What is the meaning of Isaiah 9:6?
For unto us a child is born
The prophecy opens with the astonishing simplicity of a baby’s arrival. God steps into human history through real flesh and blood.
•Luke 2:11 affirms the fulfillment: “Today in the City of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!”.
•Galatians 4:4 reminds us this happened “when the fullness of time had come,” showing divine precision.
• The birth of Jesus is no legend; it is the literal moment when heaven touched earth.
Unto us a son is givenThe wording shifts from birth to gift. This Son is heaven’s offering, extended to “us.”
•John 3:16 declares, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.”
•Romans 8:32 underscores the generosity: God “did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all.”
• The gift language stresses grace—our rescue is something received, not earned.
The government will be upon His shouldersThe Child carries authority that never rests on human polling or military strength.
• Jesus announces inMatthew 28:18, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.”
•Revelation 11:15 foretells the final outcome: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.”
• Because His shoulders hold the government, believers rest; the world is not spinning out of control.
Wonderful CounselorLiterally, “a wonder of a counselor.” He guides perfectly.
•Isaiah 28:29 celebrates the LORD’s wisdom: “He is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.”
•John 14:26 links Jesus and His Spirit: “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.”
• When decisions loom, we don’t guess; we ask our Wonderful Counselor.
Mighty GodThe title leaves no wiggle room—this Child is fully divine.
•John 1:1 states, “In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was God.”
•Colossians 2:9 confirms, “In Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells bodily.”
• Because He is Mighty God, nothing—sin, death, Satan—can withstand His power (Hebrews 2:14-15).
Everlasting FatherNot a confusion of persons within the Trinity, but a description of Jesus’ timeless, father-like care.
•Hebrews 13:8 assures us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
•Psalm 103:13 pictures paternal compassion: “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.”
• Our Savior’s shepherding heart never expires; His promises outlast every calendar.
Prince of PeacePeace here is shalom—wholeness with God, others, and ourselves.
•Ephesians 2:14 proclaims, “For He Himself is our peace.”
•John 14:27 offers His personal pledge: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you.”
•Romans 5:1 shows the root: “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
• One day that peace will flood the earth (Isaiah 11:9); until then, it floods believing hearts.
summaryIsaiah 9:6 paints a single, stunning portrait: the promised Messiah is truly human and fully God, carrying eternal authority, perfect wisdom, unstoppable power, fatherly care, and reconciling peace. Every title answers a human need, and every need drives us back to Him. Trust the Child given, submit to the King enthroned, and walk in the peace only He supplies.