Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side.
ISAIAH 60:4KJVWhat does Isaiah 60:4 mean?
Isaiah 60:4 describes a scene where people are told to look around and see their loved ones gathering from distant places, with sons returning from far away and daughters being cared for close by. The verse paints a picture of reunion and restoration, promising that those once scattered will come back together.
In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Jerusalem, encouraging them during a time when many were exiled or separated from their homeland. The language is vivid and comforting, assuring the listeners that their families and community will be reunited, and that there is hope for restoration after hardship.
The Hebrew behind Isaiah 60:4
- "Up" (נָשָׂא, nāśā’): This word means to lift or raise, often used for lifting one's eyes in hope or expectation. Here, it emphasizes an active, hopeful looking for what God is about to do.
- "Nursed" (אָמַן, ’āman): This word can mean to support, nourish, or care for. The image of daughters being "nursed at thy side" suggests not just physical closeness, but also tender care and protection.
- "Far" (רָחוֹק, rāḥōq): This word means distant or far away. Its use highlights the great distances from which the sons will return, underlining the completeness of the gathering.
Why Isaiah 60:4 matters
- Isaiah 60:4 clears up the idea that restoration is only partial; the verse stresses that everyone, even those far away, will return, giving a sense of total reunion.
- The verse highlights the emotional impact of restoration, using family imagery to make the promise personal and relatable to the listeners.
- Isaiah 60:4 connects to the wider chapter, which is full of hope and renewal for Jerusalem after a period of darkness and loss, showing that God’s promises include both spiritual and practical restoration.