Isaiah Chapter 60 · Verse 11

Authorized King James Version

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Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought.

Original Language Analysis

וּפִתְּח֨וּ shall be open H6605
וּפִתְּח֨וּ shall be open
Strong's: H6605
Word #: 1 of 13
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
שְׁעָרַ֧יִךְ Therefore thy gates H8179
שְׁעָרַ֧יִךְ Therefore thy gates
Strong's: H8179
Word #: 2 of 13
an opening, i.e., door or gate
תָּמִ֛יד continually H8548
תָּמִ֛יד continually
Strong's: H8548
Word #: 3 of 13
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
יוֹמָ֥ם day H3119
יוֹמָ֥ם day
Strong's: H3119
Word #: 4 of 13
daily
וָלַ֖יְלָה nor night H3915
וָלַ֖יְלָה nor night
Strong's: H3915
Word #: 5 of 13
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 6 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִסָּגֵ֑רוּ they shall not be shut H5462
יִסָּגֵ֑רוּ they shall not be shut
Strong's: H5462
Word #: 7 of 13
to shut up; figuratively, to surrender
לְהָבִ֤יא that men may bring H935
לְהָבִ֤יא that men may bring
Strong's: H935
Word #: 8 of 13
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אֵלַ֙יִךְ֙ H413
אֵלַ֙יִךְ֙
Strong's: H413
Word #: 9 of 13
near, with or among; often in general, to
חֵ֣יל unto thee the forces H2428
חֵ֣יל unto thee the forces
Strong's: H2428
Word #: 10 of 13
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
גּוֹיִ֔ם of the Gentiles H1471
גּוֹיִ֔ם of the Gentiles
Strong's: H1471
Word #: 11 of 13
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
וּמַלְכֵיהֶ֖ם and that their kings H4428
וּמַלְכֵיהֶ֖ם and that their kings
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 12 of 13
a king
נְהוּגִֽים׃ may be brought H5090
נְהוּגִֽים׃ may be brought
Strong's: H5090
Word #: 13 of 13
to drive forth (a person, an animal or chariot), also (from the panting induced by effort), to sigh

Analysis & Commentary

The promise continues: "Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night." Ancient cities closed gates at night for security, but Zion's gates remain perpetually open, signifying absolute security and continuous access. This pictures both defensive invulnerability (no enemies to fear) and missional openness (constant welcome to incoming worshipers). The purpose: "that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought." The Hebrew chayil (forces/wealth) emphasizes both people and resources streaming to Zion. Even kings come as willing subjects. This prophesies the church's perpetual openness to receive all who come to Christ (John 6:37) and the continuous flow of converts and resources for kingdom work. Revelation 21:25 explicitly quotes this: "the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there." From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates the church's missionary calling—always open, always welcoming, always receiving those whom God brings. It also pictures final security in the consummated kingdom where threats are eternally eliminated.

Historical Context

Post-exilic Jerusalem's walls were broken down until Nehemiah's rebuilding (Nehemiah 1:3, 2:13). Even after reconstruction, the city remained vulnerable to regional threats, requiring gates closed nightly for protection. The prophecy looked beyond this to ultimate security. Partial fulfillment came as the church age began with gospel openness to all nations (Acts 10:34-35, 15:7-11). Complete fulfillment awaits the New Jerusalem where perfect security and perpetual welcome coexist (Revelation 21:12-27).

Questions for Reflection