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 60:4KJV
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Isaiah 60:4 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“side” Hebrew H6654 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 6:16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.
  • Joshua 3:16 That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.
  • 2 Samuel 2:16 And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together: wherefore that place was called Helkathhazzurim, which is in Gibeon.

“far” Hebrew H7350 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 22:4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.
  • 2 Chronicles 6:36 If they sin against thee,(for there is no man which sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them over before their enemies, and they carry them away captives unto a land far off or near;
  • Isaiah 33:13 Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might.

“nursed” Hebrew H539 · used in 102 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • 2 Kings 10:5 And he that was over the house, and he that was over the city, the elders also, and the bringers up of the children, sent to Jehu, saying, We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us; we will not make any king: do thou that which is good in thine eyes.
  • Psalms 106:12 Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.

“together” Hebrew H6908 · used in 121 verses

  • Genesis 41:35 And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:4 So there was gathered much people together, who stopped all the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?
  • Jeremiah 31:8 Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, and with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together: a great company shall return thither.