Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.

ISAIAH 60:18KJV
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Isaiah 60:18 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 60:18 mean?

Isaiah 60:18 describes a future time when violence, destruction, and ruin will no longer be experienced or even heard about in the land, and instead, the city’s protective walls will be called “Salvation” and its gates “Praise.” This verse paints a picture of complete peace, safety, and joy replacing all former trouble and loss.

In Isaiah 60:18, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Jerusalem, describing a vision of restoration and blessing after a long period of suffering and exile. The verse uses strong images—like calling the city’s walls “Salvation” (a sign of protection and rescue) and its gates “Praise” (a symbol of joyful entry)—to show how radically different life will be when God brings renewal. The focus is on a transformed community where harm and sorrow are gone, and security and celebration take their place.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 60:18

  • The word for “violence” is חָמָס (ḥāmās), which often refers to cruelty, injustice, or wrong done to others. Its absence here highlights a total end to oppression and harm.
  • “Wasting” is שֹׁד (shōd), meaning devastation or plundering, and “destruction” is שֶׁבֶר (shever), meaning breaking or ruin. Both words stress that not only will violence stop, but all forms of loss and disaster will be removed from within the community’s borders.
  • The word for “Salvation” is יְשׁוּעָה (yeshu‘ah), which means deliverance or rescue. Naming the walls “Salvation” suggests that protection comes directly from God’s saving power, not from human strength.
  • “Praise” is תְּהִלָּה (tehillah), meaning song or expression of praise. Calling the gates “Praise” shows that entry into the city is marked by joyful gratitude, not fear or sorrow.

Why Isaiah 60:18 matters

  • Isaiah 60:18 clears up the idea that peace is only the absence of conflict; here, peace is described as a positive presence of salvation and praise, not just a lack of violence.
  • The verse emphasizes that the transformation is so complete that even the city’s physical features—walls and gates—are renamed to reflect God’s work, showing how deep and visible the change will be.
  • This verse connects to the wider chapter, which describes the future glory and restoration of Jerusalem, helping readers see the hope and renewal promised after hardship.

Where else these words appear

“wasting” Hebrew H7701 · used in 24 verses

  • Job 5:21 Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh.
  • Isaiah 22:4 Therefore said I, Look away from me; I will weep bitterly, labour not to comfort me, because of the spoiling of the daughter of my people.
  • Hosea 9:6 For, lo, they are gone because of destruction: Egypt shall gather them up, Memphis shall bury them: the pleasant places for their silver, nettles shall possess them: thorns shall be in their tabernacles.

“destruction” Hebrew H7667 · used in 41 verses

  • Leviticus 21:19 Or a man that is brokenfooted, or brokenhanded,
  • Isaiah 30:26 Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound.
  • Jeremiah 30:15 Why criest thou for thine affliction? thy sorrow is incurable for the multitude of thine iniquity: because thy sins were increased, I have done these things unto thee.

“Praise” Hebrew H8416 · used in 57 verses

  • Exodus 15:11 Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
  • Psalms 66:8 O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:
  • Isaiah 42:8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

“Violence” Hebrew H2555 · used in 59 verses

  • Genesis 6:11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
  • Psalms 58:2 Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth.
  • Jeremiah 51:46 And lest your heart faint, and ye fear for the rumour that shall be heard in the land; a rumour shall both come one year, and after that in another year shall come a rumour, and violence in the land, ruler against ruler.