Neville Goddard on Isaiah 9:6

Executive Summary

According to Neville, the prophecy in Isaiah 9:6 refers to two distinct mystical events that occur within an individual's consciousness, not a single historical birth. He teaches that "a child is born" and "a son is given" are separate experiences. The birth of the child is the sign that God has awakened within that person. This personal revelation transforms the story of the incarnation from a mere fable into a direct, lived experience.

Key Concepts

• Two Distinct Events: "A child is born" and "a son is given" are two entirely different experiences, not one.
• Specific Timeline: These two events are separated by a specific time frame of approximately 139 days.
• Personal Revelation: The prophecy is fulfilled not in history, but as a personal, mystical experience within an individual.
• Sign of Awakening: The birth of the child is the sign that God has awoken in the person having the experience.
• From Hearing to Seeing: This direct experience moves one from simply hearing about God to directly perceiving God, as expressed in the words of Job.

Detailed Explanation

Neville Goddard interprets the famous passage from Isaiah 9:6 as a blueprint for a profound, personal mystical experience rather than a historical account. He emphasizes that the phrases "unto us a child is born" and "unto us a son is given" describe two entirely different events that happen within the individual.

The first event, the birth of the child, is presented as the definitive sign that God has awoken within that person. This is not a symbolic or allegorical birth but a genuine inner experience. Approximately four and a half months, or 139 days later, the second event occurs: the son is given. This subsequent event is preceded by a vibration in the skull, similar to one that occurs before the child's birth.

This sequence of inner revelations makes the story of the incarnation a personal reality. It is no longer a fable or a story about someone else, but a direct, first-hand experience of scripture fulfilling itself within one's own being. This transforms one's understanding from secondhand knowledge—'hearing of thee by the hearing of the ear'—to direct perception—'but now my eye sees thee.' Neville also points out a specific detail in the scripture, noting that the name "Wonderful Counselor" should not have a comma placed between the two words.

Important Quotes

". . . to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder; and his name will be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

— The Law And The Promise

'For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called Wonderful Counselor.' Two entirely different experiences; - a child is born, a son is given.

— The Fourfold Gospel

“Unto us a child is born” – that is the child, but – “unto us a son is given.” (Isaiah 9:6) These are two entirely different events.

— His Purpose

They are separated by approximately four and a half months, approximately, 139 days, to be exact.

— His Purpose

Related Concepts

• The Promise: The events described in Isaiah 9:6—the birth of the child and the giving of the son—are key components of the series of mystical experiences Neville called The Promise. They are signs of the scriptural prophecies being fulfilled within the individual, revealing their true divine identity.
• I AM: The awakening of God within the individual, which is signified by the birth of the child, is the awakening to the consciousness of being God, or "I AM."

Common Misunderstandings

• A Single Event: A common misunderstanding is that "a child is born" and "a son is given" refer to the same moment. Neville is explicit that they are "two entirely different events" separated by a specific period of time.
• A Historical Account: Another misunderstanding is viewing this passage as referring only to an external, historical event. Neville's interpretation centers it as a personal, mystical experience that unfolds within an individual's consciousness.

Practical Applications

The source material presents this teaching not as a technique for changing circumstances, but as a framework for understanding the ultimate purpose of life. For a student, the practical application is to recognize that scripture may describe profound, personal, mystical experiences that can unfold within one's own consciousness. This understanding shifts the focus from solely external worship or historical belief to the potential for a direct, inner revelation of one's own divine nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Neville's view, do 'a child is born' and 'a son is given' refer to the same thing?

No. Neville states clearly that they are 'two entirely different events' that are separated by approximately 139 days.

Is Neville's interpretation of Isaiah 9:6 about a historical event?

No, he interprets it as a prophecy of a personal, mystical experience that happens within an individual, signifying God awakening in them.

What is the significance of the child's birth in this teaching?

According to Neville, the birth of the child is the sign that God has awoken in the person in whom the experience takes place.