The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.

ISAIAH 11:6KJV
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Isaiah 11:6 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 11:6 mean?

Isaiah 11:6 describes a future time of peace when even natural enemies—like the wolf and the lamb, or the leopard and the young goat—will live together safely, and a little child will guide them. This verse uses vivid imagery to show a world where violence and fear are gone, and harmony replaces danger.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Judah, describing the results of the coming rule of a righteous leader from David’s line. In this vision, Isaiah paints a picture of creation restored, where the natural order is so changed that predators and prey live side by side, and even a child can safely lead them. This scene is meant to show the depth of peace and transformation that will come under this new, just ruler.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 11:6

  • "דָּר" (dār, H1481) — translated "dwell": This word often means to live as a resident or sojourner, not just to be present. The idea is that the wolf will truly settle down and make a home with the lamb, not just temporarily coexist.
  • "יַנְהֵג" (yanheg, H5090) — translated "shall lead": This verb means to guide or lead gently, often used for shepherding. The image is not of force but of gentle guidance, highlighting the safety and innocence of the scene.
  • "יַחְדָּו" (yachdav, H3162) — translated "together": This word stresses unity and harmony, not just physical proximity. The animals are not just near each other; they are at peace with one another.

Why Isaiah 11:6 matters

  • Isaiah 11:6 clears up the misunderstanding that peace is only about the absence of war; here, it is shown as a total transformation of nature and relationships, even among animals.
  • The verse emphasizes that the peace brought by the promised ruler will be so complete that even the most vulnerable (a little child) will be safe among former dangers.
  • Isaiah 11:6 connects to the wider passage by showing the results of the Messiah’s reign, where justice and righteousness bring about a new kind of world, fulfilling hopes for restoration and safety.

Where else these words appear

“leopard” Hebrew H5246 · used in 6 verses

  • Song of Solomon 4:8 Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards.
  • Jeremiah 5:6 Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased.
  • Hosea 13:7 Therefore I will be unto them as a lion: as a leopard by the way will I observe them:

“wolf” Hebrew H2061 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 49:27 Benjamin shall ravin as a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.
  • Jeremiah 5:6 Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased.
  • Habakkuk 1:8 Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat.

“fatling” Hebrew H4806 · used in 8 verses

  • 2 Samuel 6:13 And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.
  • 1 Kings 1:19 And he hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the sons of the king, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab the captain of the host: but Solomon thy servant hath he not called.
  • Isaiah 1:11 To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.

“kid” Hebrew H1423 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 27:9 Go now to the flock, and fetch me from thence two good kids of the goats; and I will make them savoury meat for thy father, such as he loveth:
  • Exodus 23:19 The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.
  • Judges 13:19 So Manoah took a kid with a meat offering, and offered it upon a rock unto the LORD: and the angel did wondrously; and Manoah and his wife looked on.