Isaiah 60:5
Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.
Original Language Analysis
אָ֤ז
H227
תִּרְאִי֙
Then thou shalt see
H7200
תִּרְאִי֙
Then thou shalt see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
2 of 15
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וְנָהַ֔רְתְּ
and flow together
H5102
וְנָהַ֔רְתְּ
and flow together
Strong's:
H5102
Word #:
3 of 15
to sparkle, i.e., (figuratively) be cheerful
וּפָחַ֥ד
shall fear
H6342
וּפָחַ֥ד
shall fear
Strong's:
H6342
Word #:
4 of 15
to be startled (by a sudden alarm); hence, to fear in general
וְרָחַ֖ב
and be enlarged
H7337
וְרָחַ֖ב
and be enlarged
Strong's:
H7337
Word #:
5 of 15
to broaden (intransitive or transitive, literal or figurative)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יֵהָפֵ֤ךְ
shall be converted
H2015
יֵהָפֵ֤ךְ
shall be converted
Strong's:
H2015
Word #:
8 of 15
to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert
עָלַ֙יִךְ֙
H5921
עָלַ֙יִךְ֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הֲמ֣וֹן
because the abundance
H1995
הֲמ֣וֹן
because the abundance
Strong's:
H1995
Word #:
10 of 15
a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth
יָ֔ם
of the sea
H3220
יָ֔ם
of the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
11 of 15
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
חֵ֥יל
unto thee the forces
H2428
חֵ֥יל
unto thee the forces
Strong's:
H2428
Word #:
12 of 15
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
גּוֹיִ֖ם
of the Gentiles
H1471
גּוֹיִ֖ם
of the Gentiles
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
13 of 15
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
Cross References
Isaiah 61:6But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.Isaiah 23:18And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the LORD: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.Acts 11:17Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?Acts 10:45And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.1 Samuel 2:1And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.Isaiah 54:2Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;Isaiah 60:11Therefore 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.Acts 24:17Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.Psalms 34:5They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.Jeremiah 33:9And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it.
Historical Context
Post-exilic Judah was economically weak, depending on Persian imperial permission and resources to rebuild. This promise looked forward to reversal—instead of being tributaries to empires, they would receive tribute from nations. Partial fulfillment came through temple donations from Gentiles (Ezra 1:4, 6:8-9), but complete fulfillment awaits the consummated kingdom when all creation acknowledges Christ's lordship (Philippians 2:10-11) and all things are reconciled to God (Colossians 1:20).
Questions for Reflection
- How should the prospect of worldwide conversion produce both joy and reverent fear in believers?
- What does the dedication of Gentile wealth and resources to God's kingdom teach about comprehensive redemption?
- In what ways should believers consecrate their vocational skills and economic resources to kingdom purposes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The response to this vision is profoundly emotional: "Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged." Four verbs describe Zion's reaction. "Flow together" (nahar) literally means to shine or beam—radiant joy. "Fear" (pachad) indicates reverential awe at God's work. "Be enlarged" (rachab) means expanding to capacity—overwhelming joy. The reason follows: "because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee." The "abundance of the sea" likely refers to maritime trade wealth and island nations (coastlands). "Forces" (chayil) means wealth, resources, and might—not merely people but their treasures and capabilities dedicated to God's purposes. This prophesies the Gentiles bringing their wealth and glory into the kingdom (Revelation 21:24-26). From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates the cultural mandate redeemed—human creativity, productivity, and achievement consecrated to God's glory. Christ claims not just souls but the totality of creation, transforming culture and commerce for kingdom purposes.