Isaiah 66:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

That ye may suck {H3243}, and be satisfied {H7646} with the breasts {H7699} of her consolations {H8575}; that ye may milk out {H4711}, and be delighted {H6026} with the abundance {H2123} of her glory {H3519}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that you nurse and are satisfied by her comforting breast, drinking deeply and delighting in the overflow of her glory.

Berean Standard Bible

so that you may nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you may drink deeply and delight yourselves in her glorious abundance.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 66:11 paints a vivid picture of the profound and abundant comfort, satisfaction, and delight that God's people will experience, symbolized by the restored Jerusalem. Through tender maternal imagery, the verse promises complete spiritual nourishment and overflowing joy, portraying God's intimate and lavish provision for those who rejoice in His redemptive work and glorious presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded in the concluding chapters of the book of Isaiah, specifically within chapter 66, which serves as a grand finale to the prophet's sweeping messages of judgment, restoration, and eschatological hope. Chapters 65 and 66 are particularly focused on the establishment of a "new heavens and a new earth" as described in [Isaiah 65:17](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - New Heavens and New Earth"), portraying a radical transformation and the culmination of God's redemptive plan. Preceding Isaiah 66:11, verse 10 explicitly calls for rejoicing with Jerusalem, setting the stage for the profound nourishment and delight promised. The passage speaks to a future time when God's favor, like a river of peace and glory, will be poured out in full measure upon His faithful remnant and those who gather to Zion. This imagery of abundant blessing follows prophecies of God's judgment on the unfaithful and His vindication of the righteous, underscoring the contrast between divine wrath and divine comfort.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written likely in the post-exilic period, or looking forward to it, Isaiah 66 speaks to a community grappling with the realities of return from exile, the rebuilding of Jerusalem, and the longing for God's full restoration. The historical context is one of hope amidst lingering challenges, where the promises of God's presence and provision were paramount. Culturally, the image of a mother nursing her child was universally understood as the ultimate symbol of intimate care, complete nourishment, and profound comfort. In a society where physical sustenance was often precarious, the promise of being "satisfied with the breasts" would evoke a deep sense of security and well-being. Jerusalem, as the spiritual and political heart of Israel, was seen as the embodiment of God's covenant promises, and its restoration was synonymous with the restoration of the people's relationship with God and their experience of His blessings.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive in Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Divine Nourishment and Consolation** is paramount; the imagery of "sucking" and being "satisfied with the breasts of her consolations" conveys God's intimate, complete, and tender provision of comfort and spiritual sustenance. Just as a child is fully nourished and soothed by a mother, God's people will find ultimate fulfillment and peace in His presence and promises, reflecting the character of the "[God of all comfort](/2_corinthians/1-3 "2 Corinthians 1:3 - God of All Comfort")". Secondly, the theme of **Abundant Glory and Delight** is emphasized by the phrase "milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory." "Her glory" refers to the magnificent presence and blessings of God manifested through Jerusalem, which will be so rich and plentiful that it brings profound delight and satisfaction to all who partake. This speaks to an overflowing, rather than merely sufficient, provision. Thirdly, the striking **Maternal Metaphor for God's Care** underscores God's gentle, nurturing, and unwavering love for His people, assuring them of complete care and provision, much like a mother's bond with her child, a theme also seen in [Isaiah 49:15](/isaiah/49-15 "Isaiah 49:15 - Can a Mother Forget Her Child?").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **suck (Hebrew, _yânaq'_):** This primitive root signifies the act of drawing nourishment directly from a source, typically a mother's breast. In this context, it emphasizes the direct, intimate, and natural way in which God's people will receive comfort and sustenance. It implies a complete and satisfying intake, essential for growth and well-being, much like a nursing infant.
* **satisfied (Hebrew, _sâbaʻ'_):** Meaning to be sated or filled to satisfaction, whether literally or figuratively. This word conveys a sense of complete fulfillment, leaving no room for want or hunger. It speaks to an abundance that not only meets but exceeds all needs, bringing deep contentment and peace.
* **consolations (Hebrew, _tanchûwm'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to comfort" or "to repent," this term refers to compassion, solace, and comfort. It speaks of a profound soothing of distress, a restoration of peace, and a sense of being upheld and cared for in times of sorrow or hardship. Here, it is the very essence of the "breasts" from which nourishment is drawn.
* **delighted (Hebrew, _ʻânag'_):** This root implies being soft, pliable, or (figuratively) luxurious. It describes experiencing intense pleasure, joy, and luxury. To be "delighted" suggests an experience that is not merely satisfying but exquisitely pleasurable, a profound joy that comes from the overflowing abundance of God's glory.
* **glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** Properly meaning "weight," this word is used figuratively in a good sense to denote splendor, copiousness, honor, or reputation. In the context of God or His dwelling place, it refers to His manifest presence, His majesty, His inherent worth, and the visible display of His power and goodness. The "abundance of her glory" signifies an overwhelming display of divine splendor and blessing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations;"**: This opening clause establishes the core imagery of intimate nourishment. The act of "sucking" implies a direct, personal drawing from a source, while "satisfied" denotes complete fulfillment. The source is identified as "the breasts of her consolations," where "her" refers to Jerusalem/Zion, representing God's nurturing presence and provision for His people. "Consolations" are the very essence of this spiritual milk, providing comfort, solace, and deep peace. It speaks to an inner contentment that comes from God's tender care.
* **"that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory."**: This second clause parallels and amplifies the first, shifting from passive reception ("suck") to active extraction ("milk out"), suggesting a full, unreserved participation in the blessings. The outcome is not just satisfaction but being "delighted," indicating a profound joy and pleasure. The source of this delight is "the abundance of her glory," where "her glory" again points to the manifest splendor and majesty of God, embodied in the restored Jerusalem. The "abundance" underscores the overflowing, inexhaustible nature of these divine blessings, promising not just enough, but an overwhelming surplus of joy and honor.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 66:11 is rich with literary artistry, most notably **Maternal Imagery** and **Metaphor**. The entire verse functions as an extended metaphor, comparing the spiritual nourishment and comfort God provides to a child being nursed by its mother. The "breasts of her consolations" and "abundance of her glory" are vivid metaphorical expressions for the inexhaustible source of divine comfort and blessing emanating from God's presence in Zion. This imagery evokes tenderness, intimacy, and complete provision. Furthermore, there is clear **Parallelism** between the two clauses: "suck, and be satisfied" is paralleled by "milk out, and be delighted," and "breasts of her consolations" by "abundance of her glory." This structural repetition emphasizes and intensifies the promised blessings. The use of "satisfied" and "delighted" along with "abundance" also suggests a degree of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the overflowing, superabundant nature of God's provision, which far exceeds mere sufficiency and leads to profound joy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully encapsulates the profound theological truth of God's intimate and abundant care for His people, particularly in the context of His redemptive work and the establishment of His kingdom. It portrays God as the ultimate source of comfort and satisfaction, likening His provision to the tender, life-giving nourishment of a mother. This imagery underscores the depth of His compassion and the completeness of the spiritual sustenance He offers, which extends beyond basic needs to overflowing joy and delight. The "consolations" speak to God's active presence in soothing sorrow and bringing peace, while "glory" points to the radiant manifestation of His character and power, which brings profound joy to those who experience it. The verse anticipates a future where God's people will fully partake in the blessings of His restored presence, finding their ultimate fulfillment in Him.

* [Psalm 36:8](/psalms/36-8 "Psalm 36:8 - Drink from the River of God's Delights"): "They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights."
* [2 Corinthians 1:3-4](/2_corinthians/1-3 "2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - God of All Comfort"): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction..."
* [Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People"): "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 66:11 invites us to deeply consider where we seek our ultimate satisfaction and comfort. In a world often characterized by fleeting pleasures, anxieties, and unfulfilled longings, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that true and lasting fulfillment is found not in worldly pursuits, but in drawing intimately from God's inexhaustible wellspring of grace. The maternal imagery encourages us to approach God with the trust and dependence of a child, knowing that He desires to lavish His "consolations" and "glory" upon us. This means actively seeking His presence through prayer, meditating on His Word, and participating in the life of His community. When we do so, we are promised not just relief from distress, but an overflowing delight that transcends circumstances. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of joyful expectation, trusting that God's provision for our spiritual and emotional needs is complete, abundant, and utterly satisfying, leading us to a deeper appreciation of His tender, nurturing heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the maternal imagery in this verse reveal about God's character and His desire for His people?**
* **In what ways do you currently seek comfort and satisfaction? How might you more intentionally "suck" from the "breasts of God's consolations" in your daily life?**
* **How does the promise of being "delighted with the abundance of her glory" shape your understanding of future hope and present joy?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "milk out" more fully from God's abundant glory and experience His overflowing delight?**

### FAQ
**Who is "her" in Isaiah 66:11, and why is this imagery used?**
Answer: In Isaiah 66:11, "her" refers to Jerusalem, or more broadly, Zion. This is clear from the preceding verse, [Isaiah 66:10](/isaiah/66-10 "Isaiah 66:10 - Rejoice with Jerusalem"), which calls for rejoicing with Jerusalem. Jerusalem, in this prophetic context, symbolizes not just a physical city but the spiritual dwelling place of God, the community of His redeemed people, and the center of His future kingdom. The imagery of Jerusalem as a nurturing mother is a powerful metaphor for God's tender, intimate, and life-giving care for His people. Just as a mother provides complete nourishment and comfort to her child, so God, through His restored presence in Zion, will abundantly provide for His faithful ones, bringing them deep satisfaction and delight. This maternal metaphor emphasizes the personal, compassionate, and unwavering nature of God's love and provision.

**What is the significance of the terms "consolations" and "glory" in this verse?**
Answer: The terms "consolations" and "glory" are central to understanding the depth of God's promised blessings. "Consolations" (Hebrew: _tanchûwm_) refers to profound comfort, solace, and compassion. It speaks to God's active work in alleviating sorrow, bringing peace, and soothing the distressed heart. It's the spiritual nourishment that heals and restores. "Glory" (Hebrew: _kâbôwd_), on the other hand, signifies God's manifest presence, His splendor, majesty, and inherent worth. It's the visible display of His power, goodness, and honor. The "abundance of her glory" implies an overwhelming, overflowing manifestation of God's presence and blessings that brings immense joy and delight. Together, "consolations" and "glory" describe a holistic provision from God that meets both the deepest emotional and spiritual needs, leading to complete satisfaction and exuberant joy in His presence. This divine provision is inexhaustible, like the "river of delights" mentioned in [Psalm 36:8](/psalms/36-8 "Psalm 36:8 - River of Delights").

**How does this Old Testament prophecy find its fulfillment in the New Testament?**
Answer: Isaiah 66:11, like many Old Testament prophecies, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His Church, which is the spiritual Zion. The "consolations" promised here are fully realized in Christ, who is the "[God of all comfort](/2_corinthians/1-3 "2 Corinthians 1:3 - God of All Comfort")" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) and through the Holy Spirit, the "[Comforter](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Comforter")" (John 14:26). Believers are invited to draw deeply from the inexhaustible source of grace and peace found in Christ, who offers "[living water](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus, the Living Water")" that satisfies forever (John 4:14). The "abundance of her glory" is fulfilled in the glory of God revealed in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6) and in the Church, which is called to reflect His glory (Ephesians 3:21). The New Testament portrays the Church as the "Jerusalem above" (Galatians 4:26) and the "holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband" (Revelation 21:2), where God's presence fully dwells among His people, wiping away every tear and providing eternal comfort and delight (Revelation 21:3-4). Thus, the spiritual nourishment and abundant joy promised in Isaiah 66:11 are experienced by all who are united with Christ and are part of His body, the Church.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 66:11, with its tender imagery of drawing deep satisfaction and delight from the consolations and glory of Jerusalem, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the new covenant He established. While the prophet initially points to a restored physical Jerusalem as the source of comfort, the New Testament reveals that the true, spiritual Jerusalem is found in Christ and His Church. Jesus Himself is the ultimate source of all "consolations," for He is the "[God of all comfort](/2_corinthians/1-3 "2 Corinthians 1:3 - God of All Comfort")" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), who entered into human suffering to provide eternal solace. Through His atoning work on the cross, He offers a peace that "[surpasses all understanding](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")" (Philippians 4:7) and a spiritual nourishment that truly satisfies the soul, unlike the fleeting provisions of the world (John 6:35). The "abundance of her glory" is fully manifested in the person of Christ, who is the "[radiance of God's glory](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")" (Hebrews 1:3) and in whom "all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" (Colossians 2:9). Believers are invited to "milk out" and be delighted with this glory as they gaze upon Him by faith, being transformed "[from glory to glory](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - From Glory to Glory")" by the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18). The Church, as the spiritual Zion and the body of Christ, becomes the living embodiment of this promise, a community where believers collectively draw from the inexhaustible wellspring of Christ's grace, finding comfort in His presence and delight in His glorious truth, eagerly awaiting the full realization of the "[new heavens and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - New Heavens and New Earth")" where God will dwell with His people in eternal glory (Revelation 21:1-4).

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 60:16

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.

Joel 3:18

¶ And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim.

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.

Psalms 36:8

They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.

1 Peter 2:2

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: