Isaiah 49:23

The Servant and Light to the Gentiles · Isaiah 49:1–26
Read Isaiah 49

Translations

Modern
Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow to you facedown and lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in Me will never be put to shame.”
Traditional
And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the Lord: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.
Literal
And kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers; facedown to the earth they will bow low to you, and they will lick up the dust of your feet. And you will know that I am YHWH; those waiting for Me will not be ashamed.”
Latin
Et erunt reges nutritii tui, et reginæ nutrices tuæ; vultu in terram demisso adorabunt te, et pulverem pedum tuorum lingent. Et scies quia ego Dominus, super quo non confundentur qui exspectant eum.

Original

Hebrew
English
Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow to you facedown and lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in Me will never be put to shame.”

Notes

  • you will know that I am the LORD: The surprising role reversal, with kings and queens serving the humble exiles upon their return, will show God's power to do the unimaginable (see also Isaiah 60:16).

  • The godly will face temporary disgrace during the exile in Babylon but would not ultimately be put to shame, as the idolaters and ungodly were.

Theme notes and profiles

Isaiah God’s Servant Salvation in Isaiah

Events

Parallels

Acts 13:42–52

Glossary

Baptism of Jesus Church Isaiah, Book of New Creation, New Creature Zion

Topics

Church: Prophecies Concerning Prosperity of Gentiles: Prophecies of the Conversion of Jesus, the Christ: Prophecies Concerning the Coming of Jesus, the Christ: Prophecies Concerning Universality of the Kingdom of Jesus, the Christ: Unclassified Prophecies Concerning the Kingdom of Kings: should Nourish the Church Prophecies Concerning Israel: Prophecies Concerning of Blessing and Restoration Salutations: Often Accompanied by Kissing the Dust Seekers: General Scriptures Concerning The Feet: Subjection Expressed by Licking the Dust of The Jews: Promises Respecting: Gentiles Assisting in Their Restoration Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall not be Ashamed Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will not be Ashamed