Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

ISAIAH 60:16KJV
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Isaiah 60:16 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 60:16 mean?

Isaiah 60:16 describes a time when Jerusalem will receive support and resources from foreign nations and their leaders, showing that God is the one who saves and restores His people. The verse uses the image of nursing from the “Gentiles” and “kings” to picture abundance and care coming from unexpected places.

In this chapter, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Jerusalem, promising a future when the city will be honored and provided for by other nations. The language is poetic, using the idea of “milk” and “breast” to show nourishment and blessing. The verse ends by stressing that it is the LORD (יהוה, Yahweh) who is acting as Savior and Redeemer, making clear that all this good fortune comes from God’s power and faithfulness.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 60:16

  • “suck” (יָנַק, yanaq): This word means to nurse or draw nourishment, and here it suggests receiving life and sustenance from others, not just material goods but also care and support.
  • “milk” (חָלָב, chalav): Milk is a symbol of basic nourishment and plenty, showing that what Jerusalem receives is essential and life-giving.
  • “Gentiles” (גּוֹיִם, goyim): This word refers to the nations or non-Israelite peoples, highlighting that outsiders will become sources of blessing for Jerusalem.
  • “Redeemer” (גָּאַל, go’el): This term refers to someone who rescues or buys back, often used for a close relative who restores someone’s fortunes. Here, it emphasizes God’s personal commitment to save and restore His people.

Why Isaiah 60:16 matters

  • The verse clears up the idea that God’s blessings are limited to Israel alone; instead, it shows that God can use even foreign nations and their leaders to provide for His people.
  • The emphasis on God as both “Saviour” and “Redeemer” highlights that all restoration and help ultimately come from God, not human alliances or efforts.
  • Isaiah 60:16 connects to the wider chapter’s theme of Jerusalem’s future glory and the reversal of its former shame, showing a complete transformation brought about by God’s intervention.

Where else these words appear

“One” Hebrew H46 · used in 6 verses

  • Genesis 49:24 But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob;(from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)
  • Psalms 132:2 How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob;
  • Isaiah 1:24 Therefore saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, and avenge me of mine enemies:

“breast” Hebrew H7699 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 49:25 Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:
  • Song of Solomon 7:7 This thy stature is like to a palm tree, and thy breasts to clusters of grapes.
  • Lamentations 4:3 Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my people is become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness.

“suck” 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.

“milk” Hebrew H2461 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 18:8 And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.
  • Deuteronomy 11:9 And that ye may prolong your days in the land, which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give unto them and to their seed, a land that floweth with milk and honey.
  • Proverbs 27:27 And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.