What Does Isaiah 9:6 Mean in the King James?

For 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.

Isaiah 9:6 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

This verse in the Selah Decoded Version

THE KEY

The Hebrew word for “government” and the title “Prince” share a root, joining the authority on his shoulder to a ruler whose nature is wholeness.

THE MEANING

For us, a child is born and a son is given; governing authority rests on his shoulder. His name is his nature: wonder, counsel, might, everlasting fatherhood, and rule directed toward wholeness. Authority is borne here, and its character is wholeness.

WHAT THIS UNDOES

This undoes the belief that authority must constrict those under it: here, the rule resting on his shoulder is named by wholeness.

THE ROOT

מִשְׂרָה

misrah

GROWS FROM

שׂרר

sarar

to rule, exercise authority

The title “Prince” grows from the same root as “government.” The authority borne on his shoulder is bound to the nature of the ruler himself, and the next title names that rule’s character as wholeness.

ALSO GROWS

sar: prince, chief

שַׂר

This is the title used for the ruler whose shoulder bears the government.

sarar: to rule, exercise dominion

שָׂרַר

This verb carries the governing action contained in both “government” and “Prince.”

שָׁלוֹם

shalom

GROWS FROM

שלם

sh-l-m

to be complete, whole, sound

“peace” in this verse is shalom. Shalom carries the sense of wholeness and integrity, not only a pause in conflict. The ruler’s authority is measured by life made whole; the title gives the government its character.

ALSO GROWS

shalem: whole, complete

שָׁלֵם

This branch makes clear that the “peace” in the title describes wholeness.

hishlim: to complete, bring to completion

הִשְׁלִים

It points toward what the ruler’s authority does: brings what is incomplete toward wholeness.

THE PATTERN

Authority in God’s rule is carried for the opening, rest, and wholeness of life.

And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.

Isaiah 22:22 · KJVAuthority rests on a shoulder and is expressed through opening and closing, showing rule as entrusted stewardship.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Matthew 11:29 · KJVThe one who places a yoke offers rest, showing that his authority does not crush the life carried beneath it.

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Romans 14:17 · KJVGod’s governance is marked by wholeness and joy, giving its rule a measure beyond outward power.

THE THREAD

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 9:7 · KJV

The next verse repeats ⁨מִשְׂרָה⁩ (misrah, government) and pairs its increase with ⁨שָׁלוֹם⁩ (shalom, wholeness). The titles in verse 6 name the nature of the ruler and the character of the realm that grows from his shoulder.

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