Isaiah 9:6
What does Isaiah 9:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Isaiah 9:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Isaiah 9:6 means
This pivotal verse announces the birth of a unique child, a son who will be given and bear the weight of government on His shoulders. He is given five magnificent, descriptive names that reveal His divine nature and royal office: "Wonderful" (supernatural, extraordinary), "Counsellor" (wise guide), "Mighty God" (a deity, powerful ruler), "Everlasting Father" (source of life and endless care), and "Prince of Peace" (ultimate peace-giver). These titles collectively proclaim His identity as the divine Messiah, the promised Davidic King who will bring salvation and order. This child is Jesus Christ, whose birth fulfilled this prophecy.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For to us a child has come, to us a son is given; and the government has been placed in his hands; and he has been named Wise Guide, Strong God, Father for ever, Prince of Peace.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862For a Child hath been born to us, A Son hath been given to us, And the princely power is on his shoulder, And He doth call his name Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For a CHILD IS BORN to us, and a son is given to us, and the government is upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, God the Mighty, the Father of the world to come, the Prince of Peace.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name is called Wonderful, Counsellor, MightyGod, Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace.
Context
Having established the coming deliverance and peace, this verse reveals the source of it all: the birth of a special child. It is the central prophecy of the chapter's first section, providing the identity of the one who will bring the promised light, joy, and peace. This placement is essential as all earlier descriptions of deliverance build to this announcement, which is then elaborated upon in the following verse about His eternal reign.
v.5For all the armor of the armed man in the tumult, and the garments rolled in blood, shall be for burning, for fuel of fire.
v.6This passage
v.7Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of Jehovah of hosts will perform this.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 John 4:10
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
- Romans 9:5
whose are the fathers, and of whom is Christ as concerning the flesh, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
- Acts 10:36
The word which he sent unto the children of Israel, preaching good tidings of peace by Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all)—
- Luke 1:35
And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee: wherefore also the holy thing which is begotten shall be called the Son of God.
- Ephesians 1:21
far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
- Luke 2:11
for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.
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