Isaiah 56:5

Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.

Even unto them will I give {H5414} in mine house {H1004} and within my walls {H2346} a place {H3027} and a name {H8034} better {H2896} than of sons {H1121} and of daughters {H1323}: I will give {H5414} them an everlasting {H5769} name {H8034}, that shall not be cut off {H3772}.

in my house, within my walls, I will give them power and a name greater than sons and daughters; I will give him an everlasting name that will not be cut off.

I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off.

Unto them will I give in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name better than of sons and of daughters; I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.

Commentary

Isaiah 56:5 (KJV) delivers a profound promise of inclusion and eternal legacy from God, particularly directed towards those who might traditionally be excluded from the full privileges of the Israelite community.

Context

This verse comes from the latter part of the book of Isaiah, often referred to as "Third Isaiah" (chapters 56-66), written for the post-exilic community. This section addresses the challenges and hopes of the returned exiles, emphasizing righteousness, justice, and the future glory of Jerusalem. Specifically, Isaiah 56:3-4 highlights the inclusion of eunuchs and foreigners who embrace God's covenant, keep the Sabbath, and hold fast to His covenant. In ancient Israelite society, eunuchs were often excluded from the assembly of the Lord (Deuteronomy 23:1), and foreigners, while allowed to reside, did not typically have full inheritance rights or status within the tribal system. This verse directly challenges those traditional limitations, revealing God's expansive grace.

Key Themes

  • Radical Inclusion: God extends His favor and blessing beyond the conventional boundaries of birthright or physical ability. This foreshadows the New Testament's message of salvation for all who believe, regardless of background (Galatians 3:28).
  • Superior Spiritual Inheritance: The promise of "a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters" is revolutionary. In ancient cultures, having sons and daughters was paramount for family continuity, inheritance, and legacy. God offers a spiritual legacy that surpasses even the most cherished earthly forms of heritage. This spiritual adoption is a core theme in the New Covenant (John 1:12).
  • Everlasting Identity and Covenant: The phrase "an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off" speaks to the permanence and security of God's promise. Unlike human lineages which can fade or be broken, the identity and standing granted by God are eternal and secure. This divine assurance provides immense comfort and hope.
  • God's "House and Walls": This refers to the temple in Jerusalem, symbolizing God's presence and the community of His people. Being given a "place" within God's sacred space signifies full acceptance and belonging within His family and worshiping community (Isaiah 56:7).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "name" (shem) is highly significant. It represents more than just a label; it embodies one's identity, reputation, character, and legacy. To be given a "name" by God means to be recognized, established, and to have one's essence defined by divine decree. The promise of an "everlasting name" means a permanent, unperishable identity and remembrance in God's eyes, a legacy that will "not be cut off" (lo yikkaret), implying it will never be abolished or forgotten, unlike earthly inheritances.

Practical Application

Isaiah 56:5 offers immense encouragement to anyone who feels marginalized, overlooked, or inadequate. It reminds us that God's love and acceptance are not bound by human conventions, social status, or even biological lineage. For those who commit to faithfulness and obedience to God, He promises a secure, honored place within His divine family and an eternal identity that surpasses any earthly achievement or birthright. This verse calls believers to embrace God's inclusive nature and to understand that our true, lasting value comes from our relationship with Him and the "everlasting name" He bestows upon us.

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Cross-References

  • Revelation 3:12 (12 votes)

    Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name.

  • 1 John 3:1 (10 votes)

    ¶ Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

  • Revelation 3:5 (10 votes)

    He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

  • John 1:12 (9 votes)

    But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name:

  • Isaiah 55:13 (9 votes)

    Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign [that] shall not be cut off.

  • 1 Timothy 3:15 (9 votes)

    But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

  • Matthew 16:18 (8 votes)

    And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.