Isaiah 60:9

Authorized King James Version

Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לִ֣י׀

אִיִּ֣ים

H339

Surely the isles

properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island

יְקַוּ֗וּ

H6960

shall wait

to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect

וָאֳנִיּ֤וֹת

H591

for me and the ships

a ship

תַּרְשִׁישׁ֙

H8659

of Tarshish

tarshish, a place on the mediterranean, hence, the ephithet of a merchant vessel (as if for or from that port); also the name of a persian and of an i

בָּרִ֣אשֹׁנָ֔ה

H7223

first

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

לְהָבִ֤יא

H935

to bring

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בָנַ֙יִךְ֙

H1121

thy sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#10

מֵֽרָח֔וֹק

H7350

from far

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

#11

כַּסְפָּ֥ם

H3701

their silver

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

#12

וּזְהָבָ֖ם

H2091

and their gold

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

#13

אִתָּ֑ם

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#14

לְשֵׁם֙

H8034

with them unto the name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#15

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#16

אֱלֹהַ֔יִךְ

H430

thy God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#17

וְלִקְד֥וֹשׁ

H6918

and to the Holy One

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

#18

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#19

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#20

פֵאֲרָֽךְ׃

H6286

because he hath glorified

to gleam, i.e., (causatively) embellish; figuratively, to boast; also to explain (i.e., make clear) oneself; to shake a tree

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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