And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

ISAIAH 49:23KJV
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Isaiah 49:23 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 49:23 mean?

Isaiah 49:23 describes a future time when powerful rulers and their wives will serve and honor God's people, showing deep respect and humility before them. The verse promises that those who trust and wait for the LORD will not be disappointed, as God will prove Himself faithful.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah to the people of Israel, who were facing hardship and exile. The language paints a picture of reversal, where those who once oppressed or ignored Israel will now care for and honor them. The promise is meant to reassure the people that their hope in God is not in vain, and that He will ultimately vindicate them.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 49:23

  • "Kings" (מֶלֶךְ, melek; H4428) and "queens" (שָׂרָה, sarah; H8282) are described as "nursing fathers" and "nursing mothers," emphasizing not just respect but active care and nurturing from those in power.
  • "Bow down" (שָׁחָה, shachah; H7812) means to prostrate oneself in deep respect or submission, showing a dramatic reversal of status.
  • "Lick up the dust" (לָחַךְ, lachakh; H3897) is a vivid image of humility and even humiliation, showing how completely these rulers will honor God's people.
  • "Wait" (קָוָה, qavah; H6960) carries the sense of hopeful, patient expectation, not just passive waiting, highlighting the trust and endurance of those who look to God.

Why Isaiah 49:23 matters

  • Isaiah 49:23 clears up the idea that God's people would always be downtrodden; instead, it promises a time of honor and vindication.
  • The verse emphasizes that God's faithfulness is tied to those who "wait" for Him, encouraging trust even when circumstances look bleak.
  • This verse connects to the wider theme in Isaiah of restoration and reversal, where God lifts up the humble and brings down the proud, showing His power to change situations completely.

Where else these words appear

“queens” Hebrew H8282 · used in 5 verses

  • Judges 5:29 Her wise ladies answered her, yea, she returned answer to herself,
  • 1 Kings 11:3 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.
  • Esther 1:18 Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto all the king's princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen. Thus shall there arise too much contempt and wrath.

“up” Hebrew H3897 · used in 5 verses

  • Numbers 22:4 And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.
  • 1 Kings 18:38 Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.
  • Psalms 72:9 They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.

“mothers” Hebrew H3243 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 21:7 And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age.
  • Deuteronomy 33:19 They shall call the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness: for they shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of treasures hid in the sand.
  • Song of Solomon 8:1 O that thou wert as my brother, that sucked the breasts of my mother! when I should find thee without, I would kiss thee; yea, I should not be despised.

“wait” Hebrew H6960 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 1:9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
  • Psalms 40:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
  • Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.