The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

ISAIAH 60:14KJV
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Isaiah 60:14 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 60:14 mean?

Isaiah 60:14 describes a future time when those who once oppressed and looked down on Jerusalem will come in humility and respect, recognizing the city as belonging to the LORD and calling it "The Zion of the Holy One of Israel." The verse pictures a dramatic reversal, where former enemies now honor the people and place they once despised.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Jerusalem, offering hope after a period of suffering and humiliation. The verse promises that those who caused harm ("the sons...that afflicted thee") will acknowledge Jerusalem's special status. This is part of a larger section where Isaiah describes the restoration and exaltation of Zion, showing how God will vindicate His people in the eyes of the nations.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 60:14

  • "Afflicted" (עָנָה, anah): This word often means to oppress or humble. Here, it highlights that those who caused pain or hardship will be the ones to show humility.
  • "Bending" (שָׁחָה, shachah): This word means to bow down or show deep respect. The image is not just of a polite greeting, but of real submission or honor.
  • "Soles" (כַּף, kaf) and "feet" (רֶגֶל, regel): The mention of bowing at the "soles of thy feet" is a vivid way to show complete humility and respect, going beyond ordinary gestures.
  • "City" (עִיר, ir) and "Zion" (צִיּוֹן, tziyon): These words make clear that the honor is directed at Jerusalem itself, not just its people, emphasizing its identity as God's chosen place.

Why Isaiah 60:14 matters

  • Isaiah 60:14 clears up the idea that Jerusalem's restoration is only spiritual or inward; the language here is about public recognition and honor from former enemies.
  • The verse emphasizes a reversal of fortunes, showing that those who once caused shame will now acknowledge Jerusalem's special relationship with God.
  • This verse connects to the broader message of Isaiah 60, where the prophet describes a time of glory and vindication for Zion after suffering, helping readers see the hope and future restoration promised to God's people.

Where else these words appear

“bending” Hebrew H7817 · used in 21 verses

  • Job 9:13 If God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under him.
  • Psalms 42:6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.
  • Isaiah 2:11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.

“despised” Hebrew H5006 · used in 24 verses

  • Numbers 14:11 And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?
  • Psalms 10:3 For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth.
  • Ecclesiastes 12:5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:

“afflicted” Hebrew H6031 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 15:13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
  • Judges 16:5 And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver.
  • Psalms 105:18 Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron:

“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.