Old Testament
Isaiah 49:23
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Kings will be like foster fathers to you, and queens will be like nursing mothers. They will bow before you with their faces to the ground and lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD, for those who wait for me will not be ashamed.
Compare translations
And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.
What Isaiah 49:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 49:23, God promises that even powerful leaders, like kings and queens, will show great respect and care for His people, treating them as if they were their own children. This imagery emphasizes the reversal of power dynamics, where those who are typically in authority will serve and honor God's people. The act of bowing down and licking dust signifies deep humility and reverence. The verse concludes with a reassurance that those who trust in the Lord will not be disappointed or ashamed. This highlights the importance of faith and patience in God's promises, assuring believers that their hope in Him is secure and will ultimately be rewarded.
How to apply Isaiah 49:23 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's promises, especially during difficult times. It reminds us that true honor comes from humility and that we should remain patient and faithful, knowing that God will fulfill His promises to us and provide for our needs.
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 David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, 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.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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 49:23
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 49:23
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 49:23 mean?
Isaiah 49:23 conveys God's promise that even powerful leaders will show care and respect for His people, treating them as their own children. This verse emphasizes humility and the reversal of power dynamics, assuring believers that those who trust in God will not be disappointed.
What is the significance of kings and queens in Isaiah 49:23?
In Isaiah 49:23, kings and queens symbolize authority and power, illustrating that even the highest leaders will serve and honor God's people. This highlights God's ability to change societal roles and expectations, emphasizing His care for those who trust in Him.
What does 'lick the dust at your feet' mean in Isaiah 49:23?
The phrase 'lick the dust at your feet' in Isaiah 49:23 signifies deep humility and reverence. It illustrates how even those in power will show respect and submission to God's people, reflecting a reversal of traditional power dynamics.
How does Isaiah 49:23 relate to waiting on God?
Isaiah 49:23 reassures that those who wait for the Lord will not be ashamed, emphasizing the importance of patience and faith. It encourages believers to trust in God's timing and promises, knowing that their hope in Him is secure.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.