For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees.

ISAIAH 66:12KJV
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Isaiah 66:12 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 66:12 mean?

Isaiah 66:12 describes God promising to bring peace and honor to Jerusalem in a way that is abundant and constant, like a river that never runs dry. The verse uses the image of a mother caring for her child to show how God’s people will be comforted, supported, and cherished as this blessing comes.

In this verse, the LORD (God) is speaking through the prophet Isaiah to the people of Jerusalem, who have faced hardship and exile. God assures them that peace (well-being and wholeness) will flow to them steadily, and that the wealth and respect of other nations will come to them like a strong, steady stream. The nurturing images—being carried on the side and bounced on the knees—show God’s tender care and the restoration of joy and security to His people.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 66:12

  • שָׁלוֹם (shalom; H7965): This word means more than just "peace"; it carries the sense of completeness, wholeness, and well-being. The promise is not just an end to conflict, but a deep, lasting sense of welfare.
  • כַּנָּהָר (k’nahar; H5104): "River" here suggests something constant and abundant, not a trickle but a steady, life-giving flow. The image is of peace that keeps coming, not a one-time event.
  • כָּבוֹד (kavod; H3519): Translated "glory," this word also means honor or wealth. The "glory of the Gentiles" means the respect, riches, or splendor of other nations will be brought to Jerusalem.
  • גּוֹיִם (goyim; H1471): This word means "nations" or "Gentiles," referring to people outside Israel. The verse promises that what is valuable from all nations will enrich Jerusalem.

Why Isaiah 66:12 matters

  • Isaiah 66:12 clarifies that God’s promise of peace is not just the absence of trouble, but a positive, overflowing blessing that brings security and joy.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s care is personal and nurturing, using the imagery of a mother and child to show the depth of His compassion.
  • This promise connects to the larger theme of restoration in Isaiah’s final chapters, showing that God’s plan includes not just Israel, but blessings flowing in from all nations.

Where else these words appear

“dandled” Hebrew H8173 · used in 8 verses

  • Psalms 94:19 In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.
  • Psalms 119:47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
  • Isaiah 6:10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.

“knees” Hebrew H1290 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 30:3 And she said, Behold my maid Bilhah, go in unto her; and she shall bear upon my knees, that I may also have children by her.
  • 1 Kings 18:42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees,
  • Psalms 109:24 My knees are weak through fasting; and my flesh faileth of fatness.

“sides” 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.

“flowing” Hebrew H7857 · used in 30 verses

  • Leviticus 6:28 But the earthen vessel wherein it is sodden shall be broken: and if it be sodden in a brasen pot, it shall be both scoured, and rinsed in water.
  • Psalms 124:4 Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:
  • Jeremiah 8:6 I hearkened and heard, but they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle.