Isaiah 11:6
The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Isaiah 11 describes Messiah's reign, beginning with 'a rod out of the stem of Jesse' (David's father)—the royal lineage. Verses 1-5 describe Messiah's character and righteous judgment; verses 6-9 describe the resulting peace in nature. Ancient readers understood this as future hope beyond current experience. Jewish apocalyptic literature developed these themes (Testament of Levi, 1 Enoch). Christians recognize Christ's first coming inaugurated the kingdom spiritually (peace with God through the gospel, natural enemies reconciled in the church—Jew and Gentile, slave and free), while the second coming will consummate it physically (renewed creation, literal peace in nature). This vision has inspired Christian hope through persecutions and trials—ultimate peace is certain.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this vision of perfect peace in Messiah's kingdom give you hope amid current brokenness and conflict?
- What 'natural enemies' has Christ reconciled in your life or community through the gospel?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This famous verse depicts the messianic kingdom's perfect peace, where natural enmities cease and predator-prey relationships are transformed. 'The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb'—mortal enemies living harmoniously. The wolf (zeev, זְאֵב) represents danger and predation (Genesis 49:27); the lamb (keves, כֶּבֶשׂ) represents vulnerability and innocence. 'The leopard shall lie down with the kid' (young goat) continues the theme—the leopard's hunting nature supernaturally reversed. 'The calf and the young lion and the fatling together' places prey and predator, domestic and wild, in peaceful coexistence. Most remarkable: 'a little child shall lead them' (na'ar qatan yinhagem). Children, most vulnerable to predators, will safely guide these once-dangerous animals. This isn't mere metaphor but describes literal transformation when Christ's kingdom fully comes. The curse of Genesis 3 (enmity in nature) will be reversed, restoring Eden-like harmony. Romans 8:19-22 explains creation groans awaiting this liberation from corruption.