Isaiah 61:10

KJV

¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will greatly {H7797} rejoice {H7797} in the LORD {H3068}, my soul {H5315} shall be joyful {H1523} in my God {H430}; for he hath clothed {H3847} me with the garments {H899} of salvation {H3468}, he hath covered {H3271} me with the robe {H4598} of righteousness {H6666}, as a bridegroom {H2860} decketh {H3547} himself with ornaments {H6287}, and as a bride {H3618} adorneth {H5710} herself with her jewels {H3627}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I am so joyful in ADONAI! My soul rejoices in my God, for he has clothed me in salvation, dressed me with a robe of triumph, like a bridegroom wearing a festive turban, like a bride adorned with her jewels.

Berean Standard Bible

I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

American Standard Version

I will greatly rejoice in Jehovah, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with a garland, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 61:10 is a vibrant declaration of profound spiritual joy and gratitude, emanating from the recognition of God's lavish provision and transformative grace. It vividly portrays the redeemed individual, or the restored community, as being divinely adorned with the "garments of salvation" and the "robe of righteousness," an imagery so glorious and complete that it is likened to the splendid attire of a bridegroom and a bride on their wedding day, symbolizing a new identity, honor, and an unbreakable covenant relationship with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic expression of joy within a prophetic song of deliverance and restoration, often attributed to the Servant of the Lord or the prophet speaking on behalf of the restored people of Israel. Chapter 61 opens with the powerful declaration of the [Spirit of the Lord being upon the speaker](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Anointing of the Lord's Servant"), who is anointed to bring good news to the poor, bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to captives, and comfort those who mourn. This mission, which includes proclaiming "the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God" ([Isaiah 61:2](/isaiah/61-2 "Isaiah 61:2 - The Year of the Lord's Favor")), leads to a complete reversal of fortunes, promising "beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness" ([Isaiah 61:3](/isaiah/61-3 "Isaiah 61:3 - Beauty for Ashes")). The subsequent verses detail the rebuilding of ancient ruins, the flourishing of the people as "oaks of righteousness," and their recognition among the nations as a people blessed by the Lord ([Isaiah 61:4-9](/isaiah/61-4 "Isaiah 61:4-9 - Restoration and Honor")). The exuberant joy of verse 10 is therefore a direct, heartfelt response to this comprehensive divine work of redemption, restoration, and the establishment of an "everlasting covenant" ([Isaiah 61:8](/isaiah/61-8 "Isaiah 61:8 - An Everlasting Covenant")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah, particularly chapters 40-66, speaks to a people who have experienced the devastating exile to Babylon and are now anticipating or beginning to experience restoration. The imagery of being "clothed" and "covered" carries significant weight in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where clothing was not merely functional but deeply symbolic of status, identity, honor, and purity. Priestly garments, for instance, were meticulously prescribed to signify holiness and separation unto God. To be stripped of one's garments was a sign of shame and degradation, while being clothed by a king or noble signified favor and elevation. The wedding imagery is particularly potent: in ancient Israel, a wedding was one of the most significant and joyous social events, marked by elaborate preparations, festive celebrations, and the finest attire for both the bride and groom. Their adornment was a public display of honor, wealth, and the joyous beginning of a new, sacred covenantal union, reflecting the highest possible state of happiness and acceptance.

* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 61:10 encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Joy**, a deep, spiritual gladness that originates solely from God's redemptive work, transcending earthly circumstances. This joy is a hallmark of God's promised restoration, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 35:10](/isaiah/35-10 "Isaiah 35:10 - The Redeemed Return with Joy"). Secondly, the verse powerfully illustrates the theme of **Imputed Righteousness**, where God graciously bestows a righteous standing upon His people, making them acceptable and beautiful in His sight, not based on their own merit. This concept is central to Isaiah's vision of salvation, where God's righteousness is revealed as both a standard and a gift ([Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "Isaiah 54:17 - Righteousness from the Lord")). Thirdly, the imagery of "garments of salvation" and "robe of righteousness" emphasizes **Spiritual Adornment and Transformation**, symbolizing a new identity and status freely given by God's grace. Finally, the wedding motif underscores the **Covenant Relationship** between God and His redeemed people, often depicted in scripture as a divine marriage, signifying intimacy, faithfulness, and eternal union ([Isaiah 54:5](/isaiah/54-5 "Isaiah 54:5 - God as Husband")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rejoice (Hebrew, _gîyl'_):** This word (H1523, often paired with H7797 sûws for emphasis) describes a profound, often exuberant, emotional response. Its primitive root suggests "to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion)," indicating a joy so intense it causes one to dance or leap. It is not a shallow happiness but a deep, overwhelming gladness that springs from the core of one's being, often in response to divine favor or deliverance.
* **salvation (Hebrew, _yeshaʻ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be wide" or "to be spacious," this term (H3468) signifies a state of liberation, deliverance, and prosperity. It encompasses rescue from danger, wholeness, well-being, and the comprehensive saving work of God. The "garments of salvation" thus represent the full scope of God's liberating and restoring power, providing safety and flourishing.
* **righteousness (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh'_):** This multifaceted term (H6666) denotes rightness, justice, and moral rectitude. It can refer to God's inherent justice, His righteous acts, or the state of being declared righteous by God. In this context, the "robe of righteousness" signifies a divine declaration or imputation of right standing, where God covers His people with His own perfect standard, making them acceptable and just in His sight. It is a gift that transforms their status before Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God":** This opening clause expresses an intense, twofold declaration of joy. The doubling of "rejoice" and "joyful" (using different Hebrew roots but similar meanings) emphasizes the depth and totality of this emotion. It is a joy that originates from and is directed towards "the LORD" (Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God) and "my God" (Elohim, the mighty Creator), indicating a personal and covenantal relationship as the source of this profound gladness. The joy is not superficial but permeates the very "soul" (nephesh), signifying a holistic, internal delight.
* **"for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation":** This clause introduces the primary reason for the overwhelming joy. God is the active agent ("he hath clothed me"), and the clothing is "garments of salvation." This metaphor signifies a complete divine provision of deliverance, wholeness, and rescue from all forms of spiritual and existential bondage. It implies a transformation of identity, where the shame and defilement of the past are replaced by the honor and purity of God's saving work.
* **"he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness":** This phrase parallels the previous one, reinforcing the imagery of divine adornment. The "robe" (mᵉʻîyl) is typically an outer, often ceremonial, garment, signifying status and authority. "Righteousness" here points to God's act of declaring or making His people righteous. It is an imputed righteousness, a divine covering that makes the one wearing it acceptable, pure, and just in God's eyes, despite their own unworthiness. This is a gift, not an earned status.
* **"as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels":** This powerful simile concludes the verse, elevating the spiritual adornment to the highest possible cultural standard of beauty, honor, and celebration. A bridegroom "decking himself with ornaments" (pᵉʼêr, often a fancy head-dress or turban) and a bride "adorning herself with her jewels" (kᵉlîy, meaning vessels or articles, here referring to precious ornaments) reflects the pinnacle of festive preparation and personal splendor. This comparison emphasizes the immense joy, honor, and beauty that God bestows upon His redeemed people, likening their new status to the magnificent beginning of a sacred, joyous, and eternal covenantal union.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 61:10 is rich with **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of spiritual adornment and celebration. The central device is **Metaphor**, where God's saving and justifying acts are described as "garments of salvation" and a "robe of righteousness." This transforms abstract theological concepts into tangible, personal experiences of being covered and transformed. The verse also employs striking **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, in the opening lines ("I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God") and in the description of divine clothing ("he hath clothed me... he hath covered me..."). This repetition intensifies the meaning and emphasizes the complete nature of the joy and the divine provision. Finally, the verse culminates in a beautiful **Simile**: "as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels." This comparison draws on a universally understood cultural context of ultimate joy, beauty, and new beginnings, likening the spiritual state of the redeemed to the most glorious and celebrated human event, underscoring the honor and delight God takes in His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse stands as a profound declaration of the believer's transformed identity and standing before God, a transformation entirely wrought by divine grace. It anticipates the New Testament revelation of righteousness by faith, where humanity's inherent sinfulness is covered not by human effort or merit, but by God's gracious provision. The "garments of salvation" speak to the comprehensive deliverance from sin's penalty and power, while the "robe of righteousness" points to the imputation of Christ's perfect righteousness, making believers acceptable and holy in God's sight. The wedding imagery foreshadows the ultimate spiritual union between Christ and His Church, depicting a relationship of intimate joy, beauty, and eternal covenant, where the Church is adorned as a bride for her Groom, reflecting His glory.

* [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Made the Righteousness of God")
* [Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness from God")
* [Revelation 19:7-8](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7-8 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 61:10 offers an enduring wellspring of joy and confidence for every believer. It invites us to deeply internalize the truth that our spiritual standing, our acceptance, and our beauty in God's eyes are not predicated on our fluctuating performance or inherent worthiness, but entirely on His gracious, sovereign act of clothing us. This understanding should cultivate an overflowing, soul-deep joy that is resilient to life's trials, for our ultimate identity is secure in Christ. We are called to live not as those striving for acceptance, but as those already adorned by the King, reflecting the honor and splendor He has bestowed. This empowers us to walk in freedom from shame and guilt, to serve with gratitude, and to share this glorious truth with a world desperately seeking true worth and belonging.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's provision of salvation and righteousness impact your daily joy and confidence?**
* **In what practical ways can you live out your identity as one "clothed" by God, rather than striving in your own strength?**
* **How does the imagery of a wedding feast deepen your appreciation for your intimate, covenantal relationship with God?**

### FAQ
**Is the joy described in Isaiah 61:10 solely for the prophet, or does it apply to all believers?**

Answer: While the initial speaker in Isaiah 61 is often understood as the prophetic voice or the Anointed One (which Jesus identifies with in [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Nazareth Sermon")), the profound joy and the imagery of divine clothing are extended to all who receive God's salvation and righteousness. The "garments of salvation" and "robe of righteousness" are spiritual blessings available to all who are redeemed by God. The New Testament affirms that believers are "clothed with Christ" ([Galatians 3:27](/galatians/3-27 "Galatians 3:27 - Clothed with Christ")) and receive His righteousness by faith ([Romans 3:22](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22 - Righteousness Through Faith in Christ")), making this joy a universal experience for God's people.

**What is the distinction between "garments of salvation" and "robe of righteousness" in this verse?**

Answer: While closely related and often used in parallel to emphasize the completeness of God's work, "garments of salvation" and "robe of righteousness" highlight distinct yet complementary aspects of divine provision. "Garments of salvation" (Hebrew: *beged yesha'*) primarily signify deliverance, rescue, and wholeness from all forms of bondage, sin, and spiritual death. It is the comprehensive act of God that brings freedom and well-being. The "robe of righteousness" (Hebrew: *mᵉʻîyl tsᵉdâqâh*) specifically points to the legal and moral standing before God. It is the divine act of declaring or making one just and acceptable in His sight, covering their sin with His perfect standard. Together, they represent a holistic transformation: salvation is the act of being saved and made whole, while righteousness is the new, pure status bestowed by God, allowing one to stand blameless before Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 61:10 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the Anointed One, the true speaker of [Isaiah 61:1-2](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1-2 - The Anointed One's Mission"), whose ministry brought good news, healing, and liberty. It is through His perfect life, atoning death, and triumphant resurrection that the "garments of salvation" become available to humanity. His sacrifice on the cross provides complete deliverance from sin's penalty and power, offering a comprehensive rescue that brings wholeness to the broken. Furthermore, Jesus is our "robe of righteousness." As [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Made the Righteousness of God") declares, "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." Believers are not merely forgiven, but are clothed in Christ's own perfect righteousness, enabling them to stand blameless before a holy God. The joyous wedding imagery beautifully foreshadows the Church as the Bride of Christ ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church")), being prepared and adorned by Him for the ultimate marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). Thus, the profound joy and divine adornment of Isaiah 61:10 are fully realized in the believer's union with Christ, who is our salvation, our righteousness, and our eternal Bridegroom.

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

Revelation 19:7

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

Revelation 19:8

And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

Philippians 3:9

¶ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

Psalms 132:9

Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.

Romans 14:17

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Romans 5:11

And not only [so], but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Psalms 132:16

I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.