Isaiah 56:5

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Isaiah 56:5 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Unto them will I give in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name better than of sons and of daughters; I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Unto them will I give in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name better than of sons and of daughters; I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.
Isaiah 56:5 — American Standard Version

Context — Isaiah 56

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
5Unto them will I give in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name better than of sons and of daughters; I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Even to them will I give in mine house and within my walls, &c.] The Targum is, “in the house of my sanctuary, and in the land of the house of my Shechinah;” meaning the temple at Jerusalem, in the land of Judea; but a Gospel church state is here meant, which is the house of God; the materials of which are true believers; the foundation Christ; the pillars and beams of it are the ministers of the word; the windows the ordinances, the door into it faith in Christ, and a profession of it; the provisions of it the word and ordinances; the stewards of it the preachers of the Gospel; where are saints of various sorts, fathers, young men, and children; where Christ is as a son over his own house,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“in mine house--the temple, the emblem of the Church (Ti1 3:15). They shall no longer be confined as proselytes were, to the outer court, but shall be admitted "into the holiest" (Heb 10:19-20). a place--literally, "a hand." than of sons--Though the eunuch is barren of children (Isa 56:3), I will give him a more lasting name than that of being father of sons and daughters (regarded as a high honor among the Hebrews) (Joh 1:12; Joh 10:3; Jo1 3:1; Rev 2:17; Rev 3:12).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Will I give in mine house - That is, they shalt be admitted to all the privileges of entering my house of prayer, and of being regarded as my true worshippers, and this shall be to them a more invaluable privilege than would be any earthly advantages. The word ‘house’ here refers undoubtedly to the temple, regarded as emblematic of the place of public worship in all ages. And within my walls - The walls of the city where God dwelt, referring primarily to the walls of Jerusalem. They should be permitted to dwell with God, and be admitted to all the privileges of others. All, of all classes and conditions, under the reign of the Messiah, should be regarded as on a level, and entitled to equal…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“In mine house - In my temple. Better - A far greater blessing and honour than that of having posterity, even my favour, and my spirit, and eternal felicity. Isaiah 56:7”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“56:5 within the walls of my house: Those previously excluded would have a place in God’s presence. • a memorial and a name: Everlasting existence in God’s presence is better than the blessing of physical descendants.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“will I: Mat 16:18; Eph 2:22; Ti1 3:15; Heb 3:6 and a: Isa 62:12; Joh 1:12; Jo1 3:1; Rev 3:12 better: Sa1 1:8 that shall: Isa 55:13; Rev 3:5 Isaiah 56:6”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification