophetic vision of a future where all nations will come to worship the Lord in Jerusalem ([Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord's House")). The verse also contributes to the theme of **Future Hope and Eschatological Fulfillment**, pointing beyond immediate historical circumstances to a glorious, ultimate realization of God's kingdom, a time when sorrow and pain will be no more, as echoed in the New Testament's vision of the new creation ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Violence (Hebrew, _châmâç'_):** From H2555, this term denotes not merely physical force, but also wrong, injustice, cruel acts, and even unjust gain. Its cessation implies a comprehensive moral and social transformation, where all forms of oppression and unrighteousness are eradicated. The promise that "violence shall no more be heard" signifies a complete absence of such destructive forces, both in action and even in reputation or memory within the land.
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _yᵉshûwʻâh'_):** From H3444, this word encompasses deliverance, aid, victory, prosperity, health, and welfare. By renaming the walls "Salvation," the prophecy declares that the city's defense and security will not be in physical fortifications, but in God's saving power. This is a profound theological statement: God Himself is the ultimate bulwark and source of well-being for His people, providing comprehensive deliverance from all threats.
* **Praise (Hebrew, _tᵉhillâh'_):** From H8416, this term refers to laudation, a hymn, or adoration. Renaming the gates "Praise" signifies that every entrance and exit, every public function and aspect of communal life, will be characterized by continuous worship and thanksgiving to God. The very fabric of the city will become a living testimony to God's goodness and a perpetual source of adoration, reflecting the joy and gratitude of a people fully restored and secure in His presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Violence shall no more be heard in thy land,"**: This opening clause declares a radical and absolute end to all forms of injustice, cruelty, and destructive force. "Heard" implies not only the absence of violent acts but also the cessation of rumors, threats, or even the memory of such things within the territory. It signifies a profound peace that permeates the very atmosphere of the land.
* **"wasting nor destruction within thy borders;"**: This expands upon the previous thought, emphasizing the complete eradication of desolation and ruin. "Wasting" (shôd) refers to ravage or plunder, while "destruction" (sheber) signifies a fracture, ruin, or breaking. Together, they paint a picture of comprehensive restoration where the physical and social fabric of the community is entirely free from any form of devastation or ruin, secured within its defined boundaries.
* **"but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation,"**: This marks a dramatic shift from negation to affirmation. The city, personified, will rename its protective structures. "Walls" traditionally symbolize defense and security. By calling them "Salvation," it is declared that the city's ultimate defense and source of deliverance comes directly from God. Human efforts are superseded by divine power, making God Himself the unbreachable safeguard.
* **"and thy gates Praise."**: Following the renaming of the walls, the gates—symbols of access, commerce, and public life—are also renamed. "Praise" signifies that every aspect of public and communal interaction, every entry and exit, will be characterized by adoration and thanksgiving to God. The city's very identity and function will be a perpetual hymn of glorification to the Lord, a testament to His transformative work.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 60:18 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message of radical transformation. The most prominent is **Personification**, where the city of Zion is given the human ability to "call" or name her walls and gates. This imbues the city with agency and a responsive relationship with God, highlighting its active participation in its own transformation. There is a stark **Contrast** presented between the past state of "violence," "wasting," and "destruction" and the future state of "Salvation" and "Praise." This juxtaposition emphasizes the magnitude of God's redemptive work. The renaming of the city's physical structures—walls and gates—into abstract theological concepts like "Salvation" and "Praise" is a form of **Metonymy** or **Symbolism**. The physical structures become symbolic representations of the spiritual reality and character of the restored community: its security is God's salvation, and its public life is an outpouring of praise. Furthermore, the absolute language of "no more be heard" and the complete transformation of identity can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the ultimate and perfect nature of the peace and glory God will establish, transcending any earthly parallel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 60:18 offers a profound theological statement about God's ultimate design for His people and creation. It speaks to a future where divine shalom utterly triumphs over human brokenness and sin. The renaming of the city's defenses and access points signifies that true security and purpose are found solely in God's saving power and that the appropriate response to such deliverance is perpetual worship. This vision transcends a mere physical restoration of Jerusalem, pointing to the eschatological reality of God's eternal kingdom where His presence guarantees perfect peace and prompts unending adoration. It underscores the biblical truth that God is both our ultimate protector and the worthy recipient of all glory.

* [Psalm 46:1-3](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1-3 - God is our refuge and strength") – God is presented as an ever-present help in trouble, a fortress against all earthly turmoil, reinforcing the idea of divine security.
* [Revelation 21:23-27](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23-27 - The New Jerusalem") – This passage describes the New Jerusalem, which has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God gives it light, and its gates will never be shut, for there will be no night there. It explicitly states that "nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful," echoing the complete absence of evil promised in Isaiah.
* [Zechariah 8:3-5](/zechariah/8-3 "Zechariah 8:3-5 - Jerusalem's Restoration") – Zechariah prophesies a time when Jerusalem will again be called the "Holy City," and old men and women will sit in its streets, and boys and girls will play there in safety, reinforcing the theme of peace and security.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 60:18 provides a powerful wellspring of hope and a profound call to reorient our perspectives in a world still marred by violence and destruction. It reminds us that our ultimate security and peace do not reside in human strength, political systems, or material wealth, but in the sovereign, saving power of God. For believers, this verse encourages a deep trust in God as our ultimate protector and deliverer, even amidst present anxieties and global turmoil. It challenges us to live lives that, like the gates of the restored city, are characterized by "Praise"—a continuous outpouring of gratitude and adoration to God for His past faithfulness, present sustenance, and future promises. This means cultivating a heart of worship in every circumstance, allowing our lives to be a testimony to God's goodness and transforming power. Furthermore, it inspires us to actively participate in God's redemptive work, striving to be agents of peace and healing in our communities, anticipating the day when His kingdom fully breaks forth and all violence is eradicated.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently seek security and protection outside of God?**
* **How can you intentionally cultivate a spirit of "Praise" in your daily life, even when facing challenges or uncertainties?**
* **What practical steps can you take to be an agent of peace and reconciliation in your sphere of influence, reflecting the future reality described in this verse?**
* **How does the promise of "no more violence" shape your understanding of God's ultimate plan for humanity and creation?**

### FAQ

**Is the prophecy in Isaiah 60:18 primarily about a literal city of Jerusalem, or does it have a broader spiritual meaning?**

Answer: While the immediate context of Isaiah 60 addresses the physical city of Jerusalem (Zion) and its restoration after exile, biblical prophecy often operates on multiple levels of fulfillment. This verse certainly speaks to a literal, future restoration and glorification of Jerusalem, perhaps in a millennial kingdom or the new heavens and new earth. However, its profound spiritual implications extend to the Church, the spiritual Israel, and the ultimate, eternal dwelling place of God with His people. The transformation of walls into "Salvation" and gates into "Praise" speaks to a spiritual reality where God Himself is the ultimate defense and the very essence of His people's existence is worship. Therefore, it has both a literal, future fulfillment for Jerusalem and a broader spiritual application to God's people throughout history, culminating in the New Jerusalem ([Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Jerusalem")) where God's presence guarantees perfect peace and unending praise.

**How can we apply the promise of "no more violence" when we still experience violence and destruction in the world today?**

Answer: Isaiah 60:18 offers a future hope that transcends our current reality, serving as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate victory over evil. While we live in a fallen world where violence persists, this prophecy encourages us to hold fast to the promise of a coming age when God will fully establish His kingdom and eradicate all forms of evil. For believers, it means trusting in God's sovereignty even amidst chaos, striving to be instruments of peace and justice in the present, and living with an eschatological hope that informs our daily actions. It calls us to pray for God's kingdom to come, to work for reconciliation, and to find our ultimate security in Christ, who has already overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")). The "no more violence" is a divine guarantee for the ultimate, perfected state, which we anticipate and work towards now.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 60:18 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the kingdom He inaugurated. The promise of "Salvation" as the very walls of God's people is embodied in Christ, who is our ultimate fortress and the source of our deliverance. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), providing a salvation that is comprehensive and eternal, far surpassing any physical wall. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ has conquered the forces of "wasting nor destruction," disarming the powers of darkness and establishing a new covenant of peace ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")). Furthermore, the "gates" becoming "Praise" points to the Church, the spiritual Zion, built upon Christ as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone")). As believers, we are citizens of a heavenly Jerusalem ([Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")), and our lives, our very entrance into God's presence, are to be characterized by continuous praise and worship to Him who has delivered us from the dominion of darkness into His marvelous light ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race")). The vision of a world free from violence and filled with praise is ultimately realized in the New Heavens and New Earth, where Christ reigns supreme and God dwells among His people, wiping away every tear ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with Humanity")).

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 26:1

¶ In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will [God] appoint [for] walls and bulwarks.

Isaiah 11:9

They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

Zechariah 9:8

And I will encamp about mine house because of the army, because of him that passeth by, and because of him that returneth: and no oppressor shall pass through them any more: for now have I seen with mine eyes.

Psalms 72:3

The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.

Psalms 72:7

In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.

Revelation 19:1

¶ And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

Revelation 19:6

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.