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Isaiah 61:6

Isaiah 61:6 in Multiple Translations

But you will be called the priests of the LORD; they will speak of you as ministers of our God; you will feed on the wealth of nations, and you will boast in their riches.

But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.

But ye shall be named the priests of Jehovah; men shall call you the ministers of our God: ye shall eat the wealth of the nations, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.

But you will be named the priests of the Lord, the servants of our God: you will have the wealth of the nations for your food, and you will be clothed with their glory.

You will be called priests of the Lord, identified as ministers of our God. You will enjoy the wealth of nations and be proud that you have it.

But ye shall be named the Priestes of the Lord, and men shall say vnto you, The ministers of our God, Ye shall eate the riches of the Gentiles, and shalbe exalted with their glorie.

And ye are called 'Priests of Jehovah,' 'Ministers of our God,' is said of you, The strength of nations ye consume, And in their honour ye do boast yourselves.

But you will be called the LORD’s priests. Men will call you the servants of our God. You will eat the wealth of the nations. You will boast in their glory.

But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.

But you shall be called the priests of the Lord: to you it shall be said: Ye ministers of our God: you shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and you shall pride yourselves in their glory.

But you are the ones who will be like the priests to serve Yahweh, to work for God. You will enjoy valuable goods that are brought from other nations, and you will be happy that those things have become yours.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 61:6

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 61:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/אַתֶּ֗ם כֹּהֲנֵ֤י יְהוָה֙ תִּקָּרֵ֔אוּ מְשָׁרְתֵ֣י אֱלֹהֵ֔י/נוּ יֵאָמֵ֖ר לָ/כֶ֑ם חֵ֤יל גּוֹיִם֙ תֹּאכֵ֔לוּ וּ/בִ/כְבוֹדָ֖/ם תִּתְיַמָּֽרוּ
וְ/אַתֶּ֗ם ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Conj | Pron
כֹּהֲנֵ֤י kôhên H3548 priest N-mp
יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
תִּקָּרֵ֔אוּ qârâʼ H7121 to call V-Niphal-Imperf-2mp
מְשָׁרְתֵ֣י shârath H8334 to minister V-Piel
אֱלֹהֵ֔י/נוּ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff
יֵאָמֵ֖ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
לָ/כֶ֑ם Prep | Suff
חֵ֤יל chayil H2428 Helech N-ms
גּוֹיִם֙ gôwy H1471 Gentile N-mp
תֹּאכֵ֔לוּ ʼâkal H398 to eat V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
וּ/בִ/כְבוֹדָ֖/ם kâbôwd H3519 glory Conj | Prep | N-cs | Suff
תִּתְיַמָּֽרוּ yâmar H3235 to exchange V-Hithpael-Imperf-2mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 61:6

וְ/אַתֶּ֗ם ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
כֹּהֲנֵ֤י kôhên H3548 "priest" N-mp
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
תִּקָּרֵ֔אוּ qârâʼ H7121 "to call" V-Niphal-Imperf-2mp
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
מְשָׁרְתֵ֣י shârath H8334 "to minister" V-Piel
This verb means to serve or minister to someone, often in a worship or temple setting. It is used to describe the work of priests and Levites in the Old Testament.
Definition: (Piel) to minister, serve, minister to
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: minister (unto), (do) serve(-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on. See also: Genesis 39:4; 1 Chronicles 26:12; Psalms 101:6.
אֱלֹהֵ֔י/נוּ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
יֵאָמֵ֖ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לָ/כֶ֑ם "" Prep | Suff
חֵ֤יל chayil H2428 "Helech" N-ms
This word represents strength, might, or power, whether physical, financial, or military. In the Bible, it's used to describe the strength of God or the wealth of a nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
Definition: § Helech = "your army" a place near Arvad and Gammad
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). See also: Genesis 34:29; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Psalms 18:33.
גּוֹיִם֙ gôwy H1471 "Gentile" N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
תֹּאכֵ֔לוּ ʼâkal H398 "to eat" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
וּ/בִ/כְבוֹדָ֖/ם kâbôwd H3519 "glory" Conj | Prep | N-cs | Suff
Glory refers to great honor or splendor, often used to describe God's majesty, as in Psalm 138:5 where David praises God's glorious name. It can also refer to wealth or abundance, like in Genesis 31:1 where Jacob's wealth is described.
Definition: 1) glory, honour, glorious, abundance 1a) abundance, riches 1b) honour, splendour, glory 1c) honour, dignity 1d) honour, reputation 1e) honour, reverence, glory 1f) glory
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able). See also: Genesis 31:1; Psalms 113:4; Psalms 3:4.
תִּתְיַמָּֽרוּ yâmar H3235 "to exchange" V-Hithpael-Imperf-2mp
This verb means to exchange or change places, and is used in the Bible to describe trading or replacing something, as in boasting or promising.
Definition: 1) to exchange 1a) (Hiphil) to exchange 1b) (Hithpael) to enter into, be changed into 2) (TWOT) to promise
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: boast selves, change. See also: Isaiah 61:6.

Study Notes — Isaiah 61:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Exodus 19:6 And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.”
2 1 Peter 2:5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
3 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
4 Isaiah 60:5–7 Then you will look and be radiant, and your heart will tremble and swell with joy, because the riches of the sea will be brought to you, and the wealth of the nations will come to you. Caravans 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. All 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.
5 Isaiah 66:21 “And I will select some of them as priests and Levites,” says the LORD.
6 Revelation 5:10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign upon the earth.”
7 Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
8 1 Corinthians 4:1 So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
9 Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection! The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him for a thousand years.
10 2 Corinthians 11:23 Are they servants of Christ? I am speaking like I am out of my mind, but I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death.

Isaiah 61:6 Summary

In Isaiah 61:6, God promises that His people will be called the priests of the LORD, serving and ministering to others. This means we get to share God's love and care with those around us, and experience the spiritual riches of His kingdom (1 Peter 2:9). As we do this, we will be filled with joy and fulfillment, and will be a light to the nations, showing them the way to God (Matthew 5:14-16). By trusting in God's provision and care, we can live a life of purpose and meaning, serving Him and others.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be called the priests of the LORD in Isaiah 61:6?

In this context, being called the priests of the LORD means that God's people will be set apart to serve and minister to others, just as priests in the Old Testament did (Exodus 19:6, 1 Peter 2:9).

How will God's people feed on the wealth of nations?

This phrase is not about material wealth, but about the spiritual riches that come from knowing God and being a part of His kingdom (Psalm 37:11, Matthew 6:33).

What is the relationship between being ministers of God and feeding on the wealth of nations?

As God's people minister to others and share the gospel, they will experience the spiritual riches of God's kingdom, which will bring them joy and fulfillment (Isaiah 55:1-2, Acts 20:35).

How does this verse relate to the idea of God's people being a light to the nations?

In Isaiah 61:6, God's people are called to be ministers of God, which means they will be a light to the nations, sharing the gospel and demonstrating God's love to a world in need (Isaiah 49:6, Matthew 5:14-16).

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can serve as a priest of the LORD in my daily life, ministering to those around me?
  2. How can I cultivate a sense of dependence on God's spiritual riches, rather than the wealth of the world?
  3. In what ways can I share the gospel and be a light to those around me, demonstrating God's love and care?
  4. What are some areas of my life where I need to trust God to provide for me, rather than relying on my own strength or resources?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 61:6

But ye shall be named the priests of the Lord,.... Or, "and ye shall be named", c.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 61:6

But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 61:6

But ye shall be named the Priests; for your part, ye emphatically shall be as priests; either, 1. For maintenance; as the priests of old were plentifully provided for without their labour, so shall you by the labour of strangers. Or, 2. For countenance; you shall be every where as greatly valued as the priests were wont to be; you shall be esteemed as princes; for so the word is often used, the word priest being applied not only to the sacred function, but to one that was of great note among the people, and was supplied with all necessaries from others, without any labour of his own. Thus David’ s sons were called priests, or princes. Or rather, 3. For privilege; the whole body of them shall now be as peculiar and as near to God as the priests were formerly, and shall be a royal priesthood, . This is most certainly true of all the faithful under the gospel; hence they have also their spiritual sacrifices, 16 . Ye shall eat the richs of the Gentiles: it relates to the riches of the Gentiles, which did consist most in flocks and herds: or, what you eat shall be purchased by the riches of the Gentiles. Shall ye boast yourselves; you shall exalt yourselves, or be renowned by others. The LXX. render it, you shall be wonderful, or to admiration; or grow high by the access of that glory which they shall bring unto you, viz. in riches, parts, learning, ,11.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 61:6

Isaiah 61:6 But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: [men] shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.Ver. 6. But ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord.] Or, Princes of the Lord, as the word is used 2 Samuel 8:18. See Exodus 19:6 Revelation 1:6 1 Peter 2:9 Romans 12:1 Hebrews 13:15. Ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles.] Ye shall have the double honour of countenance and maintenance.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 61:6

(6) But ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord . . .—This had been the original ideal of the nation’s life (Exodus 19:6), forfeited for a time through the sins of the people (Exodus 28:1), to be fulfilled at last in the citizens of the new Jerusalem. (Comp. 1 Peter 2:9.) The thought implies, it may be noted, that as Israel has succeeded to the position of the sons of Aaron, so mankind at large is to occupy the position of Israel, as chosen and redeemed. Even the heathen Gentiles shall speak of the new Israel as “Ministers of our God.” Ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles . . .—St. Paul seems to see a partial fulfilment of the promise in the collection made among the Gentiles for the Church at Jerusalem (Romans 15:27). On the other hand, the phrase that the conversion of the Jews shall be the riches of the Gentiles (Romans 11:12), affords an illustration of the varying aspects of prophetic imagery.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 61:6

6. the riches of the Gentiles] the wealth of nations, as ch. Isaiah 60:5; Isaiah 60:11. in their glory shall you boast yourselves] So the chief Ancient Versions. Another rendering is to their glory shall ye succeed (R.V. marg.); the exact idea being that Israel and the heathen shall “exchange places,” the glory that now belongs to the latter being transferred to the former.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 61:6

But ye shall be named - The idea here literally is, ‘There will be no need of your engaging in the business of agriculture.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 61:6

6. Ye shall be named… Priests… Ministers — Redeemed Israel is now intermingled with crowds of converted Gentiles giving help to the building up of the “wastes” of Isaiah 61:4.

Sermons on Isaiah 61:6

SermonDescription
Andrew Murray An Holy Priesthood by Andrew Murray Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound calling of believers as a holy priesthood, highlighting that every redeemed individual shares in the anointing of Christ as High Priest. He ex
Andrew Murray Thirtieth Lesson. ‘An Holy Priesthood;’ Or, the Ministry of Intercession by Andrew Murray Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound calling of every believer to be a priest, highlighting that through Jesus Christ, all redeemed individuals are granted the privilege of interc
C.H. Spurgeon Set Apart by C.H. Spurgeon C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that believers are spiritually designated as priests of the Lord, called to live distinctly for God and engage in holy service. He encourages Christians to
Richard Baxter The Splendor of the Saints' Rest by Richard Baxter Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'leitourgos', emphasizing its significance as a worker of the people, often associated with public duties and works of public use. Thi
A.B. Simpson Isaiah Chapter 20 the Servant of the Lord by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson emphasizes the multifaceted role of the 'servant of the Lord' as depicted in Isaiah, highlighting that this title applies to Israel, Jesus Christ, and individual belie
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 19:5-6 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the purpose of the law in relation to the people of Israel. He emphasizes that the law was given to reveal their sinfulness and to lead them
Art Katz There Were Two Trees in the Garden - Part 2 by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the significance of examining the creation story in Genesis and how it reveals God's splendor, majesty, and wisdom. The speaker emphasizes t

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