Isaiah 60:4

KJV

Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at [thy] side.

KJV (with Strong's)

Lift up {H5375} thine eyes {H5869} round about {H5439}, and see {H7200}: all they gather themselves together {H6908}, they come {H935} to thee: thy sons {H1121} shall come {H935} from far {H7350}, and thy daughters {H1323} shall be nursed {H539} at thy side {H6654}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Raise your eyes and look around: they are all assembling and coming to you; your sons are coming from far off, your daughters being carried on their nurses' hips.

Berean Standard Bible

Lift up your eyes and look around: They all gather and come to you; your sons will come from afar, and your daughters will be carried on the arm.

American Standard Version

Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: they all gather themselves together, they come to thee; thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be carried in the arms.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 60:4 is a magnificent prophetic declaration, envisioning the glorious future and spiritual restoration of Zion (Jerusalem). It portrays a dramatic, divinely orchestrated ingathering of God's scattered people, emphasizing His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His tender, nurturing care for those He calls home. This verse serves as a powerful testament to God's ultimate plan for His chosen city and His beloved children, promising a comprehensive return and compassionate reception.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 60:4 is situated within the "Book of Consolation" (chapters 40-66) in the latter half of Isaiah, a section brimming with messages of hope and restoration following pronouncements of judgment and exile. Chapter 60 itself is a pivotal passage, often titled "Zion's Glory" or the "Chapter of Light," marking a dramatic shift from themes of darkness and affliction to a resplendent vision of Jerusalem's future. The chapter opens with a divine imperative 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 - Jerusalem's Call to Arise and Shine")" (Isaiah 60:1), setting the stage for a period of unparalleled divine favor. Verse 4 directly continues this theme, illustrating *how* Zion's light and glory will manifest tangibly—through the miraculous return and vast assembly of her children, drawn back by the very glory that has risen upon her. It transitions from the general promise of divine illumination to the specific, heartwarming evidence of God's restorative work in reuniting families and communities.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy speaks to a people who have experienced, or are about to experience, the profound trauma of exile and dispersion, particularly the Babylonian captivity. During this period, the Jewish people were forcibly removed from their homeland and scattered across foreign lands, leading to a deep yearning for return to Jerusalem, which was central to their national, religious, and cultural identity. Culturally, the family unit, especially the continuation of lineage through sons and daughters, was paramount for identity, inheritance, and the perpetuation of the covenant. The imagery of children returning "from far" and being "nursed at thy side" would have resonated deeply with a people yearning for reunification, safety, and the re-establishment of their community and heritage. It evokes the tender, protective care of a mother for her vulnerable offspring, serving as a powerful metaphor for God's compassionate restoration of His people to their spiritual home, a theme echoed in passages promising return from exile like [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10-14 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Promises of Restoration from Exile").
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 60:4 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative**, as God is the one commanding Zion to "Lift up thine eyes" and orchestrating the gathering. It is not a human effort but a divinely initiated and sustained act of redemption. Secondly, the theme of **Restoration and Homecoming** is central; the scattered diaspora, represented by "sons" and "daughters," are brought back to their spiritual mother, Zion. This is a profound fulfillment of God's covenant promises to gather His people from all corners of the earth, as seen in prophetic declarations like [Isaiah 43:5-6](/isaiah/43-5-6 "Isaiah 43:5-6 - God Gathers His People from East and West") and [Jeremiah 31:8-9](/jeremiah/31-8-9 "Jeremiah 31:8-9 - The Return of the Remnant"). Thirdly, the imagery of "nursed at thy side" highlights **Tender Care and Nurturing**, emphasizing God's compassionate provision and protection for His people, particularly the vulnerable. This speaks to a holistic restoration that includes not just physical return but spiritual and emotional healing, ensuring a safe and [peaceful environment](/psalms/23-2 "Psalm 23:2 - Green Pastures and Still Waters"). Finally, the verse contributes to the overarching theme of **Zion's Future Glory**, portraying Jerusalem as a radiant center to which all God's children are drawn, reflecting the light and glory of the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lift up (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** From H5375, this primitive root signifies "to lift" in a great variety of applications, both literal and figurative. It implies raising, bearing, exalting, or taking up. In this context, it is an imperative command for Zion to elevate her gaze, to perceive and acknowledge a profound divine work unfolding before her eyes, suggesting an active, intentional observation of God's redemptive plan. It is a call to shift focus from current desolation to future glory.
* **gather themselves together (Hebrew, _qâbats'_):** From H6908, this root means "to grasp" or "collect." It denotes a purposeful assembly or bringing together. Here, it emphasizes the unified, collective movement of God's people, suggesting a divinely orchestrated convergence rather than a haphazard scattering. This gathering is comprehensive ("all they gather themselves together"), indicating the vast scope and miraculous nature of the promised return, an act initiated and sustained by God.
* **nursed (Hebrew, _ʼâman'_):** From H539, this primitive root means "to build up or support," "to foster as a parent or nurse," and figuratively "to render (or be) firm or faithful." While the KJV translates it as "nursed," the underlying Hebrew (specifically the Niphal participle of H539, _'omenotayich_ in the feminine plural, referring to nursing women/foster mothers) carries the profound sense of being supported, cared for, and faithfully sustained. It highlights the tender, protective, and enduring provision offered to the returning daughters, ensuring their well-being, security, and integration into the restored community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lift up thine eyes round about, and see:"** This is a direct, imperative command from God to Zion, personified as a mother. It is an urgent call to observe, to look beyond the immediate circumstances of desolation and perceive the grand, unfolding reality of God's restorative work. It implies a dramatic shift in perspective, from inward despair to outward, hopeful anticipation of divine action and the recognition of a new, glorious era.
* **"all they gather themselves together, they come to thee:"** This clause describes the miraculous event Zion is commanded to witness. "All they" signifies a comprehensive, vast multitude of people, representing the scattered exiles from every corner of the earth. Their action of "gathering themselves together" and "coming to thee" (Zion) underscores a unified, purposeful return, driven by divine impetus, to their spiritual homeland, signifying a complete and universal ingathering.
* **"thy sons shall come from far,"** This specifies a significant portion of the returning multitude: the male descendants. The phrase "from far" emphasizes the wide geographical dispersion of the exiles, highlighting the miraculous nature of their return from distant lands, overcoming great obstacles to reach Zion. It speaks to the global reach of God's redemptive plan.
* **"and thy daughters shall be nursed at [thy] side."** This completes the description of the returning children, focusing on the female descendants. The imagery of "nursed at thy side" is profoundly tender and intimate. It conveys not just their physical return but also the promise of deep care, protection, and nurturing within Zion, symbolizing a secure, loving, and supportive environment for the vulnerable, ensuring their full restoration and well-being.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 60:4 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of hope and restoration. The most prominent is **Personification**, where Zion (Jerusalem) is addressed directly as a mother figure, capable of lifting her eyes, receiving her children, and nurturing her daughters. This makes the prophecy intimately relatable and emotionally resonant, transforming an abstract city into a living entity. The verse also uses **Imperative Mood** ("Lift up," "see"), creating a sense of urgency and direct divine instruction, compelling Zion to actively witness and participate in God's unfolding work. **Imagery** is rich and vivid, particularly the visual imagery of "lifting eyes" and "seeing" the vast multitude, and the tender, familial imagery of "sons" and "daughters" returning and being "nursed at thy side." This evokes strong emotional responses of longing, reunion, comfort, and security. The phrase "all they gather themselves together" uses a form of **Hyperbole** to emphasize the vastness and comprehensiveness of the ingathering, suggesting an overwhelming multitude beyond typical human assembly. Finally, there is an implicit **Parallelism** between the sons returning "from far" and the daughters being "nursed at thy side," highlighting both the distant origins and the tender, intimate reception of all God's children, ensuring that both male and female descendants are included in this glorious restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 60:4 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly His commitment to restore and glorify His people. Theologically, it affirms God's sovereignty over history, demonstrating His ability to gather His scattered flock and bring them to a place of security and flourishing. This prophecy moves beyond a mere physical return from exile to foreshadow the spiritual ingathering of all nations into God's kingdom, where Zion becomes the spiritual mother of a vast, diverse family. It speaks to the eschatological hope of a fully restored and glorified people of God, dwelling in His light and receiving His tender care, a vision that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Covenant and the establishment of the Church as the spiritual Jerusalem.

* [Isaiah 49:22-23](/isaiah/49-22-23 "Isaiah 49:22-23 - Nations Bringing Sons and Daughters")
* [Galatians 4:26](/galatians/4-26 "Galatians 4:26 - Jerusalem Above, Our Mother")
* [Revelation 21:24](/revelation/21-24 "Revelation 21:24 - Nations Walk by Its Light")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 60:4 offers profound encouragement and a call to spiritual vision for believers today. In a world often marked by fragmentation, despair, and a sense of being scattered or lost, this verse reminds us that God is actively at work, gathering His people and bringing them into a place of light, security, and tender care. We are called, like Zion, to "lift up our eyes" from our immediate struggles, anxieties, and the chaos of the world to perceive God's grand redemptive plan unfolding. This means cultivating a posture of faith, trusting that God is continually drawing individuals to Himself and nurturing His Church, even amidst challenges and opposition. The imagery of sons and daughters returning from "far" and being "nursed" speaks powerfully to God's compassionate heart for those who feel distant, vulnerable, or marginalized, promising a true homecoming and a place of belonging. It inspires us to participate in this divine gathering, extending hospitality, care, and spiritual nourishment to others, reflecting God's own welcoming and nurturing nature to all who seek Him and desire to find their place within His family.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or in the world around you do you need to "lift up your eyes" to see God's ongoing work and redemptive purposes, rather than focusing on immediate difficulties or darkness?**
* **How does the imagery of "sons" and "daughters" returning "from far" and being "nursed" speak to your personal experience of God's care, His provision, or your longing for spiritual home and belonging?**
* **How can the Church today embody the nurturing, welcoming, and gathering spirit of Zion, actively drawing in those who are scattered, feel distant from God, or are in need of spiritual care and community?**

### FAQ
**Who is "thee" in this verse, and what does it represent?**

Answer: In Isaiah 60:4, "thee" refers to Zion, which is Jerusalem, but understood in a broader, prophetic sense. While it literally points to the physical city and its historical restoration, it also represents the people of God, the spiritual community, and ultimately, the New Jerusalem. It's personified as a mother figure, awaiting the return of her children. This dual meaning allows the prophecy to encompass both the historical restoration of Israel and the spiritual ingathering of all believers into God's kingdom, as seen in the Church, the spiritual Zion.

**Is this prophecy primarily about a literal physical return, or does it have a deeper spiritual meaning?**

Answer: This prophecy, like many in Isaiah, operates on multiple layers of fulfillment. It certainly had a literal dimension for the Jewish exiles returning from Babylon, promising their physical restoration to Jerusalem. However, its language and imagery transcend a purely historical event, pointing to a much grander, spiritual reality. The "light" and "glory" of Zion, and the ingathering of "all they" from "far," suggest an ultimate, universal fulfillment that includes the spiritual gathering of all nations to Christ and the establishment of His Church, the spiritual Zion. The New Testament often reinterprets Old Testament prophecies through a Christ-centered lens, indicating a spiritual fulfillment beyond the initial historical context, ultimately culminating in the heavenly Jerusalem.

**What is the significance of "thy daughters shall be nursed at [thy] side"?**

Answer: This phrase carries profound significance, emphasizing tender care, protection, and intimate provision. "Nursed" (from the Hebrew root _ʼâman_) suggests fostering, supporting, and providing faithful sustenance, much like a parent or nurse. "At thy side" implies closeness, security, and a place of honor and comfort. For the returning daughters, who might have been particularly vulnerable during exile, this imagery promises complete restoration, safety, and nurturing within the restored community of Zion. Theologically, it speaks to God's compassionate and meticulous care for His people, ensuring their well-being and spiritual nourishment as they are brought into His presence, echoing the pastoral care described in [Psalm 23](/psalms/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd") and the comfort found in God's presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 60:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the establishment of His Church. While initially a promise of restoration for physical Israel, the "light" that dawns upon Zion in [Isaiah 60:1](/isaiah/60-1 "Isaiah 60:1 - Jerusalem's Call to Arise and Shine") is supremely embodied in Christ, who declared, "[I am the light of the world](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")." It is through Him that the true glory of God is revealed, drawing all peoples to Himself. The "gathering" of "sons" and "daughters" from "far" is fulfilled in the Great Commission, where disciples are sent out to make disciples of "[all nations](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")," transcending ethnic and geographical boundaries to bring them into God's spiritual family. Believers, whether Jew or Gentile, are no longer strangers but "[fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")," built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. He is the ultimate Good Shepherd who gathers His sheep, provides for them, and gives them eternal life ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). The tender nurturing promised to the "daughters" is found in Christ's comforting presence and provision for His Church, where He invites all who are weary and burdened to "[come to me, and I will give you rest](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")." Thus, the Church, as the spiritual Zion, becomes the place where God's children are gathered, nurtured, and find their true home in the light of Christ, anticipating the heavenly Jerusalem where all God's redeemed will dwell in His glorious presence ([Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22-24 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")).

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 42:6

I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

Isaiah 49:20

The children which thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the other, shall say again in thine ears, The place [is] too strait for me: give place to me that I may dwell.

Isaiah 49:22

Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in [their] arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon [their] shoulders.

Isaiah 49:18

¶ Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, [and] come to thee. [As] I live, saith the LORD, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them [on thee], as a bride [doeth].

Galatians 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:29

And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Isaiah 43:6

I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;