Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)

What does this mean?

Isaiah is speaking to Judah in a dark time, when enemies threaten and the future looks hopeless, and he promises a child who will be born to them, a son given to them. The rule of the kingdom will rest on his shoulder, and the King James lists his names: Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, and The Prince of Peace. 'Counsellor' is an older spelling of counselor, a wise adviser, and some readers take 'Wonderful Counsellor' as one title. Christians read this promised child as Jesus, born at Christmas, and the names as descriptions of who he is and what he brings.

What does this teach us?

Hope comes as a child, not as an army. God answers a dark time not with force, but with a son, and the peace he brings is carried by one who is both a wise adviser and the mighty God.

How can we apply this?

If Christmas feels rushed or hollow this year, slow down and read the names slowly: Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Pick the one you need most right now, and ask God to show you what it means for your life today.

Related KJV passages

• “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

  Luke 2:10-11

• “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

  Matthew 1:23

• “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

  John 3:16