Isaiah 60:22

KJV

A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time.

KJV (with Strong's)

A little one {H6996} shall become a thousand {H505}, and a small one {H6810} a strong {H6099} nation {H1471}: I the LORD {H3068} will hasten {H2363} it in his time {H6256}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The smallest will grow to a thousand, the weakest will become a mighty nation. I, ADONAI, when the right time comes, will quickly bring it about."

Berean Standard Bible

The least of you will become a thousand, and the smallest a mighty nation. I am the LORD; in its time I will accomplish it quickly.

American Standard Version

The little one shall become a thousand, and the small one a strong nation; I, Jehovah, will hasten it in its time.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 60:22 serves as a climactic declaration within a chapter brimming with prophecies of Zion's future glory, offering a profound promise of accelerated divine growth and fulfillment. It assures that what begins in humble or seemingly insignificant measure will be supernaturally multiplied and transformed into something vast and powerful, all brought to pass by the sovereign and timely intervention of the LORD Himself. This verse encapsulates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, guaranteeing a glorious and rapid expansion for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 60-62 forms a distinct section within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-66), focusing on the glorious restoration of Jerusalem/Zion after the Babylonian exile. Chapter 60 specifically opens with a call for Zion to "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee" (/isaiah/60-1 "Isaiah 60:1 - Arise, Shine, for Your Light Has Come"). It then vividly describes a future where nations stream to Jerusalem, bringing their wealth and peoples, and where the city's gates remain open continually to receive them. The chapter details a reversal of fortune, where former oppressors serve Zion, and God's people experience unprecedented peace, prosperity, and divine favor. Verse 22 acts as the powerful conclusion to this vision, emphasizing the miraculous scale and divine agency behind this promised transformation, transitioning into the personal anointing of the prophet in [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord GOD is Upon Me").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah 40-66 were primarily addressed to the Jewish exiles in Babylon and those who would return to a desolated Jerusalem. They faced immense discouragement, a diminished population, and a sense of abandonment. The once-glorious city lay in ruins, and their national identity was severely threatened. In this context, promises of restoration, numerical increase, and national strength were incredibly potent and vital for their hope and perseverance. The concept of a "nation" (gôwy) was deeply tied to their identity as God's chosen people, distinct from the surrounding pagan nations. The idea of God "hastening" events would have resonated with a people longing for the swift fulfillment of divine promises, yet also familiar with God's perfect timing, as seen in the long history of covenant fulfillment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Restoration and Transformation**, where God takes a desolate and scattered people and rebuilds them into a glorious and influential entity. It underscores God's **Sovereignty over History and Time**, asserting that He is not bound by human limitations or timelines but will bring His purposes to pass with decisive action "in his time." The promise of exponential growth from "a little one" to "a thousand" and "a small one" to "a strong nation" highlights the theme of **Supernatural Multiplication**, demonstrating God's ability to achieve vast outcomes from humble beginnings, a concept echoed in [Zechariah 4:10](/zechariah/4-10 "Zechariah 4:10 - Do Not Despise Small Beginnings"). Finally, it reinforces the theme of **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**, assuring His people that His word will not return void but will accomplish its intended purpose, as declared in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **qâṭân (Hebrew, _qâṭân'_):** This word, translated "little one," signifies something "abbreviated, i.e. diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)." In this context, it emphasizes the humble, perhaps even insignificant, starting point of the people or their resources. It highlights the vast disparity between their current state and their future glory, underscoring the miraculous nature of God's intervention.
* **gôwy (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** Translated "nation," this term refers to "a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts." While often used for non-Israelite peoples, here it is applied to Israel's future, signifying their transformation from a scattered remnant into a unified, powerful, and recognized national entity, akin to the great nations of the world, but under God's dominion.
* **chûwsh (Hebrew, _chûwsh'_):** This primitive root means "to hurry; figuratively, to be eager with excitement or enjoyment; (make) haste(-n), ready." When the LORD declares, "I... will hasten it," it does not imply a panicked rush or a need to catch up. Rather, it conveys divine intentionality and decisive speed. At His appointed time, God will act with such swiftness and power that the fulfillment of His promise will appear to be accelerated beyond natural expectation, demonstrating His sovereign control over time itself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A little one shall become a thousand,"**: This clause presents a radical transformation from numerical insignificance to immense multitude. "A little one" (qâṭân) speaks to the small, perhaps disheartened, remnant of Israel. The promise is not merely of growth but of exponential, almost unimaginable, multiplication, where a single unit or a small group expands to a "thousand" (ʼeleph), symbolizing vast numbers and influence.
* **"and a small one a strong nation:"**: This parallel clause reinforces the theme of miraculous increase, extending it from mere numbers to national power and identity. "A small one" (tsâʻîyr), similar to "little one," emphasizes the humble origin. This small group is destined to become a "strong" (ʻâtsûwm), meaning powerful or mighty, "nation" (gôwy). This signifies not only demographic growth but also the acquisition of political, spiritual, and perhaps even military strength, establishing them as a significant and respected entity on the world stage.
* **"I the LORD will hasten it in his time."**: This concluding declaration is the theological anchor of the verse, attributing the miraculous transformation entirely to God's sovereign will and action. "I the LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh) emphasizes the covenant-keeping, self-existent God as the active agent. The promise to "hasten" (chûwsh) it assures that this grand vision will not be endlessly delayed but will be brought to pass with divine speed and decisiveness, precisely "in his time" (ʻêth) – God's perfect, appointed moment, not according to human impatience or expectation.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 60:22 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of hope and divine action. **Hyperbole** is evident in the dramatic numerical increase from "a little one" to "a thousand" and "a small one" to "a strong nation." This exaggeration emphasizes the supernatural scale of the promised growth, far beyond natural capabilities, highlighting God's boundless power. **Parallelism** is also central, with the two initial clauses ("A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation") mirroring each other in structure and reinforcing the core message of exponential increase. This creates a rhythmic and memorable declaration. Furthermore, the verse concludes with an emphatic **Divine Fiat** or **Divine Promise**, where God Himself declares His direct involvement and sovereign control over the timing and execution of this prophecy ("I the LORD will hasten it in his time"). This direct declaration by YHWH provides ultimate assurance and underscores the certainty of the prophecy's fulfillment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 60:22 is a profound testament to God's transformative power and His faithfulness to His covenant people. It reassures that even from the most humble or desolate beginnings, God can bring forth immense glory and strength. This promise extends beyond ancient Israel, illustrating a universal principle of divine multiplication where God's purposes, though starting small, will inevitably expand to encompass vast numbers and influence. It speaks to the eschatological hope of God's kingdom, which begins as a mustard seed but grows into a great tree, accommodating all. The emphasis on God's "hastening" in "his time" underscores His sovereignty over all history, assuring believers that His plans are never delayed or frustrated, but unfold according to His perfect wisdom and timing.

* [Zechariah 4:10](/zechariah/4-10 "Zechariah 4:10 - Do Not Despise Small Beginnings")
* [Habakkuk 2:3](/habakkuk/2-3 "Habakkuk 2:3 - The Vision Awaits Its Appointed Time")
* [Matthew 13:31-32](/matthew/13-31 "Matthew 13:31-32 - The Parable of the Mustard Seed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 60:22 offers profound encouragement for individuals and communities today, reminding us that God is not limited by our current circumstances or perceived insignificance. It challenges us to embrace humble beginnings and seemingly small efforts, knowing that God delights in taking what is little and multiplying it for His glory. This verse calls for a deep trust in God's perfect timing, urging patience and perseverance when the fulfillment of promises seems distant. It counters the human tendency towards impatience and the desire for immediate gratification, assuring us that God's "hastening" is not a rush but a divinely orchestrated acceleration at the opportune moment. Ultimately, it strengthens our faith in God's unwavering faithfulness, empowering us to participate in His work, confident that what He has promised, He will surely bring to pass with power and precision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "small beginnings" in your life or ministry are you currently despising or underestimating, and how might this verse encourage you to see them differently?**
* **In what areas of your life are you struggling with impatience, and how can trusting God's promise to "hasten it in his time" bring you peace and renewed faith?**
* **How does the promise of God's supernatural multiplication challenge your understanding of what is humanly possible versus divinely ordained?**

### FAQ

**Does "hasten" in this verse mean God is rushing or behind schedule?**

Answer: No, the Hebrew word for "hasten" (chûwsh) does not imply that God is rushing or that His plans are behind schedule. Instead, it signifies that at His appointed time, God will act with decisive speed and power to bring about the fulfillment of His promises. It speaks to the certainty and swiftness of His action when His perfect timing arrives, ensuring that nothing will hinder the realization of His vision. It's a declaration of divine efficiency and sovereignty, not a sign of divine panic. This concept aligns with other scriptures that speak of God's perfect timing, such as [Ecclesiastes 3:1](/ecclesiastes/3-1 "Ecclesiastes 3:1 - A Time for Everything").

**How does this prophecy of a "strong nation" apply to believers today, given that the church is not a political nation?**

Answer: While the immediate context of Isaiah 60:22 speaks to the literal restoration of Israel as a nation, its spiritual principles extend powerfully to the New Testament church. The "little one" becoming "a thousand" and "a small one" becoming "a strong nation" can be understood metaphorically as the growth of God's spiritual kingdom. The early church started as a small group of disciples, yet through the power of the Holy Spirit, it grew exponentially into a global movement, a "holy nation" and "peculiar people" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood, a Holy Nation")). This verse assures us that God continues to multiply His spiritual family, empowering His people to be a strong, influential force for His purposes in the world, even from seemingly humble origins.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 60:22 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His kingdom. The "little one" that becomes "a thousand" and "a strong nation" points beyond a mere physical restoration of Israel to the spiritual expansion of God's people through Christ. Jesus began His ministry with a small band of disciples, seemingly insignificant in the vast Roman Empire. Yet, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, He laid the foundation for a spiritual "nation" composed of believers from every tribe and tongue ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed by Your Blood")). The promise, "I the LORD will hasten it in his time," perfectly describes the divine acceleration seen in the spread of the gospel after Pentecost, where thousands were added to the church in a single day ([Acts 2:41](/acts/2-41 "Acts 2:41 - About Three Thousand Souls Were Added")). Christ's kingdom, though inaugurated humbly, is destined to fill the whole earth ([Daniel 2:35](/daniel/2-35 "Daniel 2:35 - The Stone Becomes a Great Mountain")), demonstrating God's sovereign power to bring forth vast spiritual fruit from the seemingly small and despised beginnings of the cross. Jesus Himself is the "small one" (in human estimation) who became the "strong nation"—the head of a multitude that no one can number ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "A Great Multitude from Every Nation"))

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

Habakkuk 2:3

For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Hebrews 10:36

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

Luke 18:7

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

Matthew 13:31

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:

Matthew 13:32

Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

Isaiah 66:8

Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? [or] shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.

2 Peter 3:8

¶ But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day [is] with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.