Isaiah 9:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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],

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 9:6 stands as a monumental Messianic prophecy, foretelling the birth of a unique child who will bear the weight of divine government and embody a multifaceted character. This verse, delivered during a period of profound national distress for Judah, offers a beacon of hope, promising a future king whose attributes—Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace—reveal His supernatural wisdom, divine power, eternal care, and ultimate capacity to establish a kingdom of perfect justice and enduring peace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 9:6 is situated within a broader prophetic oracle (Isaiah 9:1-7) that begins by contrasting the darkness and gloom of the Assyrian invasion with a future glorious light. The preceding verses (Isaiah 9:1-5) describe the oppressive yoke being broken and the implements of war being consumed by fire, setting the stage for the announcement of the deliverer. This child is the source of the promised light and the one who will bring about the described peace and justice. The immediate literary flow moves from the devastation of war to the promise of a miraculous, peace-bringing ruler, culminating in the establishment of an eternal kingdom on the throne of David. This prophecy is an integral part of Isaiah's larger message of judgment and salvation, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite Israel's unfaithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah 9:6 was given during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, likely during the reign of King Ahaz (735-715 BC) when the Assyrian Empire posed an existential threat to Judah. The northern kingdom of Israel had already been significantly impacted by Assyrian incursions, and Judah itself was under immense pressure, facing invasion from the Syro-Ephraimite coalition (Syria and northern Israel) and subsequently from Assyria. The people lived in fear, spiritual decline, and political instability. In this context of despair, Isaiah's prophecy offered a radical counter-narrative of hope. Culturally, the expectation of a Davidic king was deeply ingrained in Israelite thought, rooted in God's covenant with David (cf. [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). The titles ascribed to the child in Isaiah 9:6 would have resonated deeply with a people longing for a righteous and powerful ruler who could deliver them from their enemies and restore the nation to its former glory.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Isaiah and biblical theology as a whole. Foremost is the theme of **Messianic Expectation**, presenting a detailed portrait of the promised deliverer who transcends mere human kingship. It highlights **Divine Sovereignty** as God orchestrates history to bring forth this miraculous ruler. The theme of **Light in Darkness** (as introduced in [Isaiah 9:2](/isaiah/9-2 "Isaiah 9:2 - Light in Darkness")) finds its ultimate embodiment in this child. Furthermore, the prophecy underscores **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant**, particularly the Davidic covenant, by promising an eternal kingdom of peace and justice. The titles themselves introduce themes of **Divine Wisdom** ("Wonderful, Counsellor"), **Divine Power** ("Mighty God"), **Eternal Care** ("Everlasting Father"), and **Ultimate Peace** ("Prince of Peace"), all converging in the person of the Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Child (Hebrew, _yeled'_):** From H3206, meaning "something born, i.e. a lad or offspring." This word, paired with "born" (H3205, _yâlad'_), emphasizes the genuine humanity of the promised one. He is truly a *child*, born into the human experience, underscoring the incarnation and the tangible, physical reality of His arrival. This grounds the divine attributes that follow in a real, historical person.
* **Government (Hebrew, _misrâh'_):** From H4951, meaning "empire; government." This term signifies ruling authority and dominion. The phrase "the government shall be upon his shoulder" metaphorically indicates that the full weight and responsibility of rule, administration, and leadership will rest upon Him. It speaks to His kingly office and His ultimate authority over all things, establishing a kingdom that is not merely earthly but universal and eternal.
* **Wonderful (Hebrew, _peleʼ'_):** From H6382, meaning "a miracle; marvellous thing, wonder(-ful, -fully)." This title denotes something extraordinary, beyond human comprehension or natural explanation. It suggests that the Messiah's person, actions, and counsel are miraculous and awe-inspiring, demonstrating supernatural wisdom and a unique, divine nature that sets Him apart from all earthly rulers.
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** From H7965, meaning "safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace." This is a rich concept in Hebrew, encompassing not merely the absence of conflict but a holistic state of wholeness, well-being, harmony, and flourishing. As "Prince of Peace," the Messiah is not just a dispenser of peace but its very source and embodiment, bringing reconciliation with God, within humanity, and ultimately, cosmic restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:"** This opening declaration emphasizes both the humanity and the divine initiative in the Messiah's coming. He is genuinely "born" as a "child" into the human realm, yet He is "given" by God, highlighting His divine origin and the gracious act of God in sending Him. The repetition of "unto us" stresses the personal and redemptive significance of this birth for humanity.
* **"and the government shall be upon his shoulder:"** This phrase powerfully conveys the Messiah's kingly authority and sovereign rule. The "shoulder" is a symbol of strength and the capacity to bear burdens, indicating that the full weight of governance, responsibility, and dominion will rest squarely upon Him. He will be the ultimate and supreme ruler.
* **"and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."** This climactic declaration reveals the extraordinary character and divine nature of the promised King through five majestic titles. Each title unveils a facet of His unique identity and role:
* **Wonderful, Counsellor:** Signifies His supernatural wisdom, miraculous insight, and perfect guidance, indicating that His plans and counsel are beyond human understanding.
* **The mighty God:** A clear and unequivocal affirmation of His divine nature and omnipotence, identifying Him as God Himself.
* **The everlasting Father:** Implies His eternal nature and His role as the source of enduring care, protection, and steadfastness for His people, a "Father of Eternity."
* **The Prince of Peace:** Declares Him to be the ultimate source and embodiment of holistic peace, bringing reconciliation, wholeness, and harmony to all creation.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 9:6 is rich with **Messianic Prophecy**, directly foretelling the coming of a specific, divinely appointed deliverer. The phrase "the government shall be upon his shoulder" employs **Metonymy**, where "shoulder" represents the burden and responsibility of leadership. The series of five majestic titles—"Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace"—constitutes a powerful use of **Appellation** and **Accumulation**, building a profound and comprehensive portrait of the Messiah's divine nature and multifaceted role. The titles themselves are a form of **Hyperbole**, using elevated language to describe a being far beyond ordinary human capacity, emphasizing His unique and supernatural attributes. The initial **Parallelism** in "a child is born, unto us a son is given" reinforces the reality of His human birth while subtly hinting at His divine origin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 9:6 is a cornerstone of biblical theology, serving as a pivotal prophecy that bridges the Old Testament's longing for a deliverer with the New Testament's revelation of Jesus Christ. Theologically, it asserts the **Incarnation** (a child is born, a son is given), the **Deity of Christ** (Mighty God), and His **Eternal Kingship** (government on His shoulder, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace). It underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with David, promising an heir who would establish an everlasting kingdom of righteousness and peace. This verse provides profound insight into the very nature of God's redemptive plan, revealing that the ultimate solution to humanity's darkness and brokenness would come not through human might, but through the miraculous birth of a divine-human King.

* [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel's Prophecy to Mary")
* [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God")
* [Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Christ's Fullness and Reconciliation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 9:6 offers immense comfort and profound challenge to believers today. In a world still grappling with political instability, conflict, and spiritual darkness, this prophecy reminds us that true and lasting peace, justice, and wise governance are found only in the person of Jesus Christ. His titles assure us that He possesses all wisdom to counsel us in our perplexities, all power to overcome our greatest obstacles, eternal care to sustain us through every season, and the ultimate capacity to bring wholeness and reconciliation to our broken lives and world. We are called to place our trust in His sovereign rule, to seek His counsel in all decisions, to rest in His eternal care, and to live as ambassadors of the peace He embodies, eagerly anticipating the full realization of His kingdom. This verse encourages us to look beyond temporary solutions and earthly rulers, fixing our hope on the one true King whose reign is eternal and whose peace transcends all understanding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do the titles of the Messiah in Isaiah 9:6 address the deepest needs and longings of humanity, both then and now?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to surrender "the government" to Christ's shoulder, trusting in His wisdom and authority?**
* **How does understanding Jesus as the "Prince of Peace" influence your approach to conflict, both personally and globally?**

### FAQ
**What does "the government shall be upon his shoulder" mean?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful metaphor signifying the Messiah's ultimate authority and kingly rule. The "shoulder" traditionally represents strength and the capacity to bear burdens. Therefore, "the government shall be upon his shoulder" means that the full weight, responsibility, and authority of governance, leadership, and dominion will rest entirely upon Him. He will be the supreme and sovereign ruler, establishing and maintaining a righteous kingdom. This points to His absolute control and power over all things, a theme found throughout [the prophetic books](/isaiah/1 "Isaiah 1 - The Prophecy of Isaiah").

**Does "The everlasting Father" mean the Messiah is God the Father?**

Answer: No, "The everlasting Father" (Hebrew: *Abi-Ad*, "Father of Eternity") does not mean the Messiah is God the Father, the first person of the Trinity. Instead, it describes a characteristic of the Messiah. It signifies His eternal nature and His role as the source of enduring care, protection, and steadfastness for His people. He is eternally the "father" or source of compassion, guidance, and provision for His people, extending His paternal care throughout all ages. This concept is distinct from the relationship between the Father and the Son within the Trinity, as seen in passages like [John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Jesus and the Father").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 9:6 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The prophecy's opening declaration, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given," directly anticipates the incarnation of God in human flesh, as described in the Gospels (e.g., [Luke 2:11](/luke/2-11 "Luke 2:11 - Birth of the Savior")). Jesus, born of a virgin, was truly a human child, yet His divine origin as the "Son" was evident from His miraculous conception. The promise that "the government shall be upon his shoulder" is realized in Christ's ascension and enthronement at the right hand of God, where all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (cf. [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The majestic titles ascribed to the child perfectly describe Jesus: He is the "Wonderful Counsellor" whose wisdom surpasses all human understanding (cf. [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom Are All Treasures of Wisdom")); He is unequivocally "The mighty God," a direct affirmation of His deity, as confessed by Thomas (cf. [John 20:28](/john/20-28 "John 20:28 - Thomas's Confession")); He is "The everlasting Father," embodying eternal care and provision for His people (cf. [Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever")); and He is supremely "The Prince of Peace," who through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, reconciled humanity to God, breaking down the wall of hostility (cf. [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, Isaiah 9:6 is not merely a historical prophecy but a vibrant theological declaration of who Jesus Christ is and what He accomplished for all humanity.

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

Luke 2:11

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

Matthew 28:18

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

Jeremiah 23:5

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

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

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

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

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