Isaiah 60:8
Isaiah 60:8 in Multiple Translations
Who are these who fly like clouds, like doves to their shelters?
Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?
Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?
Who are these coming like a cloud, like a flight of doves to their windows?
What are these flying like a cloud, flying like pigeons returning to their roost?
Who are these that flee like a cloude, and as the doues to their windowes?
Who [are] these — as a thick cloud they fly, And as doves unto their windows?
“Who are these who fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?
Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as doves to their windows?
Who are these, that fly as clouds, and as doves to their windows?
And what are those things that are moving swiftly like [SIM] clouds? They resemble [SIM] doves returning to their nests.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 60:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 60:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִי
אֵ֖לֶּה
כָּ/עָ֣ב
תְּעוּפֶ֑ינָה
וְ/כַ/יּוֹנִ֖ים
אֶל
אֲרֻבֹּתֵי/הֶֽם
מִי
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
אֵ֖לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
כָּ/עָ֣ב
ʻâb
H5645
cloud
Prep | N-cs
תְּעוּפֶ֑ינָה
ʻûwph
H5774
to fly
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
וְ/כַ/יּוֹנִ֖ים
yôwnâh
H3123
dove
Conj | Prep | N-fp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֲרֻבֹּתֵי/הֶֽם
ʼărubbâh
H699
window
N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 60:8
מִי
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
אֵ֖לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
כָּ/עָ֣ב
ʻâb
H5645
"cloud"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, this word means a dark cloud or a thicket, often used to describe a place of refuge or a sign of God's presence, as seen in 2 Chronicles 4:17. It can also refer to a cloudy or thick atmosphere. The word is used to describe natural phenomena and is found in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) darkness, cloud, thicket 1a) dark cloud 1b) cloud mass 1c) thicket (as refuge)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: clay, (thick) cloud, [idiom] thick, thicket. Compare H5672 (עֲבִי). See also: Exodus 19:9; Psalms 18:13; Psalms 18:12.
תְּעוּפֶ֑ינָה
ʻûwph
H5774
"to fly"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
This word can mean flying or fainting, often due to darkness or gloom. It appears in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah, describing dramatic scenes.
Definition: v 1) to fly, fly about, fly away 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to fly, hover 1a2) to fly away 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to fly, light upon 1c) (Polel) 1c1) to fly about or to and fro 1c2) to cause to fly to and fro, brandish 1d) (Hithpolel) to fly away 2) (Qal) to cover, be dark
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: brandish, be (wax) faint, flee away, fly (away), [idiom] set, shine forth, weary. See also: Genesis 1:20; Proverbs 23:5; Psalms 18:11.
וְ/כַ/יּוֹנִ֖ים
yôwnâh
H3123
"dove"
Conj | Prep | N-fp
Represents a dove, possibly due to the warmth of their mating, and is also used to describe a pigeon. This bird is often seen as a symbol of peace and gentleness in the Bible.
Definition: dove, pigeon
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: dove, pigeon. See also: Genesis 8:8; Psalms 55:7; Psalms 56:1.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֲרֻבֹּתֵי/הֶֽם
ʼărubbâh
H699
"window"
N-fp | Suff
A window or lattice, often found in houses and used for ventilation. It could also refer to a dovecot or chimney. This word is used in the Bible to describe architecture.
Definition: 1) lattice, window, sluice 2) (CLBL) chimney (lattice opening where smoke escapes)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: chimney, window. See also: Genesis 7:11; Ecclesiastes 12:3; Isaiah 24:18.
Study Notes — Isaiah 60:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 60:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 60:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 60:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 60:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 60:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 60:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 60:8
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 60:8
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 60:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 60:8
- Sermons on Isaiah 60:8
Context — Future Glory for Zion
6Caravans of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah, and all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.
7All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth will serve you and go up on My altar with acceptance; I will adorn My glorious house.
8Who are these who fly like clouds, like doves to their shelters?
9Surely the islands will wait for Me, with the ships of Tarshish in the lead, to bring your children from afar, with their silver and gold, to the honor of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for He has glorified you. 10Foreigners will rebuild your walls, and their kings will serve you. Although I struck you in anger, yet in favor I will show you mercy.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 7:9 | After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. |
| 2 | Luke 13:29 | People will come from east and west and north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God. |
| 3 | Isaiah 60:4 | Lift up your eyes and look around: They all gather and come to you; your sons will come from afar, and your daughters will be carried on the arm. |
| 4 | Hebrews 12:1 | Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. |
| 5 | Isaiah 49:21 | Then you will say in your heart, ‘Who has begotten these for me? I was bereaved and barren; I was exiled and rejected. So who has reared them? Look, I was left all alone, so where did they come from?’” |
| 6 | Genesis 8:8–11 | Then Noah sent out a dove to see if the waters had receded from the surface of the ground. But the dove found no place to rest her foot, and she returned to him in the ark, because the waters were still covering the surface of all the earth. So he reached out his hand and brought her back inside the ark. Noah waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark. And behold, the dove returned to him in the evening with a freshly plucked olive leaf in her beak. So Noah knew that the waters had receded from the earth. |
| 7 | Isaiah 45:22 | Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. |
Isaiah 60:8 Summary
This verse is asking who these people are that are coming back to their homes so quickly and safely, like clouds moving across the sky and doves flying back to their nests. It's a picture of God's people returning to their homeland, where they will be safe and blessed, as promised in verses like Isaiah 60:9-10. This reminds us that God is our shelter and refuge, and we can trust in His power and care for us, just like the psalmist did in Psalm 91:4. As we reflect on this verse, we can be encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty and care for His people, and to look forward to the day when all God's people will be gathered and blessed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'fly like clouds' in Isaiah 60:8?
This phrase is likely a metaphor for the rapid and powerful return of God's people to their homeland, much like the clouds quickly move across the sky, as seen in Psalm 68:4 where God is said to ride on the clouds.
Who are the 'doves' mentioned in this verse?
The doves in Isaiah 60:8 are probably a symbol of God's people who are returning to their shelters, or homes, just like doves return to their nests, as mentioned in Psalm 55:6 where the psalmist longs to fly away like a dove to find rest.
What is the significance of the shelters in this verse?
The shelters in Isaiah 60:8 represent a place of safety and protection for God's people, much like the concept of God being our refuge and shelter as mentioned in Psalm 91:4 where God's wings are our shelter.
How does this verse relate to the larger context of Isaiah 60?
Isaiah 60:8 is part of a larger prophecy about the restoration and glory of Zion, where God's people will be gathered and blessed, as seen in verses like Isaiah 60:9-10 where foreigners will help rebuild the walls and serve the people of God.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to 'fly like clouds' in my own life, and how can I experience God's power and speed in my journey?
- How can I, like the doves, find my shelter and rest in God, especially in times of turmoil or uncertainty?
- What are some ways I can be a part of God's plan to restore and glorify His people, as mentioned in Isaiah 60?
- How does the image of clouds and doves in this verse inspire me to trust in God's sovereignty and care for His people?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 60:8
Who are these that fly as a cloud,.... Referring to the vast number of converts before mentioned, who are compared to a "cloud" for the number of them, covering Judea as the clouds do the heavens;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 60:8
Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows? Who (are) these (that) fly as a cloud ... ? The prophet, seeing in vision new hosts approaching quickly like a cloud of doves, asks who they are.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 60:8
In the 4th verse he spake to them as upon some high watch tower, whereby they might behold as in a circle all the parts of the world. Now espying from all parts, he brings them in calling out with admiration, Who are these? partly with reference to the number, or partly with reference to the persons; so the Heb. What are these? they being not Jews, but strangers, and so directly intimating the Gentiles flocking into the church, that come so swiftly, and in so great flocks: the same thing still. The former metaphor of clouds imports their number as well as their speed, : thus abundance of witnesses is called a cloud of witnesses, : the scope is to note the great confluence of people that should come into the church, that should be begotten by the apostles’ doctrine; which the LXX. translation seems to point at, who render it as doves with their young ones unto me; and by flying may be noted their spiritual state, being elevated above the world, . as the clouds above the earth, and doves when upon the wing.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 60:8
Isaiah 60:8 Who [are] these [that] fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?Ver. 8. Who are these that fly as a cloud?] Which flieth more swiftly than any bird, and covereth the sky far and near. Deus bone, quam multi catervatim accurrunt! saith the Church here; wonderful! what trooping and treading upon the heels one of another is here! And as the doves to their windows.] To their columbaries, whereinto they scour and rush gregatim, et mira pernicitate, especially if they have young ones there, or else are driven by some hawk or tempest. God’ s people are free hearted; they serve the Lord with cheerfulness. Amor enim alas addit: and well might Plato descant upon the word, Oνθνητοιμεν Eρωτα, Aθανατοιδεπερωτακαλουσι, whom men call love, the immortal call winged. Confertis agminibus. "Columba Radit iter liquidum, celeres neque commovet auras."
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 60:8
(8) Who are these . . .—The vision of the prophet brings before him the cloud-like sails of the ships that. are bringing back the exiles over the Mediterrauear and the Red Seas, hastening to their home like doves to their dove-cote. (Comp. Hosea 11:11.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 60:8
Verse 8. And as the doves to their windows - "And like doves upon the wing?"] Instead of el, to, forty-two MSS. of Kennicott's, and one of mine, have על al, upon. For ארבתיהם arubboteyhem, their windows, read אברתיהם ebrotheyhem, their wings, transposing a letter. - Houbigant. The Septuagint render it συννεοσσοις, "with their young;" they read אפרחיהם ephrocheyhem, nearer to the latter than to the present reading. - L.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 60:8
8, 9. From the East the prophet turns to the West, and describes the ships of the Mediterranean “like white doves upon the wing” converging on Jerusalem. These also bring from afar the exiled sons of Zion, as well as rich treasures from the nations.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 60:8
Who are these that fly as a cloud? - In multitudes so numerous, that they appear as a dense cloud.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 60:8
8. Who are these… fly as a cloud — Emigrants from over the seas — from the west — the sails of whose ships are likened to flying clouds. A striking figure. As… doves — Skimming the waters as “doves” do the air.
Sermons on Isaiah 60:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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On Communion in the Lords Supper. by Philip Doddridge | Philip Doddridge preaches about the importance of ratifying one's dedication to God through the Ordinance of Baptism by partaking in the Table of the Lord, as a way to express love |
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A Whole New World Is Coming by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having joy and confidence in one's Christian life. He encourages those who may be doubting their readiness for heaven to c |
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Man’s Hour of Darkness Is God’s Hour of Power by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana. He emphasizes that Jesus never acted without significance and that th |
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Authentic Missions, Part One by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, Brother K. P. Johannon discusses the concept of authentic missions and what it looks like according to the teachings of Jesus. He begins by acknowledging that Jesus |
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The Radical Example of Moravian Missions by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the entire Bible is centered around the Lord Jesus Christ and what He can do for humanity. God's ultimate passion is revealed through Hi |
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Oswald J. Smith Preaching - Part 1 by Oswald J. Smith | This sermon emphasizes the importance of spreading the gospel to all nations, inspired by the realization that not everyone has had the opportunity to hear the message of Jesus Chr |
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(Basics) 28. the New Song of Praise by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of praising God in the book of Revelation. He highlights several instances where heavenly beings and angels are seen praising God |