Isaiah 55:5
New International Version
Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations you do not know will come running to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor.”

New Living Translation
You also will command nations you do not know, and peoples unknown to you will come running to obey, because I, the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, have made you glorious.”

English Standard Version
Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the LORD your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you.

Berean Standard Bible
Surely you will summon a nation you do not know, and nations who do not know you will run to you. For the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, has bestowed glory on you.”

King James Bible
Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.

New King James Version
Surely you shall call a nation you do not know, And nations who do not know you shall run to you, Because of the LORD your God, And the Holy One of Israel; For He has glorified you.”

New American Standard Bible
“Behold, you will call a nation you do not know, And a nation which does not know you will run to you, Because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel; For He has glorified you.”

NASB 1995
“Behold, you will call a nation you do not know, And a nation which knows you not will run to you, Because of the LORD your God, even the Holy One of Israel; For He has glorified you.”

NASB 1977
“Behold, you will call a nation you do not know, And a nation which knows you not will run to you, Because of the LORD your God, even the Holy One of Israel; For He has glorified you.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Behold, you will call a nation you do not know, And a nation which knows you not will run to you, Because of Yahweh your God, even the Holy One of Israel; For He has adorned you with beautiful glory.”

Amplified Bible
“In fact, you [Israel] will call a nation that you do not know, And a nation that does not know you will run to you, Because of the LORD your God, even the Holy One of Israel; For He has glorified you.”

Christian Standard Bible
so you will summon a nation you do not know, and nations who do not know you will run to you. For the LORD your God, even the Holy One of Israel, has glorified you.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
so you will summon a nation you do not know, and nations who do not know you will run to you. For the LORD your God, even the Holy One of Israel, has glorified you.”

American Standard Version
Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not; and a nation that knew not thee shall run unto thee, because of Jehovah thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.

Contemporary English Version
You will call out to nations you have never known. And they have never known you, but they will come running because I am the LORD, the holy God of Israel, and I have honored you.

English Revised Version
Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and a nation that knew not thee shall run unto thee, because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
You will summon a nation that you don't know, and a nation that doesn't know you will run to you because of the LORD your God, because of the Holy One of Israel. He has honored you."

Good News Translation
Now you will summon foreign nations; at one time they did not know you, but now they will come running to join you! I, the LORD your God, the holy God of Israel, will make all this happen; I will give you honor and glory."

International Standard Version
"Look! You will call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that does not know you will run to you, because of the LORD your God, even the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you."

Majority Standard Bible
Surely you will summon a nation you do not know, and nations who do not know you will run to you. For the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, has bestowed glory on you.”

NET Bible
Look, you will summon nations you did not previously know; nations that did not previously know you will run to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he bestows honor on you.

New Heart English Bible
Look, you shall call a nation that you do not know; and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the LORD your God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he has glorified you."

Webster's Bible Translation
Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run to thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel, for he hath glorified thee.

World English Bible
Behold, you shall call a nation that you don’t know; and a nation that didn’t know you shall run to you, because of Yahweh your God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he has glorified you.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Behold, a nation you do not know, you call, "" And a nation who does not know you runs to you, "" For the sake of your God YHWH, "" And for the Holy One of Israel, "" Because He has beautified you.”

Young's Literal Translation
Lo, a nation thou knowest not, thou callest, And a nation who know thee not unto thee do run, For the sake of Jehovah thy God, And for the Holy One of Israel, Because He hath beautified thee.

Smith's Literal Translation
Behold, nations thou shalt not know; thou shalt call, and nations that knew thee not shall run to thee, for sake of Jehovah thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he honored thee.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Behold thou shalt call a nation, which thou knewest not: and the nations that knew not thee shall run to thee, because of the Lord thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel, for he hath glorified thee.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Behold, you will call to a nation that you did not know. And nations that did not know you will rush to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel. For he has glorified you.

New American Bible
So shall you summon a nation you knew not, and a nation that knew you not shall run to you, Because of the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, who has glorified you.

New Revised Standard Version
See, you shall call nations that you do not know, and nations that do not know you shall run to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For you shall call nations that you know not, and nations that knew you not shall run to you because of the LORD your God, and because of the Holy One of Israel; for he has glorified you.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
You shall call the nations that you have not known, and nations that do not know you shall run to you, because of LORD JEHOVAH your God, and because of The Holy One of Israel who glorified you
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, And a nation that knew not thee shall run unto thee; Because of the LORD thy God, And for the Holy One of Israel, for He hath glorified thee.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Nations which know thee not, shall call upon thee, and peoples which are not acquainted with thee, shall flee to thee for refuge, for the sake of the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel; for he has glorified thee.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Invitation to the Needy
4Behold, I have made him a witness to the nations, a leader and commander of the peoples. 5Surely you will summon a nation you do not know, and nations who do not know you will run to you. For the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, has bestowed glory on you.” 6Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.…

Cross References
Acts 13:47
For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

Romans 15:12
And once more, Isaiah says: “The Root of Jesse will appear, One who will arise to rule over the Gentiles; in Him the Gentiles will put their hope.”

Psalm 18:43
You have delivered me from the strife of the people; You have made me the head of nations; a people I had not known shall serve me.

Psalm 22:27
All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD. All the families of the nations will bow down before Him.

Psalm 86:9
All the nations You have made will come and bow before You, O Lord, and they will glorify Your name.

Zechariah 8:22-23
And many peoples and strong nations will come to seek the LORD of Hosts in Jerusalem and to plead before the LORD.” / This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue will tightly grasp the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’”

Isaiah 2:2-3
In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. / And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Isaiah 60:3
Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Isaiah 49:6
He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.”

Isaiah 66:18-19
“And I, knowing their deeds and thoughts, am coming to gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see My glory. / I will establish a sign among them, and I will send survivors from among them to the nations—to Tarshish, Put, and the archers of Lud; to Tubal, Javan, and the islands far away who have not heard of My fame or seen My glory. So they will proclaim My glory among the nations.

Matthew 28:19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

John 12:32
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw everyone to Myself.”

Revelation 15:4
Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed.”

Revelation 21:24
By its light the nations will walk, and into it the kings of the earth will bring their glory.

Micah 4:2
And many nations will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.


Treasury of Scripture

Behold, you shall call a nation that you know not, and nations that knew not you shall run to you because of the LORD your God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he has glorified you.

thou shalt

Isaiah 11:10,11
And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious…

Isaiah 52:15
So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.

Isaiah 45:8
Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.

nations

Isaiah 60:5
Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.

Hosea 1:10
Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.

Zechariah 2:11
And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee.

he

Isaiah 60:9
Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.

Psalm 110:1-3
A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool…

Luke 24:26
Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

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Endowed Glorified Glory Hasten Holy Israel Nation Nations Run Sake Summon Surely
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Endowed Glorified Glory Hasten Holy Israel Nation Nations Run Sake Summon Surely
Isaiah 55
1. The prophet, with the promises of Christ, calls to faith
6. And to repentance
8. The happy success of those who believe














Surely you will summon
The word "surely" emphasizes certainty and divine assurance. In Hebrew, the word used here is "הֵן" (hen), which conveys a strong affirmation. The act of summoning implies a call to action or gathering, often used in a royal or authoritative context. This suggests that the people of God will have a significant role in drawing others, indicating a future where God's people are central to His plan.

a nation you do not know
This phrase highlights the unexpected and miraculous nature of God's work. The Hebrew word for "nation" is "גּוֹי" (goy), often used to refer to Gentile nations. The idea of not knowing these nations suggests unfamiliarity and a breaking of traditional boundaries. Historically, Israel was often isolated, but this prophecy points to a future inclusion and influence beyond their known world.

and nations who do not know you
Here, the reciprocal nature of the relationship is emphasized. Just as Israel does not know these nations, they too are unaware of Israel. This mutual unfamiliarity underscores the miraculous nature of God's plan to bring diverse peoples together. It reflects the universal scope of God's salvation, which transcends ethnic and cultural barriers.

will run to you
The imagery of running suggests eagerness and urgency. In Hebrew, the verb "רָץ" (ratz) conveys a sense of swift movement. This indicates that the nations will be drawn powerfully and irresistibly to God's people, suggesting a divine attraction and the compelling nature of God's presence and blessing.

because of the LORD your God
This phrase attributes the cause of this gathering to the LORD, emphasizing His sovereignty and initiative. The use of "LORD" (יהוה, Yahweh) is significant, as it is the covenant name of God, reminding the reader of His faithfulness and promises to Israel. It is God's action and character that are the driving force behind this prophecy.

the Holy One of Israel
This title for God underscores His uniqueness and purity. "Holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh) signifies being set apart and sacred. As the "Holy One of Israel," God is both the protector and the sanctifier of His people. This title reassures Israel of God's special relationship with them and His commitment to their future.

for He has endowed you with splendor
The word "endowed" suggests a gift or bestowal, indicating that the splendor is not earned but given by God. "Splendor" (תִּפְאָרָה, tifarah) conveys beauty, glory, and honor. This endowment signifies God's transformative work in His people, making them a beacon of His glory to the nations. It reflects the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to Israel, where they become a light to the Gentiles, as prophesied in Isaiah 49:6.

(5) Thou shalt call a nation.--The calling of the Gentiles and the consequent expansion of the true idea of Israel is again dominant. The words sound like an echo from Psalm 18:43.

Because of the Lord thy God . . .--The words are repeated, as expressing a thought on which the prophet loved to dwell, in Isaiah 60:9.

Verse 5. - Thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not (comp. Psalm 18:43). The object of address in this verse appears to be the Messiah. He, at his coming, will "call" into his kingdom "a nation," or rather, "people," with whom he has had no covenant hitherto; and they will readily and gladly obey the call. Thus God's kingdom will be enlarged, and Israel's glory will be increased, Because of the Lord... for he hath glorified thee. The great cause of the attraction will be the "glory" which God the Father has bestowed upon his Son, by raising him from the dead, and exalting him to a seat at his right hand in heaven (Acts 2:32-35; Acts 3:13-15).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Surely
הֵ֣ן (hên)
Interjection
Strong's 2005: Lo! behold!

you will summon
תִּקְרָ֔א (tiq·rā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

a nation
גּ֤וֹי (gō·w)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts

you do not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

know,
תֵדַע֙ (ṯê·ḏa‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

and nations
וְג֥וֹי (wə·ḡō·w)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts

who do not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

know you
יְדָע֖וּךָ (yə·ḏā·‘ū·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

will run
יָר֑וּצוּ (yā·rū·ṣū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7323: To run

to you.
אֵלֶ֣יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

For
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the LORD
יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

your God,
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ (’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

the Holy
וְלִקְד֥וֹשׁ (wə·liq·ḏō·wōš)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6918: Sacred, God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

One of Israel,
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

has bestowed glory on you.”
פֵאֲרָֽךְ׃ (p̄ê·’ă·rāḵ)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6286: To gleam, embellish, to boast, to explain, oneself, to shake a, tree


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 55:5 Behold you shall call a nation that (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 55:4
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