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Book of Isaiah - Chapter 11 - Verse 6

11:6
The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.

Meaning

The verse "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them" is a powerful image of peace and harmony. This verse from the book of Isaiah, often referred to as the "peaceable kingdom" passage, symbolizes a future time of spiritual renewal and reconciliation. It speaks to the ideal of a world where even the most natural enemies can coexist peacefully. The image of a child leading these diverse animals further emphasizes the innocence and purity of this future state. This verse is often interpreted as a vision of a future world where there is no more conflict, where all beings live in harmony, and where peace reigns supreme. It serves as a reminder and a hope for believers that through faith and righteousness, such a world is possible.

Theological Overview

Many theologians interpret the verse "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them" as a powerful image of the peace and harmony that will exist in the kingdom of God. This verse is often seen as a metaphor for the reconciliation and restoration that will occur in the eschatological future, where even the fiercest of animals will live together peacefully. The image of a little child leading these diverse animals highlights the innocence, purity, and humility that will characterize this new reality. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the transformative power of God's kingdom, which brings about unity and reconciliation even in the midst of diversity. Word studies on the animals mentioned in this verse reveal their symbolic significance in biblical imagery, with the wolf often representing aggression and the lamb symbolizing innocence and vulnerability. By bringing these seemingly incompatible creatures together, the verse emphasizes the redemptive work of God that transcends all boundaries and divisions.

American Standard Version

And the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.
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