Isaiah 60:15

KJV

¶ Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through [thee], I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whereas {H8478} thou hast been forsaken {H5800} and hated {H8130}, so that no man went through {H5674} thee, I will make {H7760} thee an eternal {H5769} excellency {H1347}, a joy {H4885} of many {H1755} generations {H1755}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"In the past you were abandoned and hated, so that no one would even pass through you; but now I will make you the pride of the ages, a joy for many generations.

Berean Standard Bible

Whereas you have been forsaken and despised, with no one passing through, I will make you an everlasting pride, a joy from age to age.

American Standard Version

Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man passed through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 60:15 presents a profound prophetic reversal for Zion, transitioning from a state of utter desolation and rejection to one of unparalleled divine favor and enduring glory. Once abandoned and despised, so much so that it was impassable and forgotten, the Lord declares His intention to transform it into an everlasting source of majesty and a perpetual delight for countless generations. This verse encapsulates God's redemptive power, promising a future where past suffering is eclipsed by a divinely bestowed, permanent state of honor and joy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 60 is a pivotal chapter within the latter part of the book of Isaiah, often referred to as "Third Isaiah" (chapters 56-66), which addresses the post-exilic community. This chapter bursts forth with a vision of future glory for Jerusalem, following passages that lament Israel's past sins and suffering while also offering glimpses of God's coming salvation. Chapter 60 opens with a powerful call for Zion to "Arise, shine; for thy light is come" in [Isaiah 60:1](/isaiah/60-1 "Isaiah 60:1 - Arise, Shine, for Your Light Has Come"), setting the stage for a dramatic transformation. Verse 15 specifically contrasts Zion's former humiliation with its promised future exaltation, serving as a powerful declaration of God's restorative justice and unwavering covenant faithfulness. It is a direct response to the prior state of ruin, emphasizing the divine initiative in bringing about this glorious new era. The preceding verses in [Isaiah 60](/isaiah/60 "Isaiah 60 - The Future Glory of Zion") describe the nations streaming to Jerusalem, bringing their wealth and honor, making the reversal in verse 15 even more striking.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for this prophecy is the period following the Babylonian exile, when the Jewish people had returned to a devastated Jerusalem. The city lay in ruins, its walls broken, and its population meager. It had indeed been "forsaken and hated" by surrounding nations, who often viewed Israel's downfall as a sign of their God's weakness. The phrase "no man went through thee" vividly depicts a city so desolate and dangerous that it lacked inhabitants, commerce, or even travelers passing through its gates. This was a profound cultural shame, as a thriving city was a sign of divine favor and national strength. The prophecy in [Isaiah 60](/isaiah/60 "Isaiah 60 - The Future Glory of Zion") directly addresses this historical reality, promising a radical reversal of fortune where Jerusalem will not only be rebuilt but will become a beacon of light and a center of attraction for all nations, drawing wealth and honor from those who once despised her, fulfilling ancient promises of Israel's preeminence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Reversal**, where God actively transforms states of profound suffering and rejection into unimaginable glory and honor. This is seen in the stark contrast between being "forsaken and hated" and becoming an "eternal excellency" and "joy." Another key theme is the **Glory of Zion**, portraying Jerusalem not merely as a restored city but as a radiant, divinely illuminated center of God's presence and blessing for the entire world, a concept further developed in the New Testament's vision of the [New Jerusalem](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Jerusalem"). The promise of "eternal excellency" and "joy of many generations" highlights the **Enduring Nature of God's Blessings**, indicating a permanence and perpetuity that transcends fleeting earthly triumphs. Finally, the verse underscores **God's Unwavering Faithfulness**, demonstrating His commitment to His covenant people despite their past failures and His power to bring about His ultimate redemptive purposes, echoing sentiments found in [Isaiah 62:4](/isaiah/62-4 "Isaiah 62:4 - Zion Called Hephzibah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **forsaken (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** From H5800, meaning "to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc.; commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely." In this context, it vividly describes Zion's state of being abandoned, left desolate, and neglected, emphasizing a profound sense of isolation and desertion, a consequence of judgment.
* **excellency (Hebrew, _gâʼôwn'_):** From H1347, meaning "arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament; arrogancy, excellency(-lent), majesty, pomp, pride, proud, swelling." Here, it denotes a positive sense of inherent majesty, splendor, and inherent beauty. It signifies a divinely bestowed honor and a status of preeminence that commands respect and admiration, moving beyond mere restoration to a state of profound glory.
* **joy (Hebrew, _mâsôws'_):** From H4885, meaning "delight, concretely (the cause or object) or abstractly (the feeling); joy, mirth, rejoice." This word conveys a profound sense of exultation, delight, and celebration. It suggests that Zion will not only possess glory but will also be a source and object of deep, enduring happiness for all who behold and participate in its renewed state, a perpetual cause for rejoicing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated":** This initial clause establishes the dire past condition of Zion. It describes a period of severe suffering, humiliation, and isolation, reflecting the consequences of judgment and the traumatic experience of exile and ruin. Zion was not merely neglected, but actively abandoned and despised by others, both human and perhaps even perceived by itself as divinely forsaken.
* **"so that no man went through [thee]":** This phrase further elaborates on the extent of Zion's desolation. Its pathways were untraveled, indicating a lack of inhabitants, commerce, safety, or even casual passage. It paints a vivid picture of a city utterly ruined, forgotten, and avoided, emphasizing its complete lack of vitality and significance in the eyes of the world.
* **"I will make thee an eternal excellency":** This marks a dramatic turning point, highlighting God's sovereign and active intervention. The "I will make" signifies a divine decree and creative act, emphasizing that this transformation is solely God's doing. Zion will be transformed into a permanent ("eternal") source of majesty, splendor, and honor. This "excellency" is not fleeting but everlasting, indicating a divinely established, inherent glory that will never diminish.
* **"a joy of many generations":** This final clause describes the enduring and widespread impact of Zion's transformation. The restored city will not only possess glory but will also be a profound source of delight and celebration. This joy will extend across successive eras, blessing not just one generation but countless future ones, signifying a perpetual state of happiness rooted in God's presence and fulfilled promises, a testament to His enduring faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 60:15 is rich with literary artistry, primarily employing **Contrast** to amplify its message of divine transformation. The verse starkly juxtaposes Zion's past state of being "forsaken and hated" and impassable with its future as an "eternal excellency" and "joy of many generations." This sharp antithesis underscores the magnitude of God's redemptive work, moving from utter despair to ultimate triumph. **Personification** is also evident, as Zion (representing Jerusalem and God's people) is addressed directly as "thou," experiencing human emotions and conditions like being forsaken and hated, and then receiving divine blessings. This imbues the city with a living quality, making its suffering and subsequent glorification more relatable and emotionally resonant. Furthermore, the phrases "eternal excellency" and "joy of many generations" utilize **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extraordinary and enduring nature of the promised blessings, suggesting a glory and delight that are boundless and perpetual, far surpassing any fleeting earthly experience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 60:15 is a profound declaration of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His ultimate plan for their restoration and glorification. It speaks to the divine capacity to reverse the most dire circumstances, transforming desolation into dazzling splendor. Theologically, it highlights God's redemptive power, His faithfulness to His promises, and His intention to establish a glorious kingdom that will endure forever. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that even when God's people experience periods of judgment, suffering, or apparent abandonment due to their sin, His ultimate purpose is not to leave them in ruin but to bring about a magnificent restoration that far surpasses their former state. It points forward to an eschatological hope where God's presence will be the source of all glory and joy, drawing all nations to Himself and establishing a new heavens and new earth.

* [Isaiah 62:4](/isaiah/62-4 "Isaiah 62:4 - Zion No Longer Forsaken")
* [Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Glory of the New Jerusalem")
* [Isaiah 65:18](/isaiah/65-18 "Isaiah 65:18 - Joy in God's New Creation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 60:15 offers immense hope and profound encouragement for believers navigating personal struggles or for the church facing periods of decline and opposition. It reminds us that our past failures, rejections, or seasons of feeling "forsaken" do not define our ultimate destiny in God's plan. Just as God promised to transform a desolate Jerusalem into an "eternal excellency," He works in our lives to bring beauty from ashes, joy from sorrow, and purpose from pain. This verse calls us to trust in God's sovereign power to reverse our circumstances, to believe in His faithfulness even when all seems lost, and to anticipate a future where His glory will fully manifest in and through us. It encourages us to look beyond temporary difficulties to the enduring joy and honor that God promises to bestow upon His people, both individually and corporately, as we participate in His unfolding kingdom and witness His redemptive work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life have you felt "forsaken and hated," and how does this verse speak to those experiences, offering hope for divine reversal?**
* **How does the promise of "eternal excellency" challenge your perspective on your current struggles or perceived insignificance, encouraging you to see yourself through God's eyes?**
* **What does "a joy of many generations" imply about the lasting impact of God's work in your life and in the church, and how might this motivate your actions today?**

### FAQ
**Who is "thou" in Isaiah 60:15, and what is the significance of its transformation?**

Answer: In Isaiah 60:15, "thou" refers primarily to Zion, which represents Jerusalem and, by extension, the people of Israel. The significance of its transformation is profound: it symbolizes God's complete reversal of their fortunes. From a state of utter desolation, abandonment, and hatred—a consequence of their sins and the subsequent Babylonian exile—God promises to make Zion an "eternal excellency" and "a joy of many generations." This transformation is not merely physical rebuilding but a spiritual and relational restoration, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant and His power to bring glory out of ruin. It foreshadows the ultimate, glorious state of God's people in His eternal kingdom, as seen in the vision of the [New Jerusalem](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Jerusalem").

**Is this promise only for ancient Israel, or does it apply to believers today?**

Answer: While the immediate context of Isaiah 60:15 is the restoration of post-exilic Jerusalem, its theological principles and spiritual truths extend to all believers today. The New Testament teaches that the Church is the spiritual Israel, God's people, and a "holy nation" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")). Therefore, the promise of transformation from a state of being "forsaken and hated" to one of "eternal excellency" and "joy" applies to the spiritual journey of individuals and the collective experience of the Church. Believers, through Christ, are promised a glorious future, a reversal of the effects of sin and suffering, and an eternal inheritance of joy and honor in God's presence, as described in passages like [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ") and [Colossians 3:4](/colossians/3-4 "Colossians 3:4 - Christ Our Life").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 60:15 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His redemptive work. While the prophecy initially speaks to the restoration of literal Zion, it points to a deeper, spiritual reality centered on the Messiah. Christ Himself was "forsaken and hated" by humanity, enduring the ultimate abandonment on the cross when He cried out, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" as recorded in [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus Cries Out"). His suffering and rejection, however, were not the end. Through His resurrection and ascension, God "made Him an eternal excellency" by exalting Him to the highest place, giving Him a name that is above every name, as beautifully articulated in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation"). The "joy of many generations" is realized in the spiritual Zion, the Church, which is built upon Christ as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone")). Believers, once alienated and hostile, are now brought near through the blood of Christ and made part of this glorious, eternal dwelling place of God, experiencing an "inexpressible and glorious joy" ([1 Peter 1:8](/1_peter/1-8 "1 Peter 1:8 - Inexpressible Joy")). Ultimately, the vision of an "eternal excellency" culminates in the New Jerusalem, where the Lamb of God is its lamp, and His presence is the source of all light, glory, and unending joy for all eternity ([Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Glory of the New Jerusalem")).

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 61:7

For your shame [ye shall have] double; and [for] confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.

Jeremiah 30:17

For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, [saying], This [is] Zion, whom no man seeketh after.

Isaiah 49:14

But Zion said, The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me.

Isaiah 49:23

And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with [their] face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

Jeremiah 33:11

The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD [is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever: [and] of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 35:10

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.

Isaiah 65:18

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.