Isaiah 9:6
For a child is born to us. A son is given to us; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Context and meaning
Isaiah writes in wartime, to a kingdom threatened by greater powers. The chapter opens with people walking in darkness seeing a great light — and the light announced is a child.
The contrast is the point. Instead of an army, a child. Instead of a coup, a birth.
The four titles that follow carry weight: Wonderful Counselor (wisdom that does not fail), Mighty God (power), Everlasting Father (permanent care), Prince of Peace (the goal of the reign). In the ancient Near East these were titles given to kings at coronation — here applied to a newborn.
Christians read the text as a messianic prophecy fulfilled in Jesus; Jewish readers interpret it in relation to Hezekiah or the future of the kingdom. Its public reading at Christmas services is one of the oldest.
It is also one of the most frequently set to music in history — Handel's "Messiah" being the best-known example.
Related verses
The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
The Word became flesh and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the only born Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
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Scripture text: World English Bible (WEB), public domain. Prayers, introductions and reflections: original text by this site, not affiliated with any denomination. Devotional content; it does not replace medical, psychological or legal advice.
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