The focus in this verse is on the unending era of peace and justice that will accompany the idyllic reign of the child-king. It is linked intimately with the previous verse through the keywords government and peace as well as through its syntax. There are many echoes in this verse of ideas found in Yahweh’s promise to David in 2 Sam 7.16.
The Hebrew text of this verse has a deliberate structure. There are five pairs of phrases in the first six lines. In the first four pairs the second member of each pair is introduced by the same preposition in Hebrew as the first member but with the conjunction for “and” prefixed to it (Of the increase … and of peace; upon the throne … and over his kingdom; to establish … and to uphold; with justice and with righteousness). The fifth pair differs slightly since it consists of two different prepositions joined by the conjunction (from this time … and for evermore). This structure draws attention to the content of the verse and especially to its climax on the last line. Translators may not be able to, and indeed they do not have to, imitate the exact Hebrew structure of this verse. However, they should try to convey some of the structural rhythm that is found in this verse through the way they link the phrases in natural, well-sounding language.
Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end: Here the poet repeats the word government from the previous verse to explain it further. The child’s authority will increase and know no limits. Not only will his rule be endless, so will the peace that he brings. Good News Translation has made it explicit that government and peace refer to a king and his kingdom respectively. Contemporary English Version translates “His power will never end; peace will last forever.” New Revised Standard Version differs from Revised Standard Version considerably here since it makes an unusual departure from its principle of remaining close to it. Its rendering is much closer to Good News Translation, saying “His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace.”
Upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom: Sitting on the throne of David means the child will rule in Jerusalem as king. The two phrases in this line are parallel and synonymous. They may be rendered as one phrase if required, as Good News Translation has done (similarly Contemporary English Version “He will rule David’s kingdom”). Bible en français courant translates “He will sit on the royal seat of David and will reign over his kingdom.” New Revised Standard Version links this line more closely with the previous one by saying “for the throne of David and his kingdom.” Since throne is symbolic for the rule of a king, we may translate “He will rule like a king over the kingdom [or, land/nation] that David ruled.”
To establish it, and to uphold it: These two phrases are also parallel. Both contain Hebrew infinitives to express purpose. The object of each verb here is the pronoun it, which grammatically refers to the kingdom, but without excluding the throne. Good News Translation combines both phrases here, simply saying “basing his power.” New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh also does this with “That it may be firmly established.” It is acceptable to use one expression here, but there is a risk that this may weaken the impact of the words somewhat.
With justice and with righteousness: When the child-king rules in Jerusalem, he is expected to ensure justice and righteousness, just as David and his successors were required to do (see 1.17, 21, 27). The two important terms summarize what God required of the people of Israel but especially of their rulers. Translators should use the same key terms they have used earlier, especially in chapter 1, but they may also translate them in light of the present context. Contemporary English Version expresses this line clearly with “He will always rule with honesty and justice.” Bible en français courant says “by establishing justice and the rule of God.”
From this time forth and for evermore: The meaning of this double expression is clear. It restates there will be no end. It is consistent with the promise of Yahweh to the Davidic rulers that he would make with them an “everlasting covenant” (2 Sam 23.5). This covenant theology is behind Isaiah’s words. Good News Translation translates “from now until the end of time,” hinting at a Christian interpretation that is outside the immediate scope of this passage. Bible en français courant is better with “from now onward and for always.” Contemporary English Version simply says “always,” but this may reduce the impact of the solemn words.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this: These concluding words are a cry expressing certainty as well as deep longing. The form of the Hebrew verb here could be taken as an exclamation as well as a strong wish: “May … do [or, accomplish] this!” The coming of an ideal ruler who will reestablish justice and peace expresses the prophet’s hope for the nation. Most versions, however, translate this line as an expression of the prophet’s strong conviction. New Jerusalem Bible is typical: “the jealous love of Yahweh Sabaoth will do this.”
The Hebrew word for zeal, which is sometimes rendered “jealousy” (for example, Num 5.14-15), carries a sense of great passion and desire. It can be used of people but also of God (for example, Exo 20.5, where it has the sense of “not tolerating any rivals”). Here it does not mean ill will toward someone who has an advantage. The meaning of “jealousy” in the present context is a strong commitment, and that is why most versions render it zeal. It may be problematic in some languages to think of an abstract zeal being able to do something. If so, it may be better to identify the one who acts with zeal, namely, Yahweh. Good News Translation does this, and so does Bible en français courant: “That is what the Lord of the universe will do in his ardent love.” The LORD’s deep commitment will ensure that the prophet’s hope is realized. For the LORD of hosts, see 1.9.
Translation suggestions for this verse are:
• His peaceable rule will not end.
He will establish and maintain David’s throne and his kingdom
with justice and righteousness from now and forever.
May the All-Powerful Yahweh in his passion do this!
• His rule will expand, the peace he brings will know no end.
Over David’s throne and kingdom
he will establish and uphold justice and right
from now and forevermore.
Yahweh Almighty will do this!
Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .