Isaiah 9:6

Authorized King James Version

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּי

H3588

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

יֶ֣לֶד

H3206

For unto us a child

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

יֻלַּד

H3205

is born

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

לָ֗נוּ

בֵּ֚ן

H1121

unto us a son

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

נִתַּן

H5414

is given

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָ֔נוּ

וַתְּהִ֥י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַמִּשְׂרָ֖ה

H4951

and the government

empire

#10

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#11

שִׁכְמ֑וֹ

H7926

shall be upon his shoulder

the neck (between the shoulders) as the place of burdens; figuratively, the spur of a hill

#12

וַיִּקְרָ֨א

H7121

shall be called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#13

שְׁמ֜וֹ

H8034

and his name

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

#14

פֶּ֠לֶא

H6382

Wonderful

a miracle

#15

יוֹעֵץ֙

H3289

Counsellor

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

#16

אֵ֣ל

H410

God

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

#17

גִּבּ֔וֹר

H1368

The mighty

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

#18

אֲבִי

Father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#19

עַ֖ד

H5703

The everlasting

properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit

#20

שַׂר

H8269

The Prince

a head person (of any rank or class)

#21

שָׁלֽוֹם׃

H7965

of Peace

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Luke 2:11 Luke 2:11
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
— Unto you is born a Saviour
² John 1:1 John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
— The Word was God

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing peace contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood peace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of peace differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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 the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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