Isaiah 30:19

KJV

For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the people {H5971} shall dwell {H3427} in Zion {H6726} at Jerusalem {H3389}: thou shalt weep {H1058} no more {H1058}: he will be very {H2603} gracious {H2603} unto thee at the voice {H6963} of thy cry {H2199}; when he shall hear {H8085} it, he will answer {H6030} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

People in Tziyon, who live in Yerushalayim, you will weep no more. At the sound of your cry, he will show you his grace; on hearing it, he will answer you.

Berean Standard Bible

O people in Zion who dwell in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. He will surely be gracious when you cry for help; when He hears, He will answer you.

American Standard Version

For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem; thou shalt weep no more; he will surely be gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear, he will answer thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 30:19 offers a profound prophetic assurance of divine restoration and comfort to the people of Judah, promising an end to their period of weeping and suffering. Following a season of divine judgment for their disobedience and reliance on human alliances, this verse marks a turning point, declaring God's unwavering commitment to dwell among His people in Zion, to graciously respond to their cries, and to provide a future free from sorrow, underscoring His patient and compassionate character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 30 is part of a larger section (chapters 28-33) where the prophet Isaiah delivers oracles primarily concerning Judah's misguided alliance with Egypt against Assyria. The preceding verses (Isaiah 30:1-17) are filled with stern warnings and rebukes against Judah's rebellion, their refusal to listen to God's instruction, and their foolish trust in human strength rather than divine protection. This sets a bleak stage, highlighting the consequences of their sin. However, [Isaiah 30:18](/isaiah/30-18 "Isaiah 30:18 - God's Patience and Desire to be Gracious") introduces a dramatic shift, revealing God's deep longing to show mercy and be gracious, despite their unfaithfulness. Verse 19 then immediately follows as the concrete manifestation of this promised grace, detailing the blessings of restoration and divine responsiveness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Isaiah 30 is the late 8th century BCE, a tumultuous period for the kingdom of Judah. The dominant superpower was the Neo-Assyrian Empire, which posed an existential threat to smaller nations like Judah. In an attempt to secure their safety, Judah's leaders, against Isaiah's prophetic warnings, sought a military alliance with Egypt, a traditional rival of Assyria. This decision reflected a profound lack of trust in Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, who had promised to protect His people if they remained faithful. Jerusalem, or Zion, was not merely a geographical location but the spiritual and political capital, the city where God had chosen to place His name and where His temple stood. The idea of dwelling securely in Zion was therefore synonymous with divine presence, protection, and national well-being, a stark contrast to the fear and instability caused by the Assyrian threat and the impending exile.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness**, demonstrating that despite human failure, God remains true to His covenant promises of restoration for His people. Secondly, the promise of dwelling in Zion underscores **God's Presence and Secure Dwelling**, emphasizing that true security and peace are found only in His chosen city, under His protection. This contrasts sharply with the false security offered by foreign alliances, as seen in [Isaiah 31:1-3](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1-3 - Woe to those who go down to Egypt"). Thirdly, the declaration "thou shalt weep no more" introduces the theme of **Cessation of Suffering and Divine Comfort**, pointing to a future where God Himself will wipe away the tears of His people, a motif that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Creation (cf. [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - God Wipes Away Every Tear")). Finally, the promise of God hearing and answering their cry powerfully emphasizes the theme of **Divine Responsiveness and Grace**, showcasing God's compassionate nature and His willingness to extend favor to those who humble themselves and turn to Him in prayer, as also echoed in [Psalm 145:18-19](/psalms/145-18 "Psalm 145:18-19 - The Lord is near to all who call on Him").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **weep (Hebrew, _bâkâh'_):** This primitive root signifies a deep emotional response of sorrow, distress, or lamentation. It encompasses not just shedding tears but also the act of bemoaning, complaining, and mourning. The phrase "weep no more" thus promises a complete cessation of the conditions that cause such profound grief, implying a radical transformation from sorrow to joy and peace.
* **gracious (Hebrew, _chânan'_):** This root word conveys the idea of bending or stooping in kindness to an inferior, to show favor, or to bestow compassion. It describes an active demonstration of mercy, often in response to a petition or plea. In this context, it highlights God's benevolent disposition and His willingness to act favorably towards His people, not because they deserve it, but out of His inherent goodness and covenant love.
* **cry (Hebrew, _zâʻaq'_):** This term refers to a fervent shriek or outcry, typically from anguish, danger, or deep distress. It implies an urgent, often desperate, call for help. The use of this word emphasizes the intensity of the people's suffering and their earnest appeal to God, underscoring the depth of their need and the immediacy of God's compassionate response.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem":** This clause initiates the promise of restoration, declaring a secure and permanent habitation for God's people. "Zion" and "Jerusalem" are used synonymously, representing the holy city, the place of God's chosen presence. After periods of threat and potential displacement, this promises a future of stability, peace, and divine protection within their sacred homeland, signifying a return to covenant blessing and a renewed relationship with God as their protector.
* **"thou shalt weep no more":** This powerful declaration signifies a complete cessation of sorrow, grief, and the conditions that cause tears. It speaks to an end of oppression, hardship, and the consequences of sin, promising a future characterized by comfort, joy, and divine solace. It is an assurance that God will personally intervene to alleviate their suffering and wipe away every tear.
* **"he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry":** This phrase emphasizes God's compassionate and responsive nature. "Very gracious" (a double emphasis in Hebrew) highlights the abundant and overflowing favor God will extend. This grace is directly linked to "the voice of thy cry," indicating that God's favor is activated by the earnest, distressed prayers of His people. It underscores His attentiveness and willingness to respond to their genuine need.
* **"when he shall hear it, he will answer thee":** This final clause confirms the certainty and efficacy of God's response. It moves from the act of hearing their desperate plea to the active and effective "answer." This is not merely an acknowledgment but a divine intervention that brings about the desired relief and restoration. It solidifies the promise of God's active involvement in the lives of His people, assuring them that their petitions will not go unheard or unanswered.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 30:19 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of hope and restoration. **Prophecy** is the overarching device, as Isaiah foretells a future state of blessing for Judah, contrasting sharply with their current judgment. The verse uses **Personification** when addressing Jerusalem directly ("thou shalt weep no more"), imbuing the city with human emotion and experience, making the promise of comfort more intimate and relatable. There is a strong element of **Contrast** between the preceding warnings of judgment and the sudden, gracious turn to promises of peace and joy. The phrase "very gracious" employs **Intensification** or **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the abundant and overflowing nature of God's favor. Finally, the structure of the latter part of the verse, "when he shall hear it, he will answer thee," demonstrates a form of **Parallelism**, linking God's attentiveness to His effective action, reinforcing the certainty of His divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 30:19 is a profound testament to God's enduring covenant faithfulness and His compassionate character, even in the face of His people's rebellion. It reveals that while God is just in judgment, His ultimate desire is to show mercy and restore. The promise of dwelling securely in Zion signifies not just physical restoration but a renewed spiritual intimacy, where God's presence brings true peace and an end to sorrow. This verse underscores the theological truth that God is not distant or indifferent to the cries of His people; rather, He actively listens and graciously responds, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to their well-being and His power to transform their circumstances from despair to delight. It is a powerful reminder that God's grace triumphs over judgment when His people turn to Him.

* [Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People, Wiping Away Tears")
* [Psalm 116:1-2](/psalms/116-1 "Psalm 116:1-2 - The Lord Hears My Voice")
* [Jeremiah 29:12-13](/jeremiah/29-12 "Jeremiah 29:12-13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 30:19 serves as an enduring beacon of hope for believers navigating life's challenges. It reminds us that even when we face the consequences of our own poor choices or endure periods of intense suffering, God's ultimate disposition towards His repentant people is one of profound grace and restoration. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of humble dependence on God, turning to Him with our deepest cries rather than seeking solace or solutions in human endeavors or worldly alliances. The promise that we "shall weep no more" offers immense comfort, assuring us that our present sorrows are not our final destination; God Himself promises to bring an end to our grief and usher in a season of peace and joy. It calls us to trust in His active involvement in our lives, knowing that He hears our prayers and will answer in His perfect timing and according to His perfect will, transforming our distress into divine deliverance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on human strategies or worldly solutions rather than trusting fully in God's provision and guidance?**
* **How does the promise "thou shalt weep no more" bring comfort to your current struggles or past sorrows?**
* **What does it mean for you to truly "cry" out to God, and how does knowing He is "very gracious" encourage you to do so more earnestly?**
* **How can you live with a greater anticipation of God's active intervention and answers in your daily life, even when the timing is uncertain?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Zion at Jerusalem" in this verse?**

Answer: "Zion" and "Jerusalem" are often used interchangeably in biblical prophecy, representing the chosen city of God, the spiritual and political capital of Israel, and the place where God's presence (the Temple) resided. Its significance in [Isaiah 30:19](/isaiah/30-19 "Isaiah 30:19 - God's Promise of Restoration") is multifaceted: it symbolizes security, divine protection, and the restoration of God's people to their rightful inheritance. After periods of judgment or exile, the promise to "dwell in Zion at Jerusalem" signifies a return to peace, stability, and a renewed covenant relationship with God in His holy city, a place of ultimate blessing and divine favor. It contrasts with the instability and displacement that Judah faced due to their unfaithfulness and the threats from surrounding empires.

**Why does God promise such grace and comfort immediately after condemning Judah's actions in the earlier part of Isaiah 30?**

Answer: The juxtaposition of judgment and grace in [Isaiah 30](/isaiah/30 "Isaiah 30 - Woe to Rebellious Children") highlights a key aspect of God's character: His justice is always intertwined with His mercy and patience. While God must address sin and disobedience, His ultimate desire is for His people's repentance and restoration. [Isaiah 30:18](/isaiah/30-18 "Isaiah 30:18 - God's Longing to be Gracious") explicitly states, "Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you; therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you." This demonstrates that God's promises of comfort in verse 19 are not a contradiction but an overflow of His enduring love and a testament to His willingness to forgive and restore those who turn back to Him. It underscores the theme of divine patience and the hope of redemption even in the midst of deserved consequences.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 30:19, with its promises of secure dwelling, cessation of weeping, abundant grace, and divine responsiveness, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The promise that "the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem" is spiritually realized in Christ, who is the true Temple and the foundation of the New Jerusalem. Through His atoning work, believers are brought into a secure and eternal dwelling with God, becoming part of the spiritual Zion, the church, which is the body of Christ (cf. [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). The declaration "thou shalt weep no more" is powerfully fulfilled in Christ's redemptive work, which conquers sin, death, and sorrow. While we still experience tears in this life, Christ's victory assures us of a future where God Himself will wipe away every tear in the New Heavens and New Earth (cf. [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - God Wipes Away Every Tear")). Furthermore, the promise that God "will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee" is perfectly embodied in Jesus. He is the ultimate High Priest who intercedes for us, through whom we can "draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (cf. [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")). Jesus Himself is the embodiment of God's grace (cf. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")) and the one who hears and answers the cries of His people, offering rest to the weary and heavy-laden (cf. [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Labor")). Thus, the ancient prophecy of Isaiah points directly to the saving work and compassionate heart of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom all these divine promises are made "Yes" and "Amen" (cf. [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 60:20

Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.

Isaiah 65:24

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

Psalms 50:15

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Isaiah 58:9

Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I [am]. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;

Matthew 7:7

¶ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Matthew 7:11

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Revelation 7:17

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.