Old Testament
Isaiah 11:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The cow and the bear will graze side by side, and their young will lie down together. The lion will eat straw like the ox.
Compare translations
And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
What Isaiah 11:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse from Isaiah paints a picture of peace and harmony in a future time when natural enemies will coexist without fear. The imagery of a cow and bear grazing together, along with their young lying down peacefully, symbolizes a radical transformation in the world. The lion, typically a fierce predator, will eat straw like an ox, indicating a shift from violence to gentleness. This vision reflects God's promise of a new order where even the fiercest creatures will live in peace, highlighting the restoration of creation and the end of conflict. It suggests a time when God's kingdom will reign, characterized by justice, righteousness, and tranquility. This passage encourages believers to hope for a future where peace prevails and all creation is united in harmony, free from the fear and strife that currently exist.
How to apply Isaiah 11:7 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek peace in our relationships and communities. It reminds us that, through God's power, we can overcome divisions and conflicts. By embodying love and understanding, we can contribute to a more harmonious world, reflecting the future God promises.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Isaiah 11:7
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Isaiah 11:7
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 11:7 mean?
Isaiah 11:7 describes a future time of peace where natural enemies, like cows and bears, will coexist without fear. It symbolizes a transformation in creation where even predators, like lions, will no longer harm others, reflecting God's promise of harmony and restoration.
What is the significance of the lion eating straw in Isaiah 11:7?
The lion eating straw in Isaiah 11:7 signifies a radical change in nature, where fierce predators will adopt gentle behaviors. This imagery emphasizes the peace and harmony that will characterize God's kingdom, where all creatures live in unity.
What does the imagery of animals lying down together in Isaiah 11:7 represent?
The imagery of animals like cows and bears lying down together in Isaiah 11:7 represents peace and coexistence. It illustrates a future reality where fear and conflict are replaced by harmony among all of creation.
How does Isaiah 11:7 relate to the concept of God's Kingdom?
Isaiah 11:7 relates to God's Kingdom by depicting a time when justice and peace prevail. It shows a vision of a restored creation where all beings live in harmony, reflecting the values of God's reign.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.