Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.

ISAIAH 60:5KJV
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Isaiah 60:5 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 60:5 mean?

Isaiah 60:5 describes a time when the people of Jerusalem will see a great change: their hearts will be both amazed and opened wide, as wealth and resources from distant nations and the sea are brought to them. The verse pictures a future moment of joy and surprise, as outsiders come bringing gifts and strength.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel, painting a vision of restoration and blessing after hardship. The setting is one of hope, where Jerusalem, once troubled, will become a center of attraction and abundance. The language points to a reversal of fortunes, with the nations (Gentiles) and the riches of the sea coming to Jerusalem, showing a time of honor and prosperity.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 60:5

  • "Fear" (פָּחַד, pāḥad, H6342): This word often means to be startled or amazed, not just afraid. Here, it suggests the people’s hearts will be overwhelmed by the unexpected goodness coming their way.
  • "Enlarged" (רָחַב, rāḥab, H7337): This word means to be widened or opened up. In this verse, it points to hearts being expanded with joy and wonder, not just physically but in spirit.
  • "Abundance" (הֲמוֹן, hamon, H1995): This term refers to a great mass or wealth, especially of the sea. It emphasizes the scale of the blessing, showing that what comes is not small or limited.
  • "Forces" (חַיִל, ḥayil, H2428): This word can mean strength, wealth, or resources. In this context, it highlights that what the nations bring is not just material goods but also power and influence.

Why Isaiah 60:5 matters

  • Isaiah 60:5 clarifies that the coming blessing is not just spiritual but also involves real, tangible wealth and honor from other nations, correcting the idea that restoration is only inward or symbolic.
  • The verse shows that the amazement and enlargement of heart are responses to God’s unexpected generosity, not just fear or anxiety.
  • Isaiah 60:5 connects to the larger theme in Isaiah 60 of Jerusalem’s future glory, where the city becomes a light to the nations and a place where outsiders willingly bring their best.

Where else these words appear

“together” Hebrew H5102 · used in 6 verses

  • Psalms 34:5 They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.
  • Isaiah 2:2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
  • Jeremiah 51:44 And I will punish Bel in Babylon, and I will bring forth out of his mouth that which he hath swallowed up: and the nations shall not flow together any more unto him: yea, the wall of Babylon shall fall.

“fear” Hebrew H6342 · used in 25 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:66 And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life:
  • Psalms 78:53 And he led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.
  • Isaiah 44:8 Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.

“enlarged” Hebrew H7337 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 26:22 And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.
  • Psalms 18:36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.
  • Isaiah 30:33 For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.

“abundance” Hebrew H1995 · used in 78 verses

  • Genesis 17:4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
  • Psalms 37:16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
  • Ezekiel 7:14 They have blown the trumpet, even to make all ready; but none goeth to the battle: for my wrath is upon all the multitude thereof.