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Isaiah 66:21

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Isaiah 66:21 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“And I will select some of them as priests and Levites,” says the LORD.

King James Version KJV

And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the LORD.

American Standard Version ASV

And of them also will I take for priests and for Levites, saith Jehovah.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And some of them will I take for priests and Levites, says the Lord.

Free Bible Version FBV

I will choose some of them as priests and Levites, says the Lord.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And I will take of them for Priestes, and for Leuites, saith the Lord.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And also of them I take for priests, For Levites, said Jehovah.

World English Bible WEB

Of them I will also select priests and Levites,” says the LORD.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the LORD.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And I will take of them to be priests, and Levites, saith the Lord.

Translation for Translators T4T

I solemnly promise that I will appoint some of them to be priests, and others to do other work in my temple. That will surely happen because I, Yahweh, have said it.

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 66:21

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 66:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/גַם מֵ/הֶ֥ם אֶקַּ֛ח לַ/כֹּהֲנִ֥ים לַ/לְוִיִּ֖ם אָמַ֥ר יְהוָֽה
וְ/גַם gam H1571 also Conj | DirObjM
מֵ/הֶ֥ם Prep | Suff
אֶקַּ֛ח lâqach H3947 to take V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
לַ/כֹּהֲנִ֥ים kôhên H3548 priest Prep | N-mp
לַ/לְוִיִּ֖ם Lêvîyîy H3881 Levi Prep | Ngmpa
אָמַ֥ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
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 66:21

וְ/גַם gam H1571 "also" Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
מֵ/הֶ֥ם "" Prep | Suff
אֶקַּ֛ח lâqach H3947 "to take" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
לַ/כֹּהֲנִ֥ים kôhên H3548 "priest" Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
לַ/לְוִיִּ֖ם Lêvîyîy H3881 "Levi" Prep | Ngmpa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
אָמַ֥ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָֽה 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.

Study Notes — Isaiah 66:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
2 Exodus 19:6 And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.”
3 Revelation 1:6 who has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen.
4 1 Peter 2:5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
5 Isaiah 61:6 But you will be called the priests of the LORD; they will speak of you as ministers of our God; you will feed on the wealth of nations, and you will boast in their riches.
6 Revelation 5:10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign upon the earth.”
7 Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection! The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him for a thousand years.
8 Jeremiah 13:18–22 Say to the king and to the queen mother: “Take a lowly seat, for your glorious crowns have fallen from your heads.” The cities of the Negev have been shut tight, and no one can open them. All Judah has been carried into exile, wholly taken captive. Lift up your eyes and see those coming from the north. Where is the flock entrusted to you, the sheep that were your pride? What will you say when He sets over you close allies whom you yourself trained? Will not pangs of anguish grip you, as they do a woman in labor? And if you ask yourself, “Why has this happened to me?” It is because of the magnitude of your iniquity that your skirts have been stripped off and your body has been exposed.

Isaiah 66:21 Summary

[In Isaiah 66:21, God says He will choose some people to be priests and Levites, which means they will serve Him and help others know Him. This is similar to the role of priests and Levites in the Old Testament (Exodus 28:1), but now it's open to people from all nations. This shows that God wants everyone to be able to come to Him and serve Him, no matter where they're from or what their background is (Revelation 1:6, 1 Peter 2:9). As followers of Jesus, we are all part of a royal priesthood, and we can serve God and represent Him to the world.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God to select some people as priests and Levites in Isaiah 66:21?

This refers to God choosing certain individuals to serve as spiritual leaders and intermediaries between Himself and humanity, similar to the role of priests and Levites in the Old Testament (Exodus 28:1, Numbers 3:6).

Is this verse talking about the restoration of the old priesthood, or something new?

This verse is likely referring to a new spiritual order, where people from all nations will be chosen to serve God in a priestly role, as hinted at in Isaiah 66:20 and supported by other scriptures like Revelation 1:6 and 1 Peter 2:9.

How does this relate to the concept of the 'priesthood of all believers'?

The idea of God selecting people as priests and Levites in Isaiah 66:21 is connected to the New Testament concept of the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 1:6), where all followers of Jesus are considered to be part of a royal priesthood, serving God and representing Him to the world.

What is the significance of God speaking directly in this verse?

When God says 'says the LORD' in Isaiah 66:21, it emphasizes the importance and authority of the statement, underscoring that this is a divine declaration, similar to other instances in the Bible where God speaks directly (Isaiah 45:18, Ezekiel 36:22).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean for you to be part of a 'royal priesthood' (1 Peter 2:9), and how can you live out this calling in your daily life?
  2. In what ways can you serve as a spiritual leader or intermediary in your community, and what gifts or abilities has God given you to fulfill this role?
  3. How does the idea of people from all nations being chosen as priests and Levites challenge or expand your understanding of God's plan for humanity, and what implications does this have for your relationships with others?
  4. What does this verse reveal about God's heart for diversity and inclusion, and how can you reflect this in your own life and interactions with people from different backgrounds?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 66:21

And I will also take of them for priests,.... That is, of the Gentiles, the brethren brought as an offering to the Lord; and therefore must respect Gospel times, when the Aaronic priesthood would be

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 66:21

And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the LORD. And I will also take of them - the Gentiles.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 66:21

Lest the Jews, being assured that the tribe of Levi, which God anciently chose to minister before him, was among them, should say, Alas, if the Gentiles should be brought in, where would they have priests or Levites? God here by his prophet tells them he would provide priests, he would take of them, of these converted heathens. for priests and Levites, that is, for gospel ministers, to teach and to instruct people, which was the priest’ s work of old, ,9 Malachi 2:6; for they are mightily mistaken that think the priests among the Jews had nothing to do but to sacrifice and burn incense, which work is ceased. Saith the prophet, God will find amongst the converted Gentiles those who, though they be not of the tribe of Levi, or house of Aaron, yet they shall do the true work of priests and Levites.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 66:21

Isaiah 66:21 And I will also take of them for priests [and] for Levites, saith the LORD.Ver. 21. And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites.] For evangelical pastors and teachers, who have a distinct function and employment in the Church of the New Testament, as the priests and Levites had in that of the Old, to teach, instruct, and edify God’ s people.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 66:21

(21) I will also take of them for priests . . .—We are left to determine whether the promise is that even Gentile converts should be enrolled among the priests and Levites of the new Jerusalem, or that Israelites of the non-priestly tribes should be so enrolled. Was the prophet breaking down in thought the middle wall of partition, or clinging to its maintenance? Isaiah 61:6 seems in favour of the latter view, and we are probably right in looking on this thought, that of all Israel being eligible for the priesthood, as that which was in the prophet’s mind. Like other such thoughts, however, it was capable of expansion, so as to include the whole Israel of God, who were by faith the children of Abraham. (Comp. 1 Peter 2:5; 1 Peter 2:9, with Exodus 19:6.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 66:21

Verse 21. And for Levites] For ללוים laleviyim, fifty-nine MSS., (eight ancient,) have וללוים velaleviyim, adding the conjunction ו vau, which the sense seems necessarily to require: and so read all the ancient versions. See Joshua 3:3, and the various readings on that place in Kennicott's Bible.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 66:21

21. And of them also will I take &c. (R.V.). Commentators differ in opinion as to whether the ministers of the sanctuary are to be taken from the restored exiles or from the Gentiles who bring them back; the language is consistent with either supposition. The latter is thought by some to be excluded by Isaiah 56:6 f. (shewing the utmost limit of concession to foreigners), and Isaiah 61:6 (where a priestly standing is assigned to the Jews). These considerations, however, are not decisive; and the emphasis of the statement is perhaps better explained by the bolder conception. In any case the prophet seems to contemplate a suspension of the provisions of the Law, for the words “I will take” suggest something more than that those who are priests and Levites by birth shall be permitted to exercise their hereditary functions. for priests and for Levites] Strictly, “for the priests, for the Levites,” implying that they were to be given for the service of the priests and Levites. But the article should probably be omitted, and the rendering of E.V. retained. The conjunction “and” is supplied by all the Versions and some MSS. The duplication of the preposition distinguishes the expression from a characteristic phrase of Deuteronomy (see Driver on Deuteronomy 18:1), so that we cannot (without a change of text) render “for Levitical priests.” Nothing would be gained by such an alteration, for the adj. “Levitical” in this connexion would be a meaningless addition.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 66:21

And I will also take of them for priests - I will give to them an honorable place in my public service; that is, I will make them ministers of religion as if they were priests and Levites.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 66:21

21, 22. And I will… take of them — These words connect closely with the heathen converts of the preceding verse. “Of them,” together with the “and,” show this clearly enough.

Sermons on Isaiah 66:21

SermonDescription
Derek Prince Israel in the Last Days by Derek Prince In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of aligning with God's purpose for Israel. He urges believers to bless and not curse Israel, as shown in Numbers 23 with the s
T. Austin-Sparks A Holy Nation by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of separation from the world in the life of Abraham. God called Abraham to leave his country, his family, and his father's hou
Evan Roberts Evan Roberts Preaching in 1905 by Evan Roberts Evan Roberts reflects on the glorious deeds of God, emphasizing that no amount of time could fully express His greatness. He challenges the congregation to consider what they offer
J.I. Packer A Look at the Puritan Through Puritan Eyes by J.I. Packer In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Carter, who played a central role in the next chapter of the story. The sermon is divided into three paragraphs: the leaders, the
Compilations Christ - Part 1 (Compilation) by Compilations In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency and purpose of the Christian mission. He calls for radical devotion to God and a willingness to leave everything behind to follo
Paris Reidhead Intercession in Prayer by Paris Reidhead In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of intercession and prayer in the mission of spreading the word of God. The key message is that the responsibility to pray for
Art Katz The Fire of God by Art Katz In this sermon transcript, the speaker describes a series of university meetings where he preached the gospel. Despite facing opposition and being seen as a traitor by some, the sp
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