"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
— Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
Isaiah 9:6 is the "for to us a child is born" verse, the one that names the coming king Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. This page gives the verse, where it sits in Isaiah 9, and a plain reading. For more on the theme, see Bible verses about the Prince of Peace, Bible verses about peace, and Bible verses about Jesus.
Free PDF
Get the free 30 Days of Love Verses PDF
Sign up for the daily Bible verse email, and get the free 30 Days of Love Verses PDF. 30 Days of Love Verses · Open the PDF
The verse
The King James reads: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
"Child" is yeled (H3206), from yalad (H3205), to be born, and "son" is ben (H1121). "Government" is misrah (H4951), rule or dominion.
The four names: "Wonderful" is pele (H6382), a wonder or marvel, joined to "Counselor," from ya'ats (H3289), to advise. "Mighty God" is El (H410) with gibbor (H1368), a mighty warrior. "Everlasting Father" joins 'ad (H5703), perpetuity, with 'ab (H1), father. "Prince of Peace" is sar (H8269), a ruler or prince, of shalom (H7965), peace and wholeness.
Where it sits in Isaiah 9
Isaiah 9 opens after a dark stretch in chapter 8. Verse 1 promises "there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress," and names "Galilee of the nations." Verse 2 follows: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light." Matthew quotes these lines when Jesus begins preaching in Galilee (Matthew 4:15-16).
Verses 3-5 describe joy, a broken yoke, and the end of battle gear. Verse 6 gives the reason: a child is born. Verse 7 finishes the thought: "Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom." It closes, "The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this."
What the verse is saying
Isaiah announces a king who comes as a baby. The weight of ruling rests "on his shoulders," and the names describe what kind of ruler he is: wise beyond human counsel, mighty as God, fatherly without end, and bringing peace rather than war.
Christians read the verse as fulfilled in Jesus. When the angel tells Mary about her son, he says, "The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David... his kingdom will never end" (Luke 1:32-33), echoing Isaiah 9:7. That is why the verse is read so often at Christmas.
Questions people ask
What does Isaiah 9:6 say?
In the NIV it says, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." The KJV begins, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given."
What does Isaiah 9:6 mean?
It promises a coming king from David's line, born as a child, who will rule with wisdom, divine strength, lasting care, and peace. Christians understand it as a prophecy of Jesus.
Who is the Prince of Peace in Isaiah 9:6?
Isaiah names the promised child the Prince of Peace. The New Testament connects this king to Jesus, and Christians use "Prince of Peace" as one of his titles.
Why is Isaiah 9:5 in some Bibles?
Hebrew Bibles number the chapter differently, so the verse English Bibles call Isaiah 9:6 is Isaiah 9:5 there. The words are the same.
What other verses are like Isaiah 9:6?
Isaiah 9:7 (his government and peace will have no end), Luke 1:32-33 (the throne of his father David), and John 14:27 (peace I leave with you) are close companions.
