Isaiah 60:22
A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time.
Original Language Analysis
הַקָּטֹן֙
A little one
H6996
הַקָּטֹן֙
A little one
Strong's:
H6996
Word #:
1 of 10
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
יִֽהְיֶ֣ה
H1961
יִֽהְיֶ֣ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לָאֶ֔לֶף
shall become a thousand
H505
לָאֶ֔לֶף
shall become a thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
3 of 10
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
וְהַצָּעִ֖יר
and a small one
H6810
וְהַצָּעִ֖יר
and a small one
Strong's:
H6810
Word #:
4 of 10
little; (in number) few; (in age) young, (in value) ignoble
לְג֣וֹי
nation
H1471
לְג֣וֹי
nation
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
5 of 10
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
עָצ֑וּם
a strong
H6099
עָצ֑וּם
a strong
Strong's:
H6099
Word #:
6 of 10
powerful (specifically, a paw); by implication, numerous
יְהוָ֖ה
I the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
I the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Habakkuk 2:3For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.Hebrews 10:36For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.Luke 18:7And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?Isaiah 66:8Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.2 Peter 3:8But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.Revelation 7:9After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;Isaiah 5:19That say, Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it!Daniel 2:44And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.Acts 5:14And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)Acts 2:41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Historical Context
The post-exilic community was small and weak—a remnant compared to pre-exilic Judah. Growth seemed impossible given their circumstances. Yet God promised multiplication at His appointed time. Pentecost marked fulfillment's beginning—3,000 added in one day (Acts 2:41). The church's explosive growth continued throughout Acts (6:7, 9:31, 12:24, 19:20). This continues through church history despite persecution. Complete fulfillment comes when the full number of the elect is gathered (Romans 11:25)—a multitude no one can number (Revelation 7:9).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the principle of small beginnings growing to great fulfillment encourage believers in discouraging times?
- What does 'I the LORD will hasten it in His time' teach about divine sovereignty and timing?
- How should we balance evangelistic urgency with trust in God's sovereign control of the harvest?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The chapter concludes with promise of multiplication: "A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation." The Hebrew tsair (little one) and qatan (small one) emphasize insignificant beginnings. Their transformation into "a thousand" (eleph) and "a strong nation" (goy atsim) demonstrates exponential growth and strength. Then the timing: "I the LORD will hasten it in his time." This seems paradoxical—hastening in His time—but it means God will accomplish it swiftly when the appointed time comes. The emphasis on "I the LORD" (ani Adonai) grounds certainty in divine character and sovereign power. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates the mustard seed principle (Matthew 13:31-32)—the kingdom grows from insignificant beginnings to magnificent fulfillment. The church began with 120 disciples (Acts 1:15), grew to thousands (Acts 2:41, 4:4), and now spans the globe. This growth comes sovereignly at God's appointed times (Acts 1:7, Galatians 4:4, Ephesians 1:10). God hastens His purposes, and none can delay them (Isaiah 14:27, 46:10-11).