Isaiah 35:10

KJV

And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the ransomed {H6299} of the LORD {H3068} shall return {H7725}, and come {H935} to Zion {H6726} with songs {H7440} and everlasting {H5769} joy {H8057} upon their heads {H7218}: they shall obtain {H5381} joy {H8057} and gladness {H8342}, and sorrow {H3015} and sighing {H585} shall flee away {H5127}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those ransomed by ADONAI will return and come with singing to Tziyon, on their heads will be everlasting joy. They will acquire gladness and joy, while sorrow and sighing will flee.

Berean Standard Bible

So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.

American Standard Version

and the ransomed of Jehovah shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads: they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 35:10 culminates a prophetic vision of restoration, declaring the triumphant return of God's redeemed people to Zion. This verse paints a vivid picture of a future marked by perpetual celebration, where those whom the LORD has ransomed will arrive with songs and everlasting joy, utterly free from sorrow and sighing, which will have completely vanished. It is a powerful affirmation of God's faithfulness to deliver His people into a state of ultimate peace and unblemished happiness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 35 serves as a glorious climax following chapters of divine judgment and impending desolation (e.g., [Isaiah 34](/isaiah/34 "Isaiah 34 - Judgment on the Nations")). It acts as a bridge, transitioning from warnings of destruction to the profound comfort and hope found in the "Book of Comfort" (beginning with [Isaiah 40](/isaiah/40 "Isaiah 40 - Comfort for God's People")). Chapter 35 itself is a rich tapestry of transformed creation, where the wilderness blossoms, and the blind, deaf, and lame are healed ([Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - Healing and Transformation")). This transformation sets the stage for the "highway of holiness" ([Isaiah 35:8](/isaiah/35-8 "Isaiah 35:8 - The Highway of Holiness")), upon which the redeemed will travel. Verse 10 provides the triumphant conclusion to this vision, summarizing the ultimate destination and state of those who walk on this sacred path.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah were delivered during a period of significant geopolitical turmoil, primarily the Assyrian threat and later, looking forward to the Babylonian exile. The concept of "return" (Hebrew: *shûwb*) was deeply resonant for a people facing or enduring displacement, promising a reversal of their fortunes and a re-establishment in their homeland. Zion, or Jerusalem, was not merely a geographical location but the spiritual heart of Israel, the dwelling place of God, and the center of their worship. The imagery of "songs" and "joy upon their heads" reflects ancient Near Eastern celebratory customs, where garlands or crowns were worn during festivals to signify joy, victory, and honor, making their joy visible and public. The promise of the complete eradication of "sorrow and sighing" speaks to the deep suffering and lament experienced by the people during times of oppression and exile.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 35:10 encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. **Divine Redemption** is central, highlighting God's active role in delivering His people from bondage, whether literal captivity or spiritual enslavement. This redemption leads to **Restoration**, not just of land but of their relationship with God and their inner state. The chapter, and especially this verse, is saturated with **Eschatological Hope**, pointing beyond immediate historical events to a final, perfect future state under God's rule. The **Transformation of Creation** is depicted as the backdrop for this return, emphasizing that God's redemptive work extends to all of creation. Finally, the promise of "everlasting joy" and the absence of sorrow underscores God's ultimate victory over suffering and His commitment to providing His people with **Unending Peace and Gladness**.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ransomed (Hebrew, _pâdâh'_):** H6299, a primitive root meaning "to sever, i.e. ransom; gener. to release, preserve." This word implies a deliberate act of liberation, often involving a cost or payment to secure freedom. It speaks to God's sovereign initiative in delivering His people from bondage, whether from literal captivity or the metaphorical chains of sin and oppression. The "ransomed of the LORD" are those who have been bought back and set free by divine intervention.
* **everlasting (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** H5769, properly "concealed, i.e. the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e. (practically) eternity." When applied to joy, it denotes a quality that is not subject to the passage of time or the vicissitudes of life. This joy is permanent, unending, and eternal, standing in stark contrast to the fleeting pleasures and temporary happiness found in the world. It signifies a state of perpetual blessedness.
* **flee away (Hebrew, _nûwç'_):** H5127, a primitive root meaning "to flit, i.e. vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)." This powerful verb emphasizes the complete and utter disappearance of sorrow and sighing. It's not just a lessening or a temporary relief, but a total eradication, as if these negative experiences are so repelled by the presence of God's joy that they cannot remain and must utterly vanish from existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the ransomed of the LORD shall return":** This phrase identifies the subjects of the prophecy: those who have been delivered by God's mighty hand. The act of "returning" signifies a restoration from a state of exile or bondage, both physically and spiritually. It highlights God's ownership and active role in their liberation and homecoming.
* **"and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads":** This describes the manner and destination of their return. Zion, representing Jerusalem and God's holy dwelling, is the ultimate goal. Their arrival is not somber but triumphant, marked by "songs"—expressions of exuberant praise and gratitude. The "everlasting joy upon their heads" symbolizes a joy that is not only internal but outwardly visible, permanent, and crowning, perhaps alluding to garlands or crowns worn in celebration, signifying a public and unceasing gladness.
* **"they shall obtain joy and gladness":** This clause reinforces the previous statement, emphasizing the secure possession of these positive emotions. "Obtain" (Hebrew: *nâsag*) implies reaching and taking hold of, suggesting that joy and gladness are not merely fleeting feelings but an inherent and abiding state that they will fully grasp and experience.
* **"and sorrow and sighing shall flee away":** This climactic declaration signifies the complete absence of suffering. "Sorrow" (Hebrew: *yâgôwn*) refers to deep grief and affliction, while "sighing" (Hebrew: *ʼănâchâh*) denotes groaning and anguish. The active verb "flee away" portrays these negative experiences as being utterly banished, unable to withstand the presence of God's redemptive joy, leaving no trace behind.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 35:10 masterfully employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its powerful message of hope and restoration. **Personification** is evident in the phrase "sorrow and sighing shall flee away," giving human-like agency to abstract concepts, vividly illustrating their complete and active departure. The phrase "everlasting joy upon their heads" utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the overwhelming, visible, and perpetual nature of the joy, suggesting it is so abundant it overflows and crowns them. **Parallelism** is employed with "joy and gladness" and "sorrow and sighing," creating a stark **Antithesis** that highlights the dramatic transformation from suffering to delight. Furthermore, Zion serves as a powerful **Symbolism**, representing not just a physical city but the ultimate spiritual destination, God's dwelling place, and the locus of divine blessing and security for the redeemed. The entire verse functions as a **Climax** to the preceding descriptions of wilderness transformation and the highway of holiness, providing a triumphant conclusion to the prophetic vision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 35:10 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, revealing His character as a faithful Redeemer who not only delivers from bondage but also ushers His beloved into a state of consummate joy and peace. The verse powerfully articulates an eschatological hope, where the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom means the complete eradication of all suffering and the establishment of an eternal reign of gladness. It underscores that true and lasting joy is found in God's presence and is an inherent outcome of His redemptive work, a joy that is not subject to the fleeting circumstances of this world but is everlasting. This vision assures believers that current trials and sorrows are temporary, overshadowed by the certainty of a glorious future with God.

* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - God Wipes Away Every Tear")
* [Isaiah 51:11](/isaiah/51-11 "Isaiah 51:11 - The Redeemed Shall Return with Singing")
* [Psalm 126:1-3](/psalms/126-1 "Psalm 126:1-3 - When the LORD Restored the Fortunes of Zion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 35:10 offers an enduring wellspring of hope and comfort for believers navigating the complexities and challenges of life. It reminds us that our present sufferings, no matter how profound, are ultimately temporary. The promise that "sorrow and sighing shall flee away" provides a powerful anchor for the soul, assuring us that a future awaits where all tears will be wiped away and all pain will cease. This verse calls us to cultivate an eternal perspective, allowing the certainty of God's ultimate redemption and the promise of everlasting joy to shape our present attitudes and actions. It encourages us to live with an expectant hope, knowing that our God is faithful to His promises and that our ultimate destination is a place of unblemished gladness in His presence. Even now, we can experience foretastes of this joy as we walk with the Lord, anticipating the fullness of His glorious kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of "everlasting joy" impact your perspective on current struggles or periods of sorrow?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God's redemption or "ransoming" in your own life, freeing you from spiritual or emotional bondage?**
* **What does the image of "sorrow and sighing shall flee away" mean for your personal hope and anticipation of God's future kingdom?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater sense of "joy and gladness" in your daily life, even amidst present challenges, in light of this verse?**

### FAQ

**Who are "the ransomed of the LORD" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: Historically, "the ransomed of the LORD" primarily referred to the Israelites delivered from Babylonian exile, returning to their homeland. Theologically, and in a broader sense, it refers to all people whom God has redeemed from the bondage of sin, death, and spiritual captivity through His mighty power. This includes all believers who have been set free by God's grace and brought into His covenant.

**What does "joy upon their heads" signify?**

Answer: This vivid imagery suggests a joy that is not merely internal but outwardly visible, overflowing, and crowning. It likely alludes to ancient cultural practices where garlands or wreaths were worn on the head during celebrations, festivals, or triumphs. Thus, "joy upon their heads" means their joy is undeniable, public, and an adornment, signifying a state of perpetual celebration and honor. It speaks to a joy so profound and permanent that it becomes a visible characteristic of the redeemed.

**How does this verse relate to the Christian hope for the future?**

Answer: Isaiah 35:10 provides a powerful prophetic glimpse into the ultimate eschatological hope for believers. It assures us that the suffering, sorrow, and sighing that characterize our fallen world are temporary. The promise that these negative experiences will "flee away" points directly to the New Heavens and New Earth, where God will dwell with His people, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")). It undergirds the Christian belief in a future of perfect, unending joy and peace in the presence of God, a fulfillment made possible through Christ's redemptive work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 35:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "ransomed of the LORD" are those whom Christ has purchased with His own precious blood, delivering them from the bondage of sin and death, as [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Blood") declares. The "highway of holiness" mentioned earlier in [Isaiah 35:8](/isaiah/35-8 "Isaiah 35:8 - The Highway of Holiness") is none other than Christ Himself, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), through whom we come to the Father. The return to "Zion" is fulfilled in the spiritual reality of the church, the heavenly Jerusalem, to which believers have already come ([Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")), and ultimately in the new heavens and new earth where God's dwelling is with humanity ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Humanity")). The "everlasting joy" is the joy of salvation, the Holy Spirit's fruit ([Galatians 5:22](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - Fruit of the Spirit")), and the promise of eternal life in Christ's presence, where "in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore" ([Psalm 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence")). Finally, the promise that "sorrow and sighing shall flee away" is the glorious culmination of Christ's victory over sin and its consequences, a reality fully realized in the eternal state where God Himself will wipe away every tear from our eyes ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")). Thus, Isaiah 35:10 is a vibrant prophecy of the comprehensive redemption and eternal blessedness secured for us through the finished work of Jesus 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 30:19

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.

Revelation 21:4

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Isaiah 25:8

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken [it].

Isaiah 51:10

[Art] thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?

Isaiah 51:11

Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy [shall be] upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; [and] sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

Revelation 14:1

¶ And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty [and] four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

Revelation 14:4

These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, [being] the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.