Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

ISAIAH 56:7KJV
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Isaiah 56:7 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 56:7 mean?

Isaiah 56:7 says that God will welcome outsiders to His holy mountain, make them joyful in His house of prayer, and accept their offerings and sacrifices, because His house will be called a house of prayer for everyone. This verse shows God’s intention to include people from all nations in worship, not just Israel.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking God’s words to the people of Israel, but the message reaches beyond them. In the context, God is promising that foreigners and others who were once excluded will be brought near and allowed to worship at the temple. The verse highlights God’s openness and desire for all people to find a place with Him.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 56:7

  • "Holy" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh): This word means set apart or sacred. God’s "holy mountain" refers to Jerusalem, especially the temple area, showing it is a special place chosen by God.
  • "House" (בַּיִת, bayit) and "prayer" (תְּפִלָּה, tefillah): The phrase "house of prayer" emphasizes that the temple is meant to be a place for people to seek God, not just for ritual but for genuine connection.
  • "People" (עָם, am): This word means people or nation. The verse stresses that God’s invitation is open to all nations, not just Israel, which was a radical idea in Isaiah’s time.

Why Isaiah 56:7 matters

  • Isaiah 56:7 corrects the idea that only Israelites could approach God in worship, showing that God’s plan always included people from every nation.
  • The verse highlights God’s desire for joy and acceptance in worship, not just ritual observance or exclusion.
  • This verse is quoted by Jesus in the New Testament (Mark 11:17, Matthew 21:13), underlining its lasting importance in showing that God’s house is meant for everyone who seeks Him.

Where else these words appear

“accepted” Hebrew H7522 · used in 56 verses

  • Genesis 49:6 O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.
  • Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
  • Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.

“prayer” Hebrew H8605 · used in 70 verses

  • 2 Samuel 7:27 For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee.
  • Nehemiah 11:17 And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.
  • Psalms 102:1 A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD. Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee.

“joyful” Hebrew H8055 · used in 145 verses

  • Exodus 4:14 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.
  • Psalms 33:21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
  • Proverbs 15:30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.