Isaiah 66:21
וְגַם־מֵהֶ֥ם אֶקַּ֛ח לַכֹּהֲנִ֥ים לַלְוִיִּ֖ם אָמַ֥ר יְהוָֽה׃
Surprising Election: וְגַם־מֵהֶם אֶקַּח
וְגַם (“and also”) indicates an emphatic addition, suggesting inclusion of an unexpected group. מֵהֶם (“from them”) is a prepositional phrase (מִן + 3mp suffix), indicating that YHWH will select individuals from among a specific group — previously referenced in verse 20 as “the nations.”
- אֶקַּח (“I will take”) is a Qal imperfect 1cs of ל־ק־ח (“to take”), indicating divine initiative and future action. The verb form reinforces YHWH’s sovereignty in choosing.
Priestly Appointment: לַכֹּהֲנִים לַלְוִיִּם
This phrase is remarkable:
- לַכֹּהֲנִים — “for priests” (כֹּהֵן, noun mp with prefixed לַ = “as priests” or “to be priests”)
- לַלְוִיִּם — “for Levites” (לֵוִי, noun mp with prefixed לַ)
The parallelism and repetition of לַ show designation or appointment, not physical descent. That YHWH will take Gentiles or outcasts and appoint them as priests and Levites is a radical statement of eschatological inclusion and restoration, overturning ethnic boundaries associated with temple service.
Divine Authority: אָמַר יְהוָה
אָמַר (“has said”) is a Qal perfect 3ms of א־מ־ר. The perfect form underscores the certainty of this divine declaration. יְהוָה is the unchallengeable subject. This formula certifies the verse as a prophetic oracle — irrevocable, authoritative, and rooted in divine will.
Parsing Table: Key Forms in Isaiah 66:21
| Hebrew Word | Root | Form | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| אֶקַּח | ל־ק־ח | Qal imperfect (1cs) | “I will take” — future divine action |
| לַכֹּהֲנִים | כ־ה־ן | Noun mp with preposition לַ | “As priests” — designation or appointment |
| לַלְוִיִּם | ל־ו־י | Noun mp with preposition לַ | “As Levites” — liturgical appointment |
| אָמַר | א־מ־ר | Qal perfect (3ms) | “Has said” — oracular divine affirmation |
The Grammar of Radical Inclusion
Isaiah 66:21 delivers a powerful theological message through precise grammar: the use of emphatic particles, future verbs, and appointment prepositions signals an unprecedented inclusion of outsiders into sacred service. Hebrew syntax here is not only poetic but prophetic, offering a vision of a transformed priesthood where holiness is determined by divine choice, not lineage.
