The Lord GOD, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, declares, “I will gather yet others to him besides those already gathered.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
While it's easy to see this as God gathering only the Jewish exiles, the verse pivots to highlight a more expansive promise: He will gather additional people to Himself, beyond those already gathered from Israel. This points forward to a future inclusion of those who were previously considered outsiders.
The Lord GOD, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, declares, “I will gather yet others to him besides those already gathered.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet Isaiah has been speaking about God's ultimate plan of salvation and inclusion, particularly for those who might seem on the outside. This verse follows discussions about foreigners and eunuchs finding a place in God's house. It emphasizes God's ongoing work of gathering, not only the scattered Israelites but also adding others to His people, hinting at a future where the community of faith will expand far beyond its original boundaries.
Have you ever felt like an outcast? Like you're on the fringes, overlooked or left behind? This verse speaks directly to that feeling.
The Lord God is introduced with a powerful descriptor: 'the one who gathers the outcasts of Israel.' This isn't just about physical exile; it speaks to God's heart for those who are broken, forgotten, and scattered. Think of the Israelites in slavery, exiles in foreign lands, or even the marginalized within society. God sees them. God calls them. God gathers them. This act of gathering is foundational to His covenant relationship with His people, a promise of restoration and belonging.
God’s heart for the lost isn't limited to one group. His plan is bigger, more inclusive than you might imagine.
The verse doesn't stop with the 'outcasts of Israel.' The powerful declaration follows: 'I will gather yet others to him besides those already gathered.' This is a revolutionary thought for its time! It signifies that God’s gathering isn't just about bringing His chosen people back together. It’s about expanding that circle to include people from all backgrounds, nations, and peoples. This points forward to a future where the boundaries of 'us' and 'them' are dissolved in Christ, creating a single, unified family of God.
Understand the original words
Ask a follow-up
Adonai YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun phrase
A title for God (Adonai YHWH) that highlights His sovereign authority and lordship over all creation.
niddach · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Refers to those who are scattered, excluded, or marginalized, specifically Israelite exiles or those cut off from the covenant community.
This verse speaks into a time of rebuilding and redefinition for Israel after exile. It assures them that God's gathering doesn't stop with His own people; it extends to include others, breaking down old boundaries and fulfilling a grander vision of His kingdom.
c. 740 BC
Prophetic Ministry of Isaiah
Isaiah prophesies during a tumultuous period in Judah, facing threats from powerful empires like Assyria and internal spiritual decay.
597 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Jehoiachin and many prominent citizens are exiled to Babylon, marking the beginning of the Babylonian captivity.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, leading to a second, larger exile and the scattering of many more Israelites.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, paving the way for the return of exiled Jews to Jerusalem.
516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
The Second Temple is completed and dedicated in Jerusalem, a significant moment for the returning exiles.
c. 5th-4th Century BC— this verse
Post-Exilic Period and Inclusion of Gentiles
In the post-exilic era, the concept of Israel's identity and the inclusion of foreigners (Gentiles) within God's people begins to be explored and debated.
This passage directly echoes Isaiah's prophecy, with Jesus speaking of 'other sheep' not of the fold that he will bring in, highlighting the inclusion of Gentiles into God's flock.
Ephesians 2:11-19Paul powerfully illustrates how the barrier between Jews and Gentiles was broken down through Christ, showing the 'others' Isaiah mentioned becoming 'fellow citizens' and part of God's household.
Acts 10:34-35Peter's encounter with Cornelius demonstrates God's impartiality, revealing that 'in every nation whoever fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him,' fulfilling the promise of gathering 'others'.
Isaiah 56:6-7These verses immediately preceding Isaiah 56:8 speak of 'foreigners' joining themselves to the Lord and being brought to his holy mountain, directly supporting the idea of gathering those beyond the original 'outcasts of Israel'.
Galatians 3:28-29This verse proclaims unity in Christ, stating there is 'neither Jew nor Greek' but all are one in him, which is the spiritual reality of God gathering 'others' alongside the gathered people of Israel.
bensonIsaiah 56:8: "The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him."
Isaiah 56:8 . The Lord which gathereth the outcasts — Who will gather to himself, and bring into their own land, those poor Israelites which are or shall be cast out of it, and dispersed in divers parts of the world; saith, Yet will I gather others to him — As there are some few Gentiles whom I have made proselytes and added to the Jewish Church, so…
pooleIsaiah 56:8: "The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him."
Which gathereth the outcasts of Israel; which will gather to himself, and bring into their own land, those poor Israelites which are, or shall be, cast out of their own land, and from God’s presence, and dispersed in divers parts of the world. Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him; as there are some few Gentiles wh…
While it's easy to see this as God gathering only the Jewish exiles, the verse pivots to highlight a more expansive promise: He will gather additional people to Himself, beyond those already gathered from Israel. This points forward to a future inclusion of those who were previously considered outsiders.
The prophet Isaiah has been speaking about God's ultimate plan of salvation and inclusion, particularly for those who might seem on the outside. This verse follows discussions about foreigners and eunuchs finding a place in God's house. It emphasizes God's ongoing work of gathering, not only the scattered Israelites but also adding others to His people, hinting at a future where the community of faith will expand far beyond its original boundaries.
The prophet Isaiah has been speaking about God's ultimate plan of salvation and inclusion, particularly for those who might seem on the outside. This verse follows discussions about foreigners and eunuchs finding a place in God's house. It emphasizes God's ongoing work of gathering, not only the scattered Israelites but also adding others to His people, hinting at a future where the community of faith will expand far beyond its original boundaries.
"The Lord GOD, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, declares, “I will gather yet others to him besides those already gathered.”" — While it's easy to see this as God gathering only the Jewish exiles, the verse pivots to highlight a more expansive promise: He will gather additional people to Himself, beyond those already gath…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026