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.

But ye shall be named {H7121} the Priests {H3548} of the LORD {H3068}: men shall call {H559} you the Ministers {H8334} of our God {H430}: ye shall eat {H398} the riches {H2428} of the Gentiles {H1471}, and in their glory {H3519} shall ye boast {H3235} yourselves.

but you will be called cohanim of ADONAI, spoken of as ministers to our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and revel in their riches.

But you will be called the priests of the LORD; they will speak of you as ministers of our God; you will feed on the wealth of nations, and you will boast in their riches.

But ye shall be named the priests of Jehovah; men shall call you the ministers of our God: ye shall eat the wealth of the nations, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.

Commentary on Isaiah 61:6 (KJV)

Isaiah 61:6 is a prophetic declaration that paints a vivid picture of the future glory and role of God's people, following the powerful anointing and mission of the Messiah described at the beginning of the chapter. This verse offers profound insights into divine identity, provision, and the reversal of fortunes for those who serve the Lord.

Context

This verse is situated within the "Book of Comfort" in Isaiah (chapters 40-66), which offers messages of hope, restoration, and ultimate salvation for Israel after periods of exile and suffering. Specifically, Isaiah 61 opens with the Messiah's anointing by the Spirit of the Lord to bring good tidings to the meek, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to captives – a passage famously quoted by Jesus in Luke 4:18-19 to describe His own ministry. Verse 6 then describes the glorious outcome for God's chosen people, contrasting sharply with their previous shame and confusion mentioned in Isaiah 61:7.

Key Themes

  • Divine Identity and Calling: The declaration, "But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: [men] shall call you the Ministers of our God," signifies a profound change in status and purpose. Historically, only a select group within Israel (the Levites and Aaronic priests) held such a role. This prophecy extends that priestly and ministerial identity to the entire community of God's people. It echoes the original calling of Israel to be a "kingdom of priests" in Exodus 19:6 and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, where all believers are called a "royal priesthood" in 1 Peter 2:9 and are made "kings and priests unto God" by Christ in Revelation 1:6. This identity implies a role of intercession, worship, and service to God and humanity.
  • Abundant Provision and Honor: The second part of the verse, "ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves," speaks of a dramatic reversal of fortunes. It doesn't imply plundering, but rather that the wealth, resources, and influence of the nations (Gentiles) will be willingly brought to and used for the benefit of God's people and His kingdom purposes. This is consistent with other prophecies in Isaiah, such as Isaiah 60:3-11, where nations come to Zion, bringing their gold and incense. This signifies divine provision and an honorable position, where those who once oppressed may now contribute to God's work through His people. The phrase "boast yourselves" refers not to sinful pride, but a rightful sense of honor, vindication, and glory in what God has accomplished for them, demonstrating His faithfulness and power.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used are significant: "Priests of the LORD" (כֹּהֲנֵי יְהוָה, kohanei Yahweh) emphasizes a consecrated, set-apart role for divine service, involving mediation and worship. "Ministers of our God" (מְשָׁרְתֵי אֱלֹהֵינוּ, mesharthei Eloheinu) highlights active service and attendance, often used for those who serve in the temple or attend royalty. Both terms denote a position of honor and direct access to God. The "riches of the Gentiles" uses the word חֵיל (cheil), which can mean wealth, substance, strength, or even an army, indicating comprehensive resources. The verb for "boast yourselves" (תִּתְיַמָּרוּ, tit'yammaru) carries a connotation of showing oneself glorious or exalted, but in this context, it is a boasting in the Lord and His provision, not in human achievement.

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 61:6 offers immense encouragement and clarity regarding our spiritual identity and destiny. We are called to be a people set apart for God's service, ministering to Him through worship and prayer, and to others through acts of love and proclamation of the Gospel. This verse assures us that God provides for His calling; He will equip and sustain those He commissions. It also points to a future hope where the resources and influence of the world will ultimately serve God's kingdom, and His people will be honored and vindicated, not by their own might, but by His glorious hand.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Exodus 19:6

    And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These [are] the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

  • 1 Peter 2:5

    Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

  • Isaiah 60:5

    Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.

  • Isaiah 60:7

    All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory.

  • 1 Peter 2:9

    But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

  • Isaiah 66:21

    And I will also take of them for priests [and] for Levites, saith the LORD.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:23

    Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I [am] more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

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