Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

For unto us a child {H3206} is born {H3205}, unto us a son {H1121} is given {H5414}: and the government {H4951} shall be upon his shoulder {H7926}: and his name {H8034} shall be called {H7121} Wonderful {H6382}, Counsellor {H3289}, The mighty {H1368} God {H410}, The everlasting {H5703} Father {H1}, The Prince {H8269} of Peace {H7965}.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; dominion will rest on his shoulders, and he will be given the name Pele-Yo'etz El Gibbor Avi-'Ad Sar-Shalom [Wonder of a Counselor, Mighty God, Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace],

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Commentary

Context of Isaiah 9:6

Isaiah 9:6 is one of the most celebrated Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament, offering a profound vision of a future deliverer. This prophecy comes during a time of great darkness and distress for the kingdom of Judah. The Assyrian Empire was a looming threat, and the people faced political instability, spiritual apostasy, and military oppression. Earlier in Isaiah 9, the prophet speaks of a time when the "people that walked in darkness have seen a great light" (Isaiah 9:2), setting the stage for the announcement of this miraculous child. This verse provides hope and assurance of God's faithfulness amidst national turmoil, pointing to a future King who would establish lasting peace and justice.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Birth and Kingship: The opening phrase, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given," emphasizes both the humanity and the divine origin of this promised one. He will be born into the human realm, yet his kingship ("the government shall be upon his shoulder") is divinely appointed and of eternal significance. This speaks to the dual nature of the Messiah.
  • The Messiah's Character and Attributes: The five titles ascribed to this child reveal his extraordinary nature and role:
    • Wonderful, Counsellor: These titles often appear together, denoting supernatural wisdom, divine insight, and unparalleled guidance. He is one whose plans are beyond human comprehension and whose counsel is perfect.
    • The mighty God: This is a direct and unequivocal declaration of the Messiah's divinity.
    • The everlasting Father: The Hebrew Abi-Ad means "Father of Eternity" or "Father Forever." This does not mean he is God the Father, but rather that he is the eternal source of care, protection, and guidance for his people, extending compassion and steadfastness through all ages.
    • The Prince of Peace: The Hebrew Sar Shalom signifies that he is not just a bearer of peace, but the very source and embodiment of it. His reign will bring true spiritual, social, and cosmic peace, reconciling humanity with God and establishing a kingdom free from strife and injustice. This peace is far more than the absence of war; it is wholeness and well-being.
  • Hope and Deliverance: In a time of despair, this prophecy offers a beacon of hope, promising a ruler who is capable of delivering his people from oppression and establishing a righteous kingdom. It foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies these titles and fulfilled this prophecy (Luke 2:11).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew titles in Isaiah 9:6 are incredibly rich. Wonderful, Counsellor (ืคึผึถืœึถื ื™ื•ึนืขึตืฅ, Pele Yo'etz) suggests a miraculous strategist. The mighty God (ืึตืœ ื’ึผึดื‘ึผื•ึนืจ, El Gibbor) is a powerful divine name, affirming his deity. The everlasting Father (ืึฒื‘ึดื™ืขึทื“, Abi-Ad) points to his eternal nature and paternal care for his people. And The Prince of Peace (ืฉื‚ึทืจ ืฉืึธืœื•ึนื, Sar Shalom) highlights his role as the bringer of ultimate wholeness and reconciliation, a concept central to the new covenant established through Christ.

Practical Application

Isaiah 9:6 offers profound comfort and assurance to believers today. It reminds us that Jesus Christ is truly God incarnate, holding all authority ("the government shall be upon his shoulder"). When facing uncertainty or turmoil, we can trust in His wisdom as our Wonderful Counsellor, His power as the Mighty God, His eternal care as the Everlasting Father, and His ability to bring deep, abiding peace into our lives and the world as the Prince of Peace. This verse encourages us to look to Him for guidance, strength, and the ultimate promise of a kingdom where righteousness and peace prevail (Romans 14:17).

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 2:11 (152 votes)

    For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

  • Matthew 28:18 (100 votes)

    And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

  • Jeremiah 23:5 (95 votes)

    Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

  • Jeremiah 23:6 (95 votes)

    In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this [is] his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

  • Isaiah 7:14 (80 votes)

    Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

  • Matthew 1:23 (70 votes)

    Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

  • Revelation 19:16 (58 votes)

    And he hath on [his] vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.