Isaiah 11:10
And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָה֙
H1961
וְהָיָה֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בַּיּ֣וֹם
And in that day
H3117
בַּיּ֣וֹם
And in that day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 15
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַה֔וּא
H1931
הַה֔וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
3 of 15
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עֹמֵד֙
which shall stand
H5975
עֹמֵד֙
which shall stand
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
7 of 15
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
לְנֵ֣ס
for an ensign
H5251
לְנֵ֣ס
for an ensign
Strong's:
H5251
Word #:
8 of 15
a flag; also a sail; by implication, a flagstaff; generally a signal; figuratively, a token
עַמִּ֔ים
of the people
H5971
עַמִּ֔ים
of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
9 of 15
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
גּוֹיִ֣ם
to it shall the Gentiles
H1471
גּוֹיִ֣ם
to it shall the Gentiles
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
11 of 15
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
יִדְרֹ֑שׁוּ
seek
H1875
יִדְרֹ֑שׁוּ
seek
Strong's:
H1875
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
וְהָיְתָ֥ה
H1961
וְהָיְתָ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
13 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Cross References
Isaiah 11:1And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:Luke 2:32A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.John 12:32And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.Acts 11:18When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.Matthew 8:11And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.Matthew 12:21And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.Revelation 22:16I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.Isaiah 49:22Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.Psalms 91:1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.Haggai 2:9The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.
Historical Context
Fulfilled when Gentiles began entering the church at Pentecost and especially after Peter's Cornelius encounter (Acts 10) and Paul's missionary journeys. The 'glorious rest' describes the church as God's dwelling and ultimately the new creation. The prophecy that Gentiles would seek the Jewish Messiah seemed impossible, yet it's precisely what happened and continues. Christ's kingdom encompasses all nations, fulfilling Abrahamic promises (Genesis 12:3).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Gentile inclusion in God's kingdom demonstrate the gospel's universal scope?
- What does it mean that Christ's 'rest' is glorious, and how do we experience this rest?
- How should the multi-ethnic nature of Christ's kingdom affect our church communities?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse identifies the 'root of Jesse' as a rallying point for Gentiles. The 'root' refers to Messiah (also verse 1), to whom 'the Gentiles shall seek.' His 'rest' (dwelling place/kingdom) 'shall be glorious.' This explicitly prophesies Gentile inclusion in Messiah's kingdom—revolutionary for Isaiah's time when Israel was God's exclusive covenant people. Paul quotes this verse (Romans 15:12) to prove the gospel's inclusion of Gentiles was always God's plan. This universality distinguishes Christ's kingdom from David's earthly reign.