but you shall be called the priests of the LORD; they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God; you shall eat the wealth of the nations, and in their glory you shall boast.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about future wealth; it reveals a radical exchange where the glory of nations will be taken over by God's people. They won't just receive wealth, but they'll step into the place of honor and renown that once belonged to the world, becoming conduits of God's glory.
but you shall be called the priests of the LORD; they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God; you shall eat the wealth of the nations, and in their glory you shall boast.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage comes after Isaiah describes the restoration of Jerusalem and the return of exiles, promising them a future of abundance and honor. It contrasts their former state of desolation with a glorious future where they are elevated to a priestly status, serving God and enjoying the prosperity of the nations. This promise envisions a time when their identity and purpose are transformed, leading to their exaltation and pride in God's provision.
Ever feel like your true calling is hidden? This passage reveals a radical shift in identity, moving from a position of shame to one of profound honor and service.
Isaiah 61:6 declares a stunning transformation: 'you shall be called the priests of the LORD; they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God.' This isn't just a name change; it's a redefinition of purpose and position.
The Ideal Restored
God’s original vision for Israel was to be a 'kingdom of priests' (Exodus 19:6), set apart to serve and mediate between God and the nations. For a time, this ideal was lost. But here, God promises its restoration and elevation.
A New Role, A New Status
This new identity as priests and ministers means:
What does it mean to 'eat the wealth of nations' and 'boast in their glory'? This isn't about earthly conquest, but a profound spiritual inheritance.
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The promise 'you shall eat the riches of the nations, and in their glory you shall boast' points to a future of unparalleled blessing and honor.
Spiritual Riches and Abundance
This phrase signifies far more than material wealth. It speaks to:
Understand the original words
kōhēn · Hebrew Noun
A person authorized to perform religious rites and act as a mediator between God and the people. In the Old Testament, this office was held by the tribe of Levi, but here it speaks to the future status of God's people in His kingdom.
šārat · Hebrew Verb
A term referring to those who serve the Lord in a special capacity, often used of the Levites or those who minister in the temple. It signifies an active, designated service to God.
This verse paints a picture of a redeemed people, no longer defined by their past suffering or national limitations, but elevated to a position of spiritual authority and honor, serving God and receiving from the nations, a stark contrast to the devastation of the Temple's destruction.
c. 1446 BC
The Covenant at Sinai
God establishes a covenant with Israel, designating them as a "kingdom of priests, and an holy nation" (Exodus 19:6). This sets an ideal for Israel's relationship with God and the nations.
c. 740 BC
Assyrian Empire Dominance
The powerful Assyrian Empire is at its height, expanding its influence and often conquering surrounding nations, creating a backdrop of geopolitical tension and exile for many peoples.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
Assyria conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many Israelites and scattering them among conquered territories, a stark reminder of national vulnerability.
c. 605-586 BC
Babylonian Exile of Judah
The Neo-Babylonian Empire conquers Jerusalem, exiling key figures of Judah. This period of displacement and loss deeply impacts Jewish identity and theology.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon, allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples.
c. 1st Century AD
Early Christian Ministry
Following Jesus' ministry, his followers, primarily Jewish, begin to spread the Gospel. The concept of a spiritual priesthood for all believers emerges.
c. AD 60-70— this verse
Destruction of the Second Temple
The Roman Empire destroys the Second Temple in Jerusalem after a Jewish revolt. This event marks a profound turning point, ending the sacrificial system and reshaping Jewish life.
This passage from the Exodus narrative sets up the original ideal for Israel as a 'kingdom of priests,' a concept that Isaiah 61:6 expands upon, showing how this role will be fully realized in a future restoration.
1 Peter 2:9Peter echoes Isaiah's vision, calling believers a 'royal priesthood' and a 'holy nation,' directly connecting the Old Testament promise of priestly status to the New Testament church.
Isaiah 60:5This verse in Isaiah 60 speaks of the wealth of nations flowing to Jerusalem, which directly complements the promise in Isaiah 61:6 that 'you shall eat the riches of the nations.'
Revelation 1:6The book of Revelation speaks of believers as 'kings and priests,' directly fulfilling the elevated status promised to God's people in Isaiah 61:6, especially in the context of Christ's reign.
Romans 11:12Paul discusses how the Gentiles' acceptance of Christ brings spiritual 'riches' and restoration to Israel, aligning with the theme of Gentiles contributing to the glory and sustenance of God's people as mentioned in Isaiah 61:6.
barnesIsaiah 61:6: "But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves."
But ye shall be named - The idea here literally is, 'There will be no need of your engaging in the business of agriculture. All that will be done by others; and you, as ministers of God, may engage wholly in the duties of religion. The world shall be tributary to you, and you shall enjoy the productions…
gillIsaiah 61:6: "But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves."
But ye shall be named the priests of the Lord,.... Or, "and ye shall be named", &c. which Jerom understands of the builders of cities, pastors of flocks, the ploughmen and vinedressers, the strangers and the sons of the alien, that these also should be called priests: but rather it designs the Jews, when…
This verse isn't just about future wealth; it reveals a radical exchange where the glory of nations will be taken over by God's people. They won't just receive wealth, but they'll step into the place of honor and renown that once belonged to the world, becoming conduits of God's glory.
This passage comes after Isaiah describes the restoration of Jerusalem and the return of exiles, promising them a future of abundance and honor. It contrasts their former state of desolation with a glorious future where they are elevated to a priestly status, serving God and enjoying the prosperity of the nations. This promise envisions a time when their identity and purpose are transformed, leading to their exaltation and pride in God's provision.
This passage comes after Isaiah describes the restoration of Jerusalem and the return of exiles, promising them a future of abundance and honor. It contrasts their former state of desolation with a glorious future where they are elevated to a priestly status, serving God and enjoying the prosperity of the nations. This promise envisions a time when their identity and purpose are transformed, leading to their exaltation and pride in God's provision.
"but you shall be called the priests of the LORD; they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God; you shall eat the wealth of the nations, and in their glory you shall boast." — This verse isn't just about future wealth; it reveals a radical exchange where the glory of nations will be taken over by God's people. They won't just receive wealth, but they'll step into the pla…
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Last reviewed October 2026