And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.

ISAIAH 66:19KJV
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Isaiah 66:19 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 66:19 mean?

Isaiah 66:19 describes God setting a sign among the people and sending survivors to distant nations—places that have not heard of God or seen His glory—so that these messengers can announce God’s glory among the non-Israelite nations. The verse shows God’s intention to make Himself known far beyond Israel, reaching people who have never encountered Him.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking God’s words to the people of Israel near the end of his book. The setting is a vision of the future, where after a time of judgment and deliverance, God will use those who survive to spread knowledge of Him to far-off lands. The specific places named—Tarshish, Pul, Lud, Tubal, Javan, and the distant islands—represent the farthest reaches of the known world at that time, highlighting the worldwide scope of God’s plan.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 66:19

  • "sign" (אוֹת, ’ot): This word means a mark, signal, or miracle. Here, it suggests something unmistakable that God does to show His involvement and purpose, marking out those who will go to the nations.
  • "nations" (גּוֹיִם, goyim): This word refers to non-Israelite peoples, often translated as "Gentiles." The verse emphasizes that God’s message is meant for all peoples, not just Israel.
  • "declare" (נָגַד, nagad): This verb means to announce or make known. The survivors are not just traveling—they are specifically tasked with making God’s glory known to those who have never heard of Him.

Why Isaiah 66:19 matters

  • Isaiah 66:19 clarifies that God’s concern is not limited to Israel; He intends for His glory to be known among all nations, even those far removed from Israel’s experience.
  • The verse highlights the idea of survivors or “those that escape” being sent as messengers, showing that God can use even those who have come through hardship to fulfill His purposes.
  • This verse connects to the broader theme in Isaiah of God’s salvation and glory reaching the ends of the earth, setting up the expectation that God’s work is global, not just local.