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.
What does Isaiah 61:3 mean?
The prophets had the Holy Spirit of God at times, teaching them what to say, and causing them to say it; but Christ had the Spirit always, without measure, to qualify him, as man, for the work to which he was appointed.
Key themes
Read with
Keep this verse inside Isaiah 61:1-3 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Isaiah 61:3
To appoint unto them - Hebrew, 'To place;' that is, to place happiness before them; to give them joy arid consolation. That mourn in Zion - (See the notes at Isaiah 1:8 ). The mourners in Zion mean those who dwelt in Jerusalem; then all those who are connected with the church of God - his poor and afflicted people. To give unto them beauty for ashes - In the Hebrew there is here a beautiful paronomasia, which cannot be transferred to our language - pe'er tachath 'epher.
Key words
- appoint
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appoint. (u) "lugentibus Sionis", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator Vitrtnga. So Syr.
- appoint
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appoint. (u) "lugentibus Sionis", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator Vitrtnga. So Syr.
Context in Isaiah 61
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Isaiah 61 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as new exodus, Zion, and new creation. Isaiah is one of Scripture’s grandest prophetic books, moving from holy judgment to consolation, servant imagery, and new-creation hope. Read this chapter with the wider themes of holiness, judgment, and remnant in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Bible verses about justice and mercy
Key texts on public righteousness, neighbor-love, social ethics, compassion, and the prophetic refusal to separate worship from justice.
Glossary
- Zion Place
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Biblical settlement. Modern identification: Jerusalem.