Isaiah 61 3

Isaiah 61:3 kjv

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Isaiah 61:3 nkjv

To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified."

Isaiah 61:3 niv

and provide for those who grieve in Zion? to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

Isaiah 61:3 esv

to grant to those who mourn in Zion ? to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.

Isaiah 61:3 nlt

To all who mourn in Israel,
he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
that the LORD has planted for his own glory.

Isaiah 61 verses

Isaiah 61 3 Meaning

Isaiah 61:3 proclaims a radical reversal of sorrow for those who mourn in Zion. Through the divine action of God's Anointed One, mourning and despair are replaced with beauty, joy, and praise. This transformation grants them a new identity as strong, righteous, and enduring people, likened to magnificent trees planted by God Himself. The ultimate purpose of this restoration is the glorification of God through their transformed lives.

Isaiah 61 3 Context

Isaiah 61 stands within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-66), following prophecies of judgment and exile. It focuses on the promised restoration of God's people, delivered by a Spirit-anointed messenger (often understood as the Messiah, as affirmed by Jesus in Lk 4:18-19). The chapter contrasts the current state of affliction, desolation, and mourning in post-exilic or spiritually exiled Israel with a glorious future of salvation, beauty, and abundant prosperity under God's renewed covenant. Verse 3 specifically details the specific, concrete reversals God will perform, emphasizing spiritual transformation alongside physical restoration for those deeply suffering due to past sins or historical calamities, specifically those mourning over Zion's desolation.

Isaiah 61 3 Word analysis

• To grant (לָשׂוּם, lasum): Literally "to set" or "to place." It denotes deliberate, authoritative divine action, not merely a suggestion. God Himself initiates and executes this reversal.
• Those who mourn (אֲבֵלֵי, ʾavelê): From the root ʾaval, meaning "to mourn, to lament." It describes deep sorrow, often accompanied by outward expressions like wearing sackcloth and ashes.
• In Zion (צִיּוֹן, Tzion): Referring to Jerusalem, representing God's dwelling place and His people. It points to a specific spiritual and geographical identification of the mourners—they lament the desolate state of God's chosen city and nation.
• To give them (לָתֵת לָהֶם, latet lahem): Reiterates God's intentional bestowal of blessings, underscoring grace and generosity.
• Beautiful headdress (פְּאֵר, peʾer): A diadem, turban, or crown of glory. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a beautiful headdress signified joy, honor, and festive occasions, often worn by a bride or priest (e.g., Exo 39:28 for Aaron's turban).
• Instead of ashes (תַּחַת אֵפֶר, tachat ʾefer): ʾEfer (ashes) symbolized deep sorrow, humiliation, repentance, and grief, often poured on the head (Jonah 3:6; Esth 4:1). The direct contrast highlights the complete reversal of fortune and emotion.
• Oil of gladness (שֶׁמֶן שָׂשׂוֹן, shemen sason): Anointing oil associated with joy, celebration, and festive banquets. Oil was often used in preparing for celebrations and as a sign of health and prosperity, contrasted with the neglect of anointing during mourning periods.
• Instead of mourning (תַּחַת אֵבֶל, tachat ʾevel): ʾEvel signifies the state of grief itself. The exchange is from a season of deep sorrow to one of exuberant joy.
• Garment of praise (מְעִיל תְּהִלָּה, meʿil tehillah): A mantle or robe (meʿil) of glory or praise (tehillah). Tehillah also means hymn, song of praise. It implies a public declaration of gratitude and adoration, worn visibly.
• Instead of a faint spirit (תַּחַת רוּחַ כֵּהָה, tachat ruach kehah): Ruach kehah literally means a "dim," "weak," or "spirit of gloom." It signifies deep depression, hopelessness, and spiritual exhaustion. This exchange implies inner spiritual restoration, replacing despondency with vibrant praise.
• That they may be called (וְקֹרָא לָהֶם, veqora lahem): This points to a new identity and public recognition. Their reputation will be transformed according to their new nature.
• Oaks of righteousness (אֵילֵי הַצֶּדֶק, ʾeyley hatzedeq): ʾEley are strong, mighty trees (like oaks or terebinths), known for their deep roots and longevity. They symbolize strength, stability, and enduring life. Tzedeq (righteousness) signifies moral uprightness, justice, and adherence to God's covenant. This depicts a people rooted in God's righteousness, unshakeable and strong.
• The planting of the Lord (מַטַּע יְהוָה, mattaʿ YHWH): Emphasizes divine authorship and ownership. They are not self-made but are God's chosen and nurtured growth, indicating His intentional care and purpose for them.
• That He may be glorified (לְהִתְפָּאֵר, lǝhitpaʾer): From the root paʾar, meaning "to glorify," "beautify oneself." The ultimate purpose of this profound transformation is for God to reveal His own glory through His restored and righteous people. Their transformed lives serve as a testament to His power and goodness.

Isaiah 61 3 Bonus section

The poetic structure of Isaiah 61:3 employs striking parallelism and chiasmus, with each sorrowful condition replaced by a corresponding blessing, creating a sense of completeness in God's restorative work. The phrase "planting of the Lord" echoes themes of divine gardening seen elsewhere in Scripture (Isa 5:7, 60:21), symbolizing Israel as God's vineyard or orchard, now fruitful again. The use of "oaks" emphasizes enduring strength, contrasting with brittle, easily broken or dying branches. This transformation from "faint spirit" to a "garment of praise" is an internal to external shift: the spirit is restored first, leading to outward expression of worship. The Messiah's role, foreshadowed here and proclaimed by Jesus (Luke 4), extends this promise to a new covenant reality, making this hope accessible to all who believe, transcending the physical restoration of Jerusalem to encompass the spiritual restoration of the soul.

Isaiah 61 3 Commentary

Isaiah 61:3 offers a profound and holistic vision of spiritual renewal and restoration. It is not a superficial change but a deep, divinely orchestrated reversal of human suffering. The imagery is rich and deliberately antithetical, highlighting the complete eradication of grief and despair and their replacement with divine favor and joy. This exchange is rooted in God's initiative, delivered by the Anointed One, and ultimately brings glory to the Lord. It signifies that even in the deepest mourning and desolation, God's transformative power can impart a new identity, one that is robust, righteous, and eternal. This prophetic vision applies both to the historical restoration of Israel and to the spiritual redemption experienced by all who come to Christ, as He fulfills this promise of setting captives free from sin and sorrow, granting true freedom and a Spirit-filled life of praise.