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Isaiah 61:5

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Isaiah 61:5 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Strangers will stand and feed your flocks, and foreigners will be your plowmen and vinedressers.

King James Version KJV

And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.

American Standard Version ASV

And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and foreigners shall be your plowmen and your vine-dressers.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And men from strange countries will be your herdsmen, and those who are not Israelites will be your ploughmen and vine-keepers.

Free Bible Version FBV

Foreigners will shepherd your flocks, and take care of your fields, and look after your vineyards.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the strangers shall stande and feede your sheepe, and the sonnes of the strangers shall be your plowmen and dressers of your vines.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And strangers have stood and fed your flock, Sons of a foreigner [are] your husbandmen, And your vine-dressers.

World English Bible WEB

Strangers will stand and feed your flocks. Foreigners will work your fields and your vineyards.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vine-dressers.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And strangers shall stand and shall feed your flocks: and the sons of strangers shall be your husbandmen, and the dressers of your vines.

Translation for Translators T4T

Foreigners will be the ones who will take care of your flocks of sheep and goats, and plow your fields and take care of your grapevines.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 61:5

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 61:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/עָמְד֣וּ זָרִ֔ים וְ/רָע֖וּ צֹאנְ/כֶ֑ם וּ/בְנֵ֣י נֵכָ֔ר אִכָּרֵי/כֶ֖ם וְ/כֹרְמֵי/כֶֽם
וְ/עָמְד֣וּ ʻâmad H5975 to stand Conj | V-Qal-3cp
זָרִ֔ים zûwr H2114 be a stranger Adj
וְ/רָע֖וּ râʻâh H7462 House of Shepherds Conj | V-Qal-3cp
צֹאנְ/כֶ֑ם tsôʼn H6629 Sheep (Gate) N-cs | Suff
וּ/בְנֵ֣י bên H1121 son Conj | N-mp
נֵכָ֔ר nêkâr H5236 foreign N-ms
אִכָּרֵי/כֶ֖ם ʼikkâr H406 farmer N-mp | Suff
וְ/כֹרְמֵי/כֶֽם kôrêm H3755 to tend vineyards Conj | N-mp | 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 61:5

וְ/עָמְד֣וּ ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" Conj | V-Qal-3cp
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
זָרִ֔ים zûwr H2114 "be a stranger" Adj
This word has several meanings, including being a stranger or foreigner, like when Abraham lived in Egypt as a foreigner. It can also mean to commit adultery, highlighting the idea of turning aside from what is right and proper, as warned against in Proverbs 5.
Definition: 1) to be strange, be a stranger 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become estranged 1a2) strange, another, stranger, foreigner, an enemy (participle) 1a3) strange woman, prostitute, harlot (meton) 1b) (Niphal) to be estranged 1c) (Hophal) to be a stranger, be one alienated
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: (come from) another (man, place), fanner, go away, (e-) strange(-r, thing, woman). See also: Exodus 29:33; Proverbs 11:15; Psalms 44:21.
וְ/רָע֖וּ râʻâh H7462 "House of Shepherds" Conj | V-Qal-3cp
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
צֹאנְ/כֶ֑ם tsôʼn H6629 "Sheep (Gate)" N-cs | Suff
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
וּ/בְנֵ֣י bên H1121 "son" Conj | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
נֵכָ֔ר nêkâr H5236 "foreign" N-ms
This word refers to something or someone foreign, including people, gods, or things. It can also describe heathendom or alien ideas. In the KJV, it is translated as alien or strange.
Definition: 1) foreign, alien, foreignness, that which is foreign 1a) foreignness, foreign gods 1b) alien, foreigner 1c) foreign (vanities)
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: alien, strange ([phrase] -er). See also: Genesis 17:12; Nehemiah 13:30; Psalms 18:45.
אִכָּרֵי/כֶ֖ם ʼikkâr H406 "farmer" N-mp | Suff
A farmer is someone who works the land, like the ones who tilled the soil in ancient Israel. They did not necessarily own the land, but worked it to produce crops, often for others. The Bible mentions farmers in various contexts, including the parables of Jesus.
Definition: 1) plowman, husbandman, farmer 1a) working the land, yet not owning any of it
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: husbandman, ploughman. See also: 2 Chronicles 26:10; Jeremiah 31:24; Isaiah 61:5.
וְ/כֹרְמֵי/כֶֽם kôrêm H3755 "to tend vineyards" Conj | N-mp | Suff
A vinedresser tends vineyards, caring for the vines and grapes, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of wine production. This occupation was crucial in ancient Israel. The KJV translates it as 'vine dresser'.
Definition: 1) to tend vines or vineyards, to dress vines or vineyards 1a) (Qal) vinedressers (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: vine dresser (as one or two words). See also: 2 Kings 25:12; Isaiah 61:5; Jeremiah 52:16.

Study Notes — Isaiah 61:5

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 60:10–14 Foreigners will rebuild your walls, and their kings will serve you. Although I struck you in anger, yet in favor I will show you mercy. Your gates will always stand open; they will never be shut, day or night, so that the wealth of the nations may be brought into you, with their kings being led in procession. For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; it will be utterly destroyed. The glory of Lebanon will come to you— its cypress, elm, and boxwood together— to adorn the place of My sanctuary, and I will glorify the place of My feet. The sons of your oppressors will come and bow down to you; all who reviled you will fall facedown at your feet and call you the City of the LORD, Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
2 Isaiah 14:1–2 For the LORD will have compassion on Jacob; once again He will choose Israel and settle them in their own land. The foreigner will join them and unite with the house of Jacob. The nations will escort Israel and bring it to its homeland. Then the house of Israel will possess the nations as menservants and maidservants in the LORD’s land. They will make captives of their captors and rule over their oppressors.
3 Ephesians 2:12–20 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.

Isaiah 61:5 Summary

[Isaiah 61:5 is a beautiful picture of how God provides for His people, often in unexpected ways. Just like a shepherd takes care of his flock, God will use outsiders to help take care of His people, providing for their needs and helping them grow (Psalm 23:1-4, Matthew 9:37-38). This verse reminds us that God is always working, even when we can't see it, and that He will use anyone to accomplish His purposes (Romans 11:25, Matthew 28:18-20). As we trust in God's provision, we can have confidence that He will take care of us, no matter what.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for strangers to stand and feed our flocks in Isaiah 61:5?

This verse suggests that God will provide for His people in unexpected ways, using outsiders to help them, as seen in the story of Ruth, a foreigner who became part of the family of God (Ruth 1:1-4, Romans 11:25).

How will foreigners become our plowmen and vinedressers?

This could mean that people from other nations will come to serve and work alongside God's people, similar to how the Gentiles were grafted into the family of God in Romans 11:17-24, and will help with the practical work of building up the community of believers.

Is this verse talking about a literal farm or a spiritual one?

While the language used is agricultural, the context of Isaiah 61 suggests that this is a spiritual picture, where God's people are being restored and rebuilt, as seen in Isaiah 61:3-4, and the 'flocks' and 'vines' may represent the community of believers and their spiritual growth (Matthew 9:37-38, John 15:1-5).

How does this verse relate to the Great Commission?

Isaiah 61:5 foreshadows the idea that God's people will be a light to the nations, and that outsiders will be drawn to serve and worship the Lord, which is fulfilled in the Great Commission to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8).

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that you have seen God provide for you in unexpected ways, using outsiders or unexpected circumstances?
  2. How can you be a part of building up the community of believers, using your gifts and talents to serve others?
  3. What does it mean for you to be a 'priest of the Lord' as mentioned in Isaiah 61:6, and how can you live out that role in your daily life?
  4. How can you trust God to provide for your needs, even when it seems like He is using unlikely or unexpected sources?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 61:5

And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks,.... The several congregated churches of Christ, which shall be set among them, compared to flocks of sheep, as they often are; and which shall be fed

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 61:5

And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 61:5

Strangers, viz. Gentiles, such as are not of, the natural race of the Jews, but Gentile converts. Or such as shall have no more than an outward profession, strangers to tho true work of grace. Shall stand; ready to be at thy service; a like expression . Feed your flocks, the churches, with, the word of God. The sons of the alien; the same with strangers, or their successors. Shall be your ploughmen and your vine-dressers: as the words describe the prosperous estate of the Jews, the meaning of them is, that they should be in such a flourishing and prosperous condition, that without their own labour they should have all inferior offices executed, either by slaves taken in war, or by persons hired for reward, which they should have riches and wealth enough to accomplish; but as they principally relate to the spiritual state of the church, so probably by strangers we may understand converted Gentiles, with their successors, meant by the sons of aliens, which should be ready to discharge all offices for the advantage of the church, feeding the flocks, viz. the churches of Christ, with the word of God, and should manage the whole work of God’ s spiritual husbandry therein: see . Or by strangers may be meant members of the church only by an outward profession, even they shall be some way serviceable to her in ordinary and inferior matters: The earth shall help the woman, .

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 61:5

Isaiah 61:5 And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien [shall be] your plowmen and your vinedressers.Ver. 5. And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks,] i.e., Shall be very well pleased to serve you, so they may serve the true God with you: yea, being proselyted, they shall become eminent pastors and teachers of the gospel; such as were Justin Martyr, Cyprian, Augustine, &c. Shall be your ploughmen.] See 1 Corinthians 3:9.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 61:5

(5) Strangers shall stand . . .—i.e., like servants waiting for their master’s orders. The implied thought of the whole passage is, as in the next verse, that all Israel is raised to the dignity of a priestly caste, leaving the rough work of the world to be done by foreigners, who stood on a lower level. (Comp. Sir 38:31-34.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 61:5

Verse 5. Strangers shall - feed your flocks] Gentiles shall first preach to you the salvation of Christ, and feed with Divine knowledge the Jewish congregations.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 61:5

5, 6. Israel’s priesthood among the nations, and the services rendered to it by the latter. The meaning of course is not that all Israelites shall minister in the Temple or that a separate sacerdotal order shall not exist (see on the contrary ch. Isaiah 66:21) but simply that in relation to the Gentiles, Israel shall enjoy a position of privilege analogous to the relation between priests and laymen. The fundamental idea of priesthood in the O.T. being the right of approach to God, this idea is conceived as realised in a system which may be likened to a series of concentric circles,—priests, Levites, ordinary Israelites, Gentiles,—each grade standing nearer to God than the next. It was Israel’s calling to be a “kingdom of priests” (Exodus 19:6), and in the latter days this destiny will be fulfilled in their mediatorial relation to the outer world. Although prophecy in general accords a position of supremacy to Israelites in the future kingdom of God, the distinction is perhaps nowhere so definitely formulated as here.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 61:5

And strangers shall stand - (See the notes at Isaiah 14:1-2; Isaiah 60:10). And feed your flocks - The keeping of flocks constituted a very considerable part of the husbandry of those who dwelt in Palestine.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 61:5

5. Strangers… sons of the alien — That is, Gentiles converted to the true religion. Your flocks — The keeping of flocks was a large husbandry in Palestine.

Sermons on Isaiah 61:5

SermonDescription
Robert B. Thompson The Church & the Nations by Robert B. Thompson In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of speaking positively about others, especially those who are anointed by God. They reference a song from their childhood that
Chuck Smith The Deed to the Land by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker addresses the misconceptions and sensationalism surrounding the United States and Israel. He compares the portrayal of America in the media to the reali
Art Katz Summary of Israel's Present Plight and Her Future Glory by Art Katz Art Katz discusses Israel's current struggles and the prophetic understanding of her future glory, emphasizing that the nation must undergo redemptive suffering before achieving la
John Gill Of the Various Sorts of Proselytes. by John Gill John Gill discusses the various types of proselytes in the Jewish tradition, emphasizing their different statuses and the conditions under which they were accepted into the Jewish
Paul Washer The Greatest Text in the Bible by Paul Washer In this sermon, the speaker discusses the choices we make in life and compares the idea of being confronted by a huge, intimidating man versus a small Martian. The speaker emphasiz
Willie Mullan (Bible Analysis of Man) Man's Memory by Willie Mullan In this sermon, the preacher highlights the lack of truth, mercy, and knowledge of God in the land. He emphasizes that many people go about their daily lives without remembering Go
Art Katz The Invisible Cloud of Witnesses by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the state of the world in the 20th century, expressing deep pessimism about mankind's ability to solve its problems. He emphasizes the need
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