Isaiah 61:1

KJV

¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

KJV (with Strong's)

The Spirit {H7307} of the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} is upon me; because the LORD {H3068} hath anointed {H4886} me to preach good tidings {H1319} unto the meek {H6035}; he hath sent {H7971} me to bind up {H2280} the brokenhearted {H7665}{H3820}, to proclaim {H7121} liberty {H1865} to the captives {H7617}, and the opening of the prison {H6495} to them that are bound {H631};

Complete Jewish Bible

The Spirit of Adonai ELOHIM is upon me, because ADONAI has anointed me to announce good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted; to proclaim freedom to the captives, to let out into light those bound in the dark;

Berean Standard Bible

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,

American Standard Version

The Spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon me; because Jehovah hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 61:1 presents a profound prophetic declaration of a divinely appointed messenger, empowered by the Spirit of the Lord GOD, whose mission is to bring comprehensive restoration and liberation. This figure is anointed to deliver good news to the afflicted, heal the emotionally wounded, and release those held in various forms of physical and spiritual captivity, thereby ushering in an era of divine grace and justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 61 opens a new section within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-66), following chapters that detail Israel's suffering and the promise of future glory. Chapter 60 describes the glorious light of Zion, drawing nations to itself, and chapter 61 immediately introduces the agent through whom this restoration will be realized. The "me" in this verse is a prophetic figure, deeply identified with the Servant of the Lord themes found throughout earlier chapters (e.g., [Isaiah 42:1-4](/isaiah/42-1 "Isaiah 42:1-4 - The Servant of the Lord") and [Isaiah 50:4-9](/isaiah/50-4 "Isaiah 50:4-9 - The Obedient Servant")). This verse sets the stage for a detailed exposition of the Servant's redemptive work, which extends beyond mere physical restoration to encompass spiritual and societal transformation, culminating in the establishment of God's righteous kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah 61:1 is set against the backdrop of Israel's exile and subsequent return, a period marked by profound national and spiritual brokenness. The "captives" and "bound" could refer to those literally imprisoned or enslaved, but more broadly, to the nation's spiritual bondage and despair under foreign domination. The concept of "liberty" (Hebrew: _dᵉrôwr_) evokes the Mosaic law of the [Year of Jubilee](/leviticus/25 "Leviticus 25 - The Year of Jubilee"), described in [Leviticus 25](/leviticus/25 "Leviticus 25 - The Year of Jubilee"), where slaves were freed, debts were canceled, and ancestral lands were returned every fifty years. This cultural understanding of liberation provides a powerful metaphor for the comprehensive spiritual and social restoration promised by the anointed one. The "meek" or "poor" (`ʻânâv`) often referred to those who were not only economically destitute but also humble and reliant on God amidst oppression.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several pivotal themes that resonate throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Central among them is the theme of **Divine Anointing and Empowerment**, signifying a special commission by God for a specific redemptive purpose. The **Proclamation of Good News** (`bâsar`) emphasizes the message of hope and salvation to a suffering world, laying the groundwork for the New Testament concept of the Gospel. The themes of **Liberation and Restoration** are paramount, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual bondage. This comprehensive healing and release point to God's ultimate desire to bring wholeness and justice to His people, a work that finds its ultimate expression in the Messiah's ministry (as seen in [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Nazareth Sermon")). The verse also highlights God's **Preferential Option for the Poor and Oppressed**, demonstrating His compassion for the vulnerable and His commitment to overturning systems of injustice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spirit (Hebrew, _rûwach_):** This term denotes wind, breath, or a vital force, but in a theological context, it refers to the divine animating power or presence of God. Here, it signifies the supernatural enablement and divine authorization bestowed upon the speaker, making their mission not merely human endeavor but a work of God Himself. The Spirit's presence is the source of the speaker's authority and ability to fulfill the prophetic tasks.
* **anointed (Hebrew, _mâshach_):** A primitive root meaning "to rub with oil," implying consecration or appointment to a sacred office (e.g., priest, prophet, king). From this root, the Hebrew word for "Messiah" (_mashiach_) is derived. The anointing signifies a divine selection and empowerment for a specific, sacred task, setting the individual apart for God's service. In this context, it marks the speaker as God's chosen agent for salvation and restoration.
* **liberty (Hebrew, _dᵉrôwr_):** This word signifies freedom, spontaneity, and purity, often specifically linked to the release of slaves and cancellation of debts in the Year of Jubilee. Its use here extends beyond mere physical release to encompass a holistic liberation—spiritual, social, and economic—from all forms of oppression and bondage, pointing to a comprehensive restoration that only divine intervention can bring.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me;":** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and authority of the speaker's mission. The presence of the "Spirit of the Lord GOD" (a combination of YHWH and Adonai, emphasizing God's sovereign power) indicates a supernatural empowerment, setting the speaker apart for a unique and sacred task. This is not a self-appointed mission but one divinely initiated and sustained.
* **"because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek;":** This clause reveals the specific purpose of the anointing. The "LORD" (YHWH) is the one who anoints, signifying a covenantal relationship and divine commission. The primary audience for the "good tidings" (Hebrew: _bâsar_, the root for "gospel") are the "meek" or "poor" (`ʻânâv`), highlighting God's compassion for the humble, the afflicted, and those marginalized by society. The message is one of hope, comfort, and salvation.
* **"he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, ":** Following the anointing, the speaker is "sent," indicating a divine mandate and active deployment. "Binding up" (`châbash`) implies healing, comforting, and restoring those suffering from deep emotional and spiritual wounds. The "brokenhearted" (`shâbar lêb`) are those whose spirits are crushed by sorrow, despair, or oppression, emphasizing the holistic nature of the promised restoration.
* **"to proclaim liberty to the captives, ":** This phrase extends the mission to those in literal or metaphorical bondage. "Proclaim" (`qârâʼ`) suggests a public, authoritative declaration. "Liberty" (`dᵉrôwr`), echoing the Jubilee, signifies release from various forms of imprisonment—whether physical, social, or spiritual—and a return to a state of freedom and wholeness.
* **"and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;":** This final clause reinforces and amplifies the theme of liberation. "Opening of the prison" (`pᵉqach-qôwach`) vividly depicts the breaking of chains and the release from confinement. "Them that are bound" (`ʼâçar`) further emphasizes the state of those held captive, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the freedom that the anointed one will bring. This liberation is not merely a political or social act but a divine intervention that reverses the effects of oppression and sin.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 61:1 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous and climactic parallelism, where successive clauses reiterate or intensify the preceding idea. For example, "proclaim liberty to the captives" is reinforced and amplified by "opening of the prison to them that are bound." This repetition emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the liberation. **Metaphor** is also extensively used, with terms like "brokenhearted," "captives," and "bound" serving as symbolic representations of spiritual, emotional, and societal distress rather than solely literal conditions. The "opening of the prison" functions as a vivid **Image** and **Symbolism** for divine intervention leading to ultimate freedom. The structure of the verse, a series of infinitives ("to preach," "to bind up," "to proclaim," "to open"), creates a sense of **Anaphora** or a list of divinely mandated actions, highlighting the multifaceted mission of the anointed one. This cumulative effect builds a powerful picture of comprehensive restoration and divine grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 61:1 stands as a pivotal prophetic text, deeply rooted in the Old Testament's understanding of God's redemptive plan and foreshadowing its ultimate fulfillment. It speaks to God's character as a compassionate deliverer who actively intervenes in human suffering. The anointing by the Spirit signifies divine authority and empowerment, a theme consistent with God's choosing and equipping of leaders throughout Israel's history, from judges to kings and prophets. The mission described—preaching good news, healing, and liberation—reflects the very heart of God's desire for humanity: wholeness, freedom from oppression, and restoration of relationship with Him. This verse encapsulates the eschatological hope of Israel, pointing towards a future era of divine justice and peace that would transcend mere political change. It connects directly to the concept of the Messiah as the ultimate agent of God's salvation, embodying the divine Spirit and enacting God's will on earth.

* [Isaiah 42:7](/isaiah/42-7 "Isaiah 42:7 - Opening Blind Eyes and Freeing Prisoners")
* [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Nazareth Sermon")
* [Matthew 11:5](/matthew/11-5 "Matthew 11:5 - The Works of Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 61:1 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, calling us to embody the liberating and healing mission of the Spirit-anointed One in our own lives and communities. Just as the prophet was empowered to bring good news, we too are called to be agents of hope in a world grappling with brokenness, injustice, and despair. This means actively seeking out the "meek" and "brokenhearted," offering comfort, practical aid, and the transformative message of the Gospel. It challenges us to confront all forms of captivity—whether spiritual bondage to sin, emotional chains of trauma, or systemic injustices that oppress the vulnerable. Our anointing by the Holy Spirit, received through faith in Christ, empowers us to participate in God's ongoing work of liberation, bringing light into darkness and freedom to those who are bound. It compels us to live out a faith that is not merely personal but deeply communal and outwardly focused, reflecting the compassion and justice of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I see "brokenheartedness," "captivity," or "bondage" in my own life or in the lives of those around me?**
* **How can I, empowered by the Spirit, participate in bringing "good tidings," healing, and liberation to these situations?**
* **What does it mean for me to be "anointed" for God's purposes in my daily life and calling?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "me" in Isaiah 61:1, and why is this significant?**

Answer: The "me" in Isaiah 61:1 refers to a divinely chosen and Spirit-anointed individual. In its immediate Old Testament context, it could be understood as the prophet Isaiah himself, speaking on behalf of God, or a prophetic figure embodying the Servant of the Lord theme found elsewhere in Isaiah (e.g., [Isaiah 42:1](/isaiah/42-1 "Isaiah 42:1 - The Servant of the Lord")). However, its ultimate and most profound significance lies in its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself, in the synagogue at Nazareth, read this very passage and declared, "[This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears](/luke/4-21 "Luke 4:21 - Jesus' Fulfillment Statement")" ([Luke 4:21](/luke/4-21 "Luke 4:21 - Jesus' Fulfillment Statement")). This self-identification by Jesus unequivocally marks Him as the Spirit-anointed Messiah, the one sent by God to preach good tidings, heal the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captives, thereby establishing His messianic mission as the fulfillment of this ancient prophecy.

**How does the concept of "liberty" in this verse relate to the Old Testament Jubilee?**

Answer: The "liberty" (Hebrew: _dᵉrôwr_) proclaimed in Isaiah 61:1 carries strong echoes of the Old Testament concept of the Jubilee Year, as described in [Leviticus 25](/leviticus/25 "Leviticus 25 - The Year of Jubilee"). The Jubilee was a divinely ordained year of release every fifty years, during which Hebrew slaves were set free, debts were canceled, and ancestral lands were returned to their original families. This was a radical act of social and economic restoration, designed to prevent perpetual poverty and maintain equity within Israel. In Isaiah 61:1, the "liberty" promised by the anointed one transcends this physical and economic liberation, extending to spiritual and comprehensive freedom from sin, oppression, and despair. It signifies a greater, ultimate Jubilee, brought about by God's Spirit, that addresses the deepest needs of humanity and ushers in an era of complete restoration and divine favor, far surpassing the temporal limitations of the Mosaic Jubilee.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 61:1 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. When Jesus stood in the synagogue at Nazareth, He deliberately chose this very passage from Isaiah to read, and after doing so, declared, "[This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears](/luke/4-21 "Luke 4:21 - Jesus' Fulfillment Statement")" ([Luke 4:21](/luke/4-21 "Luke 4:21 - Jesus' Fulfillment Statement")). This pivotal moment unequivocally identifies Jesus as the Spirit-anointed Messiah, the one upon whom the Spirit of the Lord GOD rests, empowering Him to inaugurate the long-awaited era of salvation. His ministry perfectly embodied the mission outlined in Isaiah: He preached the "good tidings" of the Kingdom of God, offering salvation and hope to the "meek" and marginalized ([Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the Poor in Spirit")). He "bound up the brokenhearted" through His compassionate healing and forgiveness, ministering to the sick, the grieving, and the spiritually wounded ([Matthew 9:35](/matthew/9-35 "Matthew 9:35 - Jesus' Compassionate Ministry")). Most significantly, Jesus proclaimed "liberty to the captives" and "opening of the prison to them that are bound," not merely in a physical sense, but through His triumph over sin and death, offering true spiritual freedom to all who believe ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free")). His death and resurrection are the ultimate acts of liberation, freeing humanity from the bondage of sin and the fear of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Deliverance from Death")). Thus, Isaiah 61:1 serves as a prophetic blueprint, perfectly realized in the comprehensive, redemptive work of Christ, establishing His identity as the promised Deliverer who brings ultimate freedom and restoration.

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

Luke 4:18

The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Luke 4:19

To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

Luke 7:22

Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

Isaiah 42:7

To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, [and] them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

Matthew 11:5

The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

Psalms 147:3

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

Isaiah 42:1

¶ Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, [in whom] my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.