Isaiah 11:7
And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
Original Language Analysis
תִּרְעֶ֔ינָה
shall feed
H7462
תִּרְעֶ֔ינָה
shall feed
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
3 of 10
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
יִרְבְּצ֣וּ
shall lie down
H7257
יִרְבְּצ֣וּ
shall lie down
Strong's:
H7257
Word #:
5 of 10
to crouch (on all four legs folded, like a recumbent animal); by implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed
יַלְדֵיהֶ֑ן
their young ones
H3206
יַלְדֵיהֶ֑ן
their young ones
Strong's:
H3206
Word #:
6 of 10
something born, i.e., a lad or offspring
כַּבָּקָ֥ר
like the ox
H1241
כַּבָּקָ֥ר
like the ox
Strong's:
H1241
Word #:
8 of 10
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
Historical Context
Anticipates messianic age when curse is lifted and creation restored (Romans 8:19-22). Some see literal fulfillment in millennial kingdom; others see metaphorical fulfillment in church's unity transcending natural enmities. The imagery draws from Eden where all creatures were originally herbivorous (Genesis 1:30). Christ's redemptive work begins reversing the fall's effects, ultimately culminating in new heavens and new earth where former things pass away.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's redemption extend beyond humans to all creation?
- What does the transformation of predatory nature teach about the completeness of Christ's redemptive work?
- How do we see previews of this coming peace in present Christian community?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The peaceful kingdom continues: predators (cow and bear) graze together with their young lying together in harmony. The lion eating straw like the ox represents complete transformation of carnivorous nature to herbivorous—reversing the curse's effects. This depicts either literal millennial conditions or metaphorically the complete peace of Christ's kingdom where former enemies coexist. Either interpretation shows creation's redemption from curse and violence, restored to Edenic conditions under Messiah's reign.