Isaiah 65 18

Isaiah 65:18 kjv

But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.

Isaiah 65:18 nkjv

But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; For behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing, And her people a joy.

Isaiah 65:18 niv

But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy.

Isaiah 65:18 esv

But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness.

Isaiah 65:18 nlt

Be glad; rejoice forever in my creation!
And look! I will create Jerusalem as a place of happiness.
Her people will be a source of joy.

Isaiah 65 verses

Isaiah 65 18 Meaning

God promises a future of complete restoration and abundant joy. Jerusalem, a symbol of God's people and His presence, will be transformed from a place of desolation and weeping to one of exultation and delight. The sorrow of the past will be forgotten, replaced by lasting happiness. This prophecy speaks of a new creation, a renewed relationship between God and humanity, where past sufferings are overshadowed by overwhelming joy.

Isaiah 65 18 Context

This verse is found in the latter part of the book of Isaiah, specifically in the section dealing with the future hope and restoration for Israel after periods of judgment and exile. The preceding verses speak of God's direct creation of a new heaven and new earth, emphasizing a complete renewal and the establishment of a perfect dwelling for His people. Chapter 65 itself contrasts the disobedience and punishment of some with the faithfulness and blessing of others, painting a picture of ultimate redemption. The immediate context of verse 18 is the ultimate transformation of Zion and its inhabitants from a state of mourning and hardship into one of unparalleled joy and celebration, where former distresses are no longer remembered.

Isaiah 65 18 Word Analysis

• "and": A conjunction connecting phrases and ideas, showing continuity.

• "I": Refers to God, the speaker, asserting His active role in creation and restoration.

• "will": Indicates future certainty and divine promise.

• "create": From Hebrew "bara" (בָּרָא), signifying a unique, divine act of creation, not just shaping something pre-existing. This implies something entirely new and unprecedented.

• "Jerusalem": Named specifically, signifying God's chosen city and people. Its transformation is central to the prophecy. In Hebrew, "Yerushalayim" (יְרוּשָׁלַיִם).

• "a": Indefinite article.

• "joy": Hebrew "reran": (רַנָּן) or a related root meaning to shout for joy, exult, or sing for joy. It denotes vocalized, exuberant happiness.

• "and": Conjunction.

• "a": Indefinite article.

• "people": Hebrew "am" (עָם), referring to the nation, the community of God's people.

• "its": Possessive pronoun referring to Jerusalem.

• "gladness": Hebrew "sason" (שָׂשׂוֹן), a profound, deep-seated joy and delight, often associated with festivity and celebration.

• "for": Preposition indicating the reason or recipient.

• "I": God.

• "will": Future certainty.

• "rejoice": Hebrew "chadoo" (חָדוּ) or related roots signifying being glad, joyous, rejoicing, celebrating. It emphasizes active delight.

• "in": Preposition.

• "Jerusalem": As above.

• "and": Conjunction.

• "in": Preposition.

• "my": Possessive pronoun, referring to God's delight.

• "people": As above.

• "a": Indefinite article.

• "people": As above.

• "a": Indefinite article.

• "people": As above.

• "joy": As above.

• "and": Conjunction.

• "and": Conjunction.

• "a": Indefinite article.

• "people": As above.

• "gladness": As above.

• "voice": Hebrew "qol`" (קוֹל), the sound of a voice, speaking of audible expressions of joy.

• "of": Preposition.

• "gladness": As above.

• "and": Conjunction.

• "a": Indefinite article.

• "voice": As above.

• "of": Preposition.

• "joy": As above.

• "and": Conjunction.

• "a": Indefinite article.

• "voice": As above.

• "of": Preposition.

• "singing": Hebrew "rinna`" (רִנָּה), a cry of joy, a shout of exultation, exclamatory singing.

• "and": Conjunction.

• "a": Indefinite article.

• "voice": As above.

• "of": Preposition.

• "song": Hebrew "shir`" (שִׁיר), a song, a hymn, a piece of music, indicating formalized expressions of joy and praise.

• Group Analysis (Joy and Gladness Emphasis): The repetition of words for joy ("reran"), gladness ("sason"), singing ("rinna"), and song ("shir"), along with "rejoice" ("chadoo"), underscores the completeness and effusiveness of the future happiness. It's not just an absence of sorrow, but an overwhelming presence of positive, audible, and deeply felt delight. This pervasive atmosphere of rejoicing signifies a restored relationship with God where His presence brings ultimate happiness.

Isaiah 65 18 Bonus Section

The promise of erased sorrow connects directly to the Christian understanding of Christ's work. Jesus himself spoke of believers having sorrow temporarily, but His return would bring everlasting joy (John 16:20-22). The New Testament apocalyptic literature, particularly Revelation 21 and 22, elaborates on this "new Jerusalem" where there is no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. Isaiah's prophecy serves as a foundational promise pointing to this eschatological fulfillment, where God dwells directly with His people in perfect peace and perpetual celebration.

Isaiah 65 18 Commentary

This verse paints a picture of ultimate redemption and unending joy for God's people in a renewed Jerusalem. It signifies the removal of all past suffering and sorrow, replaced by a vibrant celebration of God's presence and goodness. The emphasis is on audible, public, and deeply felt expressions of happiness, mirroring the profound spiritual restoration. This future reality, ushered in by God's creative power, guarantees an environment where joy and gladness are the constant state. The repeated use of terms for joy and singing emphasizes the exuberance and all-encompassing nature of this redeemed state. It serves as a powerful assurance of God's faithfulness to bring His people into a state of ultimate, unblemished rejoicing in His presence.