Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really beautiful and hopeful passage about God’s love and blessing. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God wants to expand His presence and favor – to bring people into a relationship with Him – even when they don’t know or understand Him. It speaks of God choosing someone new, and then inviting others to join them. Let's look at the parts: “Behold, thou shalt call a nation [that] thou knowest not…” – This is a bit poetic. "Call a nation" means to establish a community or group. “Thou” is a formal way of addressing someone, like when speaking to God. So it’s saying that God is creating a new group, one he hasn't thought of before. “…and nations [that] knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God…” – This part emphasizes God’s power and choosing. “Nations” refers to all people across the world. “Knew not thee” means they didn’t know about or understand Him before. "Shall run unto thee" is a powerful phrase – it means He will actively bring them into His presence, invite them to join with Him. "...and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee." – This is the most important part. “Glorified” means made special or magnificent. God has recognized and celebrated this new group – this one who doesn’t know Him yet. He’s giving them a special place, a title of honor, and making them known as the "Holy One of Israel." So, putting it all together: God is choosing to create a new community, one that He hasn't thought of before. Because of His love and grace, He will invite these people – who don’t know Him – into a relationship with Him, giving them a special place and honor. It’s about God extending His blessing and making a difference in the world. What does this verse mean for us? It's a message of hope and that we are included in God’s plan, even if we don’t fully understand it yet. It encourages us to: Be open to God’s plans: Don’t be surprised when He chooses to bring people into His life. Believe in the future: It speaks of a time of blessing and expansion for all people. Resources you might find helpful: [Bible Gateway](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/Isaiah-55): This website has detailed explanations and translations of this verse. [The Bible Project](https://thebapticproject.com/isiah-55-5): This site offers engaging visuals and explanations of biblical passages. Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or theme in the Bible?