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

This verse describes a transformation that occurs through divine intervention, bestowing beauty for mourning, gladness for sorrow, and praise for despair. It signifies the restoration of spiritual vitality and outward expression of joy.

Isaiah 61 3 Context

This verse is found in the prophetic book of Isaiah, specifically in a section that is highly Messianic. It speaks of a time of restoration and spiritual revival following a period of hardship and exile for God's people. The prophet Isaiah is describing the work of a future Servant, who will bring comfort and hope to a suffering world. This passage is understood in Christianity as a prophecy about Jesus Christ and His ministry, culminating in His redemptive work.

Isaiah 61 3 Word Analysis

• and: Hebrew conjunction 'waw' (ו), often implies sequence, addition, or result.

• to appoint: Hebrew 'masah' (מָסָת), meaning to put, place, set, appoint; here, to grant or bestow.

• unto them: Hebrew 'lahem' (לָהֶם), the preposition 'le' (ל) meaning "to" or "for," with the pronoun suffix "them."

• that mourn: Hebrew 'avēlīm' (אֲבֵלִים), from the root 'ābal' (אָבַל), meaning to mourn, grieve, lament, express sorrow, often with a public display. This signifies deep sorrow.

• in Zion: Hebrew 'bəṣiyyôn' (בְּצִיּוֹן), 'bə' (בְּ) means "in" or "at," and 'ṣiyyôn' (צִיּוֹן) refers to Zion, Jerusalem, or the people of God in a spiritual sense. It points to God's people or a place of worship and hope.

• to give: Hebrew 'nātan' (נָתַן), a fundamental verb meaning to give, grant, put, set.

• unto them: See above.

• beauty: Hebrew 'pê'êr' (פְּאֵר), meaning ornament, glory, beauty, splendor, adornment. This signifies a glorious state.

• for: Hebrew 'tāḥat' (תַּחַת), meaning "under," "in place of," "instead of." This indicates a substitution.

• mourning: Hebrew ''ēběl' (אֵבֶל), from the same root as 'ābal,' meaning mourning, a period of grief, especially a formal mourning.

• words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion": This phrase establishes the beneficiaries of the divine action – those who are grieving deeply within the community of God's people. The location "Zion" signifies the context of God's presence and covenant.
  • "to give unto them beauty for mourning": This represents a profound exchange. The sorrow and distress of mourning are replaced by a glorious adornment and a state of splendor. It is a divine substitution of a negative emotional and spiritual state with a positive, aesthetically and spiritually uplifting one.
  • "gladness for the spirit of heaviness": The 'ruach kôved' (רוּחַ כָּבֵד) is translated here. 'Ruach' (רוּחַ) means spirit or wind. 'Kaved' (כָּבֵד) means heavy, weighty, serious, difficult. Thus, "spirit of heaviness" refers to a depressed, dejected, or sorrowful spirit. This is replaced by 'śimḥâ' (שִׂמְחָה), which means joy, gladness, delight. The exchange is from a soul-crushing weight to buoyant, active joy.
  • "garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness": This second part of the exchange links the outward expression (garment) with the internal state. The 'ma'ădēh tûlâ' (מַעֲדֵה תְּהִלָּה) implies an outward display of praise, a glorious apparel symbolizing worship and thankfulness. This replaces the heavy spirit. This highlights the tangible effect of God's work on a person's demeanor and outward testimony.

Isaiah 61 3 Bonus Section

The imagery of trading one garment for another is powerful. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, specific garments were associated with mourning (often sackcloth) and with celebration or royalty. This verse promises a divine re-dressing, exchanging the worn, somber clothes of grief for robes of beauty and praise. The concept of "spirit of heaviness" implies a burden on the soul, a lack of spiritual buoyancy. The opposite, a spirit of praise, signifies an uplifted, thankful heart that overflows in worship. Jesus Himself quoted and applied this very prophecy to His ministry in Luke 4:18-19, underscoring its profound significance in His redemptive work for humanity.

Isaiah 61 3 Commentary

Isaiah 61:3 paints a vivid picture of divine redemption, depicting a radical transformation that occurs when God intervenes in human sorrow. It's not merely an emotional shift, but a fundamental repositioning of one's spiritual state. The beauty given replaces the sorrow of mourning, signifying a restoration of honor, dignity, and joy. Similarly, gladness replaces the "spirit of heaviness," indicating a release from depression and despair into a state of joyful resilience. The final phrase, "garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness," emphasizes that this inner transformation is outward manifested. Those who were burdened and perhaps silent in their grief will now publicly express praise and worship to God. This theme of divine exchange – trading suffering for salvation, despair for joy, and shame for honor – is a central message throughout Scripture, finding its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ.