Isaiah 60:22
Isaiah 60:22 in Multiple Translations
The least of you will become a thousand, and the smallest a mighty nation. I am the LORD; in its time I will accomplish it quickly.
A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time.
The little one shall become a thousand, and the small one a strong nation; I, Jehovah, will hasten it in its time.
The smallest of their families will become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I, the Lord, will make it come quickly in its time.
The smallest of your families will increase to a thousand, and the most insignificant will become a great nation. I am the Lord; at the right time I will do this quickly.
A litle one shall become as a thousande, and a small one as a strong nation: I the Lord wil hasten it in due time.
The little one doth become a chief, And the small one a mighty nation, I, Jehovah, in its own time do hasten it!
The little one will become a thousand, and the small one a strong nation. I, the LORD, will do this quickly in its time.”
A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in its time.
The least shall become a thousand, and a little one a most strong nation: I the Lord will suddenly do this thing in its time.
At that time, the groups that are very small now will become very large clans, and small clans will become great nations. All those things will happen because, I, Yahweh, will cause them to happen at the right time.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 60:22
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 60:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ/קָּטֹן֙
יִֽהְיֶ֣ה
לָ/אֶ֔לֶף
וְ/הַ/צָּעִ֖יר
לְ/ג֣וֹי
עָצ֑וּם
אֲנִ֥י
יְהוָ֖ה
בְּ/עִתָּ֥/הּ
אֲחִישֶֽׁ/נָּה
הַ/קָּטֹן֙
qâṭân
H6996
small
Art | Adj
יִֽהְיֶ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לָ/אֶ֔לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Prep | Adj
וְ/הַ/צָּעִ֖יר
tsâʻîyr
H6810
little
Conj | Art | Adj
לְ/ג֣וֹי
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Prep | N-ms
עָצ֑וּם
ʻâtsûwm
H6099
mighty
Adj
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
בְּ/עִתָּ֥/הּ
ʻêth
H6256
time
Prep | N-cs | Suff
אֲחִישֶֽׁ/נָּה
chûwsh
H2363
to hasten
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 60:22
הַ/קָּטֹן֙
qâṭân
H6996
"small"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone small in size, amount, or importance. It can describe something as little or least, and is often used to convey a sense of youth or insignificance. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: young, small, unimportant Another spelling of qa.ton (קָטֹן ": small" H6996B)
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: least, less(-er), little (one), small(-est, one, quantity, thing), young(-er, -est). See also: Genesis 1:16; 1 Kings 22:31; Psalms 104:25.
יִֽהְיֶ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לָ/אֶ֔לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Prep | Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
וְ/הַ/צָּעִ֖יר
tsâʻîyr
H6810
"little"
Conj | Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone is little, young, or insignificant. It appears in the Bible to describe something small in number or size. In the KJV, it is translated as least, little, or small.
Definition: 1) little, insignificant, young 1a) little, insignificant 1b) insignificant, mean 1c) young, younger, youngest
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: least, little (one), small (one), [phrase] young(-er, -est). See also: Genesis 19:31; 1 Kings 16:34; Psalms 68:28.
לְ/ג֣וֹי
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
עָצ֑וּם
ʻâtsûwm
H6099
"mighty"
Adj
This word means mighty or powerful, often describing something as strong or numerous. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power and strength.
Definition: 1) mighty, vast, numerous 1a) mighty, strong (in number) 1b) numerous, countless
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] feeble, great, mighty, must, strong. See also: Genesis 18:18; Proverbs 7:26; Psalms 10:10.
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
בְּ/עִתָּ֥/הּ
ʻêth
H6256
"time"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.
Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.
אֲחִישֶֽׁ/נָּה
chûwsh
H2363
"to hasten"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for to hurry or be eager with excitement, often translated as to make haste. It can also mean to enjoy or feel something, conveying a sense of enthusiasm or readiness. This word is used in various contexts, including when someone is preparing for action.
Definition: 1) to haste, make haste, hurry 1a) (Qal) to make haste 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to show haste, act quickly, hasten, come quickly
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (make) haste(-n), ready. See also: Numbers 32:17; Psalms 70:2; Psalms 22:20.
Study Notes — Isaiah 60:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 60:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 60:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 60:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 60:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 60:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 60:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 60:22
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 60:22
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 60:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 60:22
- Sermons on Isaiah 60:22
Context — Future Glory for Zion
20Your sun will no longer set, and your moon will not wane; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and the days of your sorrow will cease.
21Then all your people will be righteous; they will possess the land forever; they are the branch of My planting, the work of My hands, so that I may be glorified.
22The least of you will become a thousand, and the smallest a mighty nation. I am the LORD; in its time I will accomplish it quickly.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Habakkuk 2:3 | For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and does not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay. |
| 2 | Hebrews 10:36 | You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. |
| 3 | Luke 18:7 | Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He continue to defer their help? |
| 4 | Matthew 13:31–32 | He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man planted in his field. Although it is the smallest of all seeds, yet it grows into the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” |
| 5 | Isaiah 66:8 | Who has heard of such as this? Who has seen such things? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be delivered in an instant? Yet as soon as Zion was in labor, she gave birth to her children. |
| 6 | 2 Peter 3:8 | Beloved, do not let this one thing escape your notice: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. |
| 7 | Isaiah 5:19 | to those who say, “Let Him hurry and hasten His work so that we may see it! Let the plan of the Holy One of Israel come so that we may know it!” |
| 8 | Revelation 7:9 | After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. |
| 9 | Daniel 2:44 | In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will shatter all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, but will itself stand forever. |
| 10 | Acts 5:14 | Yet more and more believers were brought to the Lord—large numbers of both men and women. |
Isaiah 60:22 Summary
This verse is a promise from God that He will take the smallest and weakest among us and make them strong and mighty. Even when we feel insignificant, God can multiply and bless us in amazing ways, as seen in Isaiah 60:22. This is similar to how God blessed Abraham and made him the father of a great nation, as promised in Genesis 12:2. By trusting in God's power and sovereignty, we can have faith that He will accomplish His promises in our lives, even when we don't see immediate results, and we can look to examples in the Bible, such as the story of Abraham in Romans 4:18-22, for encouragement and guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the 'least' to become a 'thousand'?
This phrase is a promise from God that even the smallest and seemingly insignificant among us will be greatly multiplied and become a mighty force for His kingdom, as seen in Isaiah 60:22, similar to how God multiplied the nation of Israel in Exodus 1:7.
How does God accomplish His promises 'quickly'?
Although God's timing may not always align with ours, He is able to accomplish His promises swiftly and efficiently, as seen in Isaiah 60:22, and this is a testament to His power and sovereignty, as stated in Psalm 115:3.
What is the significance of God saying 'I am the LORD' in this verse?
When God says 'I am the LORD', He is reaffirming His covenant name and emphasizing His role as the all-powerful and faithful God who keeps His promises, as seen in Exodus 3:15 and reiterated in Isaiah 60:22.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply this verse by trusting in God's promise to multiply and bless us, even when we feel small or insignificant, and by looking to examples in the Bible, such as the story of Gideon in Judges 7:1-25, where God used a small group of people to achieve a great victory.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like the 'least' or the 'smallest', and how can I trust God to multiply and bless me in those areas?
- How can I have faith that God will accomplish His promises 'quickly', even when I don't see immediate results?
- What does it mean for me to be a part of a 'mighty nation' as a child of God, and how can I live out this identity in my daily life?
- In what ways can I surrender my own timing and expectations to God, and trust in His sovereignty and power to accomplish His promises?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 60:22
A little one shall become a thousand,.... A small family, a little handful of people in all ages, scattered up and down in the world, of no esteem and account in it, being all gathered together, that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 60:22
A little one shall become a thousand; though of very small beginning, and contemptible, yet shall greatly multiply. Though the church at first will be but a very few, yet will it increase into many thousands; this plant or seed will spring up to many. Some understand it, that many shall be converted, and brought into the church, by men of very few, low, and mean parts; however, these things seem to agree better to some state of the church here, than to the state of the church triumphant. A small one a strong nation: if this signify, not the same with the other, as probably it may, the word strong signifying numerous, , then we may understand it, that as the former respected their number, so this their strength. Will hasten it in his time, viz. in due time, the time that I have appointed: q.d. Let not this be doubted, because I have undertaken it, to whom nothing is difficult. When the time of the promise comes, he will make haste, it will be done speedily; or as soon as it begins it shall hasten apace, as it did in Peter’ s sermon, three thousand in one day, Acts 2, and five thousand in another, Acts 4, and so soon filled the whole world, and one Paul planted whole churches, as the people in Egypt increased from seventy persons to a vast multitude.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 60:22
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.Ver. 22. A little one shall become a thousand.] Three thousand were added to the Church in one day, five thousand in another. Homo ille tricubitalis, as Chrysostom calleth Paul, that little man, and least of all the apostles, what great pains took he! how many churches planted he! how many thousand souls gained he to Christ! See what a circuit he set, and what a deal of work he despatched at one bout. Here was minimus in mille, the least out of a thousand, as it is here. Think the like of the rest of the apostles, as also of Luther, Melanchthon, Ferullus, &c. Mr Foxe telleth us that many were made to see the falsities of Popery by reading Chaucer; more by reading Erasmus’ s Colloquies. I the Lord will hasten it in his time.] Heb., In its time - that is, in the time of the New Testament; but most completely and gloriously at the resurrection shall all these things that are foretold be accomplished.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 60:22
(22) A little one shall become a thousand.—The noun is probably to be taken not in its merely numerical value, but, as in Judges 6:15, 1 Samuel 23:23, Micah 5:2, for a clan or sub-division of a tribe.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 60:22
Verse 22. I the Lord will hasten it in his time] There is a time set for the fulfilment of this prophecy: that time must come before it begins to take place; but when it does begin, the whole will be performed in a short space. It is not, therefore, the time determined for the event that shall be hastened, but all the circumstances of the event; all the parts of the prediction shall be speedily completed. I the Lorde in hys tyme sodeynly schal doun thys. - Old MS. Bible. And because it is the LORD, therefore it will be done: for although it be difficult, he is almighty.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 60:22
22. A little one … a small one] Better perhaps: The least … the smallest. The word for “thousand” (’éleph) means also a larger or smaller group of families,—“clan” or tribe. This is doubtless the sense in which it is employed here: comp. the parallel “nation” in the next line. will hasten it in his time] The fulfilment shall be instantaneous when once the appointed time has arrived. The reference is to the whole of the preceding prophecy.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 60:22
A little one shall become a thousand - There shall be a great increase, as if one, and that the smallest, should be multiplied to a thousand.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 60:22
22. A little one shall become a thousand — To the broadest dimensions the relatively small one shall be extended. Genesis 18:18.
Sermons on Isaiah 60:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Social Aspects of Revival by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power of revival and its impact on society. He mentions the example of the 1904-05 revival and highlights the lasting blessings it brough |
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How to Baptise 1 Million People in a Year by Victor Choudhrie | This sermon emphasizes the power of vision, faith, and discipleship in achieving extraordinary goals for the Kingdom of God. It narrates a journey of setting and surpassing milesto |
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Letter 47 by James Bourne | James Bourne emphasizes the importance of spiritual cleanness and abiding in Christ to remain fruitful and experience His joy. He reflects on personal struggles with worldly distra |
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(Through the Bible) Habakkuk by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker expresses sadness over the careless behavior of people who litter and leave debris on the ground. He reflects on the corruption that man has brought upo |
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Anatomy of a Prophetic Word by David Ravenhill | David Ravenhill discusses the importance of understanding the prophetic word, emphasizing the need for a balance between the Word of God and the Spirit of God. He highlights the co |
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The Necessity of Waiting on God by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of waiting on God, urging the congregation to cultivate a posture of stillness and silence in His presence. He highlights that true waiting |
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Balm in Gilead by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the desperate state of God's people, emphasizing the deep wounds of sin and the need for a profound realization of one's sinful nature to fully apprecia |