Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.

ISAIAH 60:21KJV
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Isaiah 60:21 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 60:21 mean?

Isaiah 60:21 promises that all of God's people will be righteous and will possess the land forever, described as a special planting and work of God meant to display His glory. The verse emphasizes a future where the people are transformed and their lasting inheritance is directly connected to God's own action and purpose.

In this part of Isaiah, the prophet speaks to the people of Israel, offering hope after hardship and exile. Isaiah describes a time when the nation will be restored, not just physically but morally, as a community shaped by God's own work. The language highlights both the permanence of their inheritance and the idea that their renewed state is something God Himself brings about to show His greatness.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 60:21

  • "Righteous" (צַדִּיק, tsaddiq): This word means being just or morally upright. The verse stresses that the people will all share this quality, not just a select few.
  • "Inherit" (יָרַשׁ, yarash): This term often refers to taking possession of land as a permanent gift, underscoring the lasting nature of what God gives.
  • "Branch" (נֵצֶר, netser) and "planting" (מַטָּע, matta): These words picture the people as something carefully planted and tended by God, suggesting intentional care and purpose.
  • "Glorified" (פָּאָר, paar): This word means to display beauty or honor. The verse points out that the transformation of the people is meant to show God's splendor, not just benefit them.

Why Isaiah 60:21 matters

  • Isaiah 60:21 clarifies that the future hope for God's people is not just about returning to their land, but about a deep change in character and relationship with God.
  • The verse connects the people's righteousness and their inheritance directly to God's own action, not their own achievement, which shifts the focus from human effort to divine initiative.
  • This promise fits into the larger theme of Isaiah 60, where restoration and light come as part of God's plan to reveal His glory to all nations through His people.

Where else these words appear

“branch” Hebrew H5342 · used in 4 verses

  • Isaiah 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
  • Isaiah 14:19 But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet.
  • Daniel 11:7 But out of a branch of her roots shall one stand up in his estate, which shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail:

“planting” Hebrew H4302 · used in 6 verses

  • Isaiah 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
  • Ezekiel 17:7 There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers: and, behold, this vine did bend her roots toward him, and shot forth her branches toward him, that he might water it by the furrows of her plantation.
  • Ezekiel 34:29 And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more.

“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 55:5 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.