Isaiah Chapter 60 · Verse 16

Authorized King James Version

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Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

Original Language Analysis

תִּינָ֑קִי Thou shalt also suck H3243
תִּינָ֑קִי Thou shalt also suck
Strong's: H3243
Word #: 1 of 14
to suck; causatively, to give milk
חֲלֵ֣ב the milk H2461
חֲלֵ֣ב the milk
Strong's: H2461
Word #: 2 of 14
milk (as the richness of kine)
גּוֹיִ֔ם of the Gentiles H1471
גּוֹיִ֔ם of the Gentiles
Strong's: H1471
Word #: 3 of 14
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
וְשֹׁ֥ד the breast H7699
וְשֹׁ֥ד the breast
Strong's: H7699
Word #: 4 of 14
the breast of a woman or animal (as bulging)
מְלָכִ֖ים of kings H4428
מְלָכִ֖ים of kings
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 5 of 14
a king
תִּינָ֑קִי Thou shalt also suck H3243
תִּינָ֑קִי Thou shalt also suck
Strong's: H3243
Word #: 6 of 14
to suck; causatively, to give milk
וְיָדַ֗עַתְּ and thou shalt know H3045
וְיָדַ֗עַתְּ and thou shalt know
Strong's: H3045
Word #: 7 of 14
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּ֣י H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 8 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֲנִ֤י H589
אֲנִ֤י
Strong's: H589
Word #: 9 of 14
i
יְהוָה֙ that I the LORD H3068
יְהוָה֙ that I the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 10 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מֽוֹשִׁיעֵ֔ךְ am thy Saviour H3467
מֽוֹשִׁיעֵ֔ךְ am thy Saviour
Strong's: H3467
Word #: 11 of 14
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
וְגֹאֲלֵ֖ךְ and thy Redeemer H1350
וְגֹאֲלֵ֖ךְ and thy Redeemer
Strong's: H1350
Word #: 12 of 14
to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido
אֲבִ֥יר the mighty One H46
אֲבִ֥יר the mighty One
Strong's: H46
Word #: 13 of 14
mighty (spoken of god)
יַעֲקֹֽב׃ of Jacob H3290
יַעֲקֹֽב׃ of Jacob
Strong's: H3290
Word #: 14 of 14
jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

Analysis & Commentary

The nursing imagery appears again: "Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings." This reverses typical imperial relationships where subjected peoples provide tribute to conquering nations. Now Gentiles and kings provide nourishment and sustenance to Zion. The nursing metaphor suggests intimate care, life-giving support, and tender provision. The purpose clause is critical: "and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob." Three titles emphasize God's saving work: moshia (Saviour), goal (Redeemer), and the mighty One of Jacob. The result of experiencing salvation is knowing God truly. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates that salvation brings experiential knowledge of God, not merely intellectual assent. We know God as Saviour by experiencing salvation, as Redeemer by experiencing redemption, as mighty by experiencing His power. The reference to "Jacob" connects present salvation to ancient covenant promises—the same God who chose Jacob continues His faithful work.

Historical Context

During the monarchy and exile, Judah often paid tribute to foreign powers—Assyria, Egypt, Babylon, Persia. The prophecy reversed this: nations would support Zion. Partially fulfilled through Persian support for temple rebuilding (Ezra 6:8-9) and Gentile contributions to early church (Romans 15:26-27, 2 Corinthians 8-9). Ultimately fulfilled as Gentile believers bring their resources to support gospel work and sustain God's people. The knowledge of God as Saviour, Redeemer, and Mighty One comes through experiencing His salvation in Christ.

Questions for Reflection