Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.

ISAIAH 55:5KJV
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Isaiah 55:5 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 55:5 mean?

Isaiah 55:5 describes how people from nations unfamiliar to Israel will be drawn to Israel and come running, not because of Israel itself, but because of the LORD (Yahweh) and the Holy One of Israel, who has honored or glorified Israel. The verse points to a future time when outsiders will be attracted by what God has done for His people.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to Israel, promising that God’s work will cause other nations—those Israel does not know and who do not know Israel—to seek them out. The reason for this sudden attention is not Israel’s own greatness, but the glory and reputation given by God (Yahweh), who is called the Holy One of Israel. This fits into a larger section where Isaiah describes God’s generous invitation and the blessings that will flow out to the world.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 55:5

  • The word “call” (קָרָא, qaraʾ, H7121) means to summon or invite. Here, it shows Israel taking an active role in reaching out to other nations, not just passively waiting.
  • “Nation” and “nations” (גּוֹי, goy, H1471) refer to peoples or groups outside Israel. The repetition highlights the broad, international scope of the promise.
  • “Run” (רוּץ, ruts, H7323) suggests eagerness and urgency. The nations are not just coming—they are running to Israel, showing strong desire or need.
  • “Glorified” (פָּאַר, paʾar, H6286) means to make beautiful or honor. The verse credits God with giving Israel a special status that attracts others.

Why Isaiah 55:5 matters

  • Isaiah 55:5 clarifies that Israel’s influence and honor among the nations is not self-made, but a result of God’s action and blessing.
  • The verse emphasizes the universal reach of God’s promises, hinting that God’s work in Israel is meant to draw in people from all backgrounds, not just Israelites.
  • This verse helps set the tone for the surrounding chapter, which invites everyone to seek God and receive His blessings, showing that God’s plan is outward-looking and generous.

Where else these words appear

“glorified” Hebrew H6286 · used in 14 verses

  • Exodus 8:9 And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Glory over me: when shall I intreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, that they may remain in the river only?
  • Psalms 149:4 For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.
  • Isaiah 60:7 All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory.

“run” Hebrew H7323 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
  • 2 Samuel 18:22 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?
  • Esther 8:14 So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.

“One” Hebrew H6918 · used in 106 verses

  • Exodus 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
  • 2 Kings 19:22 Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.
  • Isaiah 17:7 At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.