What does Isaiah 60:12 mean?
"For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted." - Isaiah 60:12

Isaiah 60:12 (KJV) "For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted."
This verse, found in the book of Isaiah, is a powerful statement about the consequences of not serving the Lord. It comes at the end of a chapter that speaks of the future glory of Zion and the restoration of Jerusalem. In this context, the verse serves as a warning to the nations and kingdoms that refuse to acknowledge and honor the Lord.
The overarching theme of this verse is the sovereignty of God and the consequences of disobedience. Throughout the Bible, there is a recurring theme of God’s judgment on those who do not follow His commandments and the ultimate destruction of those who refuse to serve Him. In this verse, the consequences of not serving the Lord are portrayed as perishing and being utterly wasted.
The context in which this verse appears is also important to consider. In the preceding verses, Isaiah speaks of the future glory of Zion and Jerusalem. He describes how the Lord will bring wealth and honor to the city, and how its people will be blessed. However, in contrast to this vision of prosperity, the verse in question serves as a stark warning to the nations and kingdoms that will not serve the Lord. It serves as a reminder that while God’s blessings are available to those who honor Him, there are severe consequences for those who do not.
Symbolism is also prevalent in this verse. The concept of serving the Lord can be understood in a variety of ways, representing obedience, worship, and reverence for God. The nations and kingdoms that refuse to serve the Lord are symbolically synonymous with those who reject God’s authority and refuse to live according to His will. The imagery of perishing and being utterly wasted calls to mind the idea of complete destruction and loss – a vivid portrayal of the consequences of disobedience.
It is important to note that while this verse presents a harsh warning, it also offers hope and an opportunity for redemption. The message is clear – those who choose not to serve the Lord will suffer consequences, but there is still a chance for repentance and a turning to God. The verse serves as a call to action, urging nations and kingdoms to acknowledge the Lord and serve Him in order to avoid destruction.
In summary, Isaiah 60:12 (KJV) is a powerful declaration of the consequences of not serving the Lord. It serves as a warning to nations and kingdoms to acknowledge and honor God, emphasizing the sovereignty of God and the serious repercussions of disobedience. The verse, set within the context of a vision of future glory, provides a clear and stark contrast between the blessings available to those who serve the Lord and the destruction that awaits those who do not. It serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring God and living in obedience to His will.
Have questions about Isaiah 60:12?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Isaiah 60:12 Artwork
Isaiah 60:12 - "For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted."
"For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted." - Isaiah 60:12
Isaiah 60:1
isaiah 60:6
Isaiah 60:8 - "Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?"
Isaiah 60:3 - "And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising."
Isaiah 60:1 - "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee."
"Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?" - Isaiah 60:8
Izaiáš 60:1
Isaiah 60:22 - "A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time."
Psalms 60:12 - "Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies."
Isaiah 60:15 - "Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations."
Isaiah 60:2 - "For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee."
Isaiah 60:21 - "Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified."
Isaiah 60:18 - "Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise."
Isaiah 60:17 - "For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness."
"The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory." - Isaiah 60:19
"And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising." - Isaiah 60:3
Isaiah 60:13 - "The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious."
Isaiah 60:6 - "The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD."
Isaiah 60:11 - "Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought."
Isaiah 60:20 - "Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended."
"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee." - Isaiah 60:1
"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee." - Isaiah 60:1
Isaiah 60:19 - "The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory."
Isaiah 60:10 - "And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee."
Isaiah 60:16 - "Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob."
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."
Isaiah 60:7 - "All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory."
Isaiah 60:4 - "Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side."