Isaiah 61:2

KJV

To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

KJV (with Strong's)

To proclaim {H7121} the acceptable {H7522} year {H8141} of the LORD {H3068}, and the day {H3117} of vengeance {H5359} of our God {H430}; to comfort {H5162} all that mourn {H57};

Complete Jewish Bible

to proclaim the year of the favor of ADONAI and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn,

Berean Standard Bible

to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of our God’s vengeance, to comfort all who mourn,

American Standard Version

to proclaim the year of Jehovah’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 61:2 serves as a pivotal prophetic declaration, articulating the dual mission of the Anointed One. It unveils a divinely ordained period of grace and favor, termed "the acceptable year of the LORD," juxtaposed with a contrasting "day of vengeance of our God." This profound verse culminates in the overarching purpose of bringing comprehensive comfort and restoration to all who mourn, outlining both the salvific and judicial dimensions of the Messiah's work and promising profound liberation and solace to a suffering world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 61:2 is an integral part of the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-66), specifically within a section that vividly portrays Zion's future restoration and the glorious destiny of God's people. The preceding verse, [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Anointed One's Commission"), introduces the Anointed One, upon whom the Spirit of the Lord rests, commissioned to bring good news to the poor, bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to captives, and open the prison to those who are bound. Verse 2 directly continues this commission, detailing the specific proclamations this Anointed Figure will make. The subsequent verses, [Isaiah 61:3-7](/isaiah/61-3-7 "Isaiah 61:3-7 - Blessings for Zion's Restoration"), elaborate on the blessings and profound restoration that will follow this proclamation, promising beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and garments of praise for the spirit of heaviness. This entire passage, therefore, functions as a comprehensive Messianic prophecy, outlining the scope and transformative impact of the Redeemer's ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah 61, while deeply Messianic in its ultimate fulfillment, also speaks powerfully to the historical and spiritual condition of Israel, particularly in a post-exilic or future context of divine restoration. The phrase "acceptable year of the LORD" resonates profoundly with the ancient Israelite institution of the [Year of Jubilee, meticulously described in Leviticus 25](/leviticus/25 "Leviticus 25 - The Year of Jubilee"). Occurring every fifty years, the Jubilee mandated the release of slaves, the return of ancestral lands to their original families, and the cancellation of all debts, symbolizing a divine reset, a restoration of justice, and a return to God's intended order. This cultural understanding of Jubilee would have immediately conveyed a powerful sense of liberation, forgiveness, and new beginnings to Isaiah's audience. Conversely, the "day of vengeance" reflects a pervasive biblical concept of divine justice, where God actively intervenes to rectify wrongs, vindicate His oppressed people, and execute judgment upon wickedness, a theme frequently encountered throughout prophetic literature (e.g., [Isaiah 34:8](/isaiah/34-8 "Isaiah 34:8 - The Day of the LORD's Vengeance")). The promise "to comfort all that mourn" speaks directly to the deep suffering, lament, and spiritual anguish experienced by God's people due to exile, oppression, and the consequences of sin, offering a profound message of hope and divine compassion.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several profound theological and narrative themes central to the book of Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it stands as a quintessential **Messianic prophecy**, clearly pointing to a divinely appointed figure who will execute God's comprehensive plan of salvation and judgment. Secondly, it highlights **God's dual nature of boundless grace and unwavering justice**. The "acceptable year" underscores God's immeasurable mercy, favor, and the offer of salvation, while the "day of vengeance" emphasizes His steadfast commitment to righteousness and His assurance that all wrongs will ultimately be addressed and rectified. This dynamic tension between grace and judgment is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, demonstrating the completeness and perfection of God's character. Thirdly, the theme of **liberation and holistic restoration** is paramount, offering freedom from spiritual bondage, profound comfort for the afflicted, and a promise of comprehensive healing and renewal for those who have suffered under the weight of sin and oppression. This promise of comprehensive restoration is a hallmark of God's covenant faithfulness and His ultimate design for His creation, culminating in the prophetic vision of a new heaven and a new earth ([Isaiah 65:17](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - New Heavens and a New Earth")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **proclaim (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** H7121, a primitive root meaning "to call out to," "to address by name," "to mention," or "to preach." In this context, it signifies a public, authoritative, and official declaration. The Anointed One's role is not merely to suggest but to authoritatively announce God's specific times of favor and judgment, making them known to all.
* **acceptable (Hebrew, _râtsôwn'_):** H7522, derived from a root meaning "to delight," this word signifies "delight," "favor," "goodwill," or "pleasure." When applied to the "year of the LORD," it denotes a period marked by God's special, benevolent disposition towards humanity, a time when His unmerited favor is freely extended, and His will for salvation is made manifest.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** H3068, from a root meaning "to be," referring to "the self-Existent or Eternal." This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, Jehovah, emphasizing His unchanging, sovereign, and relational nature. The "acceptable year" is specifically *His* year, emanating from His divine authority and character.
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** H3117, from an unused root meaning "to be hot," referring to "a day" in a literal sense (sunrise to sunset) or figuratively as "a space of time defined by an associated term." In "the day of vengeance," it denotes a specific, appointed time or era when God's justice will be fully executed, rather than a literal 24-hour period.
* **vengeance (Hebrew, _nâqâm'_):** H5359, meaning "revenge" or "vengeance." In a divine context, this is not personal spite or uncontrolled wrath but righteous retribution and restorative justice. It refers to God's active intervention to punish evil, vindicate His suffering people, and restore cosmic order, ensuring that sin and injustice do not go unaddressed.
* **comfort (Hebrew, _nâcham'_):** H5162, a primitive root meaning "to sigh," "to breathe strongly," and by implication, "to be sorry," "to pity," or "to console." This word conveys deep compassion and the active provision of solace, relief, and healing to those in distress, reflecting God's tender heart and profound empathy for His mourning people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD,"**: This foundational clause introduces the first, and initially primary, aspect of the Anointed One's mission: the public and authoritative declaration of a period of divine favor. "The acceptable year of the LORD" (שְׁנַת־רָצוֹן לַיהוָה, _sh'nat-ratzon l'Yĕhôvâh_) signifies a time of grace, goodwill, and unparalleled opportunity for salvation. It powerfully evokes the imagery and spiritual significance of the Jubilee, where release, forgiveness, and restoration were divinely mandated. This proclamation is an open invitation to experience God's unmerited favor and reconciliation.
* **"and the day of vengeance of our God;"**: In deliberate and stark contrast, this clause introduces the second, equally vital, aspect: a divinely appointed time of righteous judgment. "The day of vengeance of our God" (יוֹם נָקָם לֵאלֹהֵינוּ, _yôwm nâqâm lĕʼĕlôhêynû_) signifies a specific, appointed period for God's just retribution against wickedness, rebellion, and injustice, and the ultimate vindication of His suffering people. It underscores God's unwavering justice and His commitment to ultimately right all wrongs, ensuring that no sin or oppression will escape His divine reckoning.
* **"to comfort all that mourn;"**: This concluding clause states the ultimate, compassionate outcome and overarching purpose of the Anointed One's comprehensive mission. Whether through the extension of grace in the acceptable year or the execution of justice on the day of vengeance, the supreme goal is to bring profound solace, healing, and holistic restoration to those who are grieving, brokenhearted, oppressed, or suffering under the weight of sin and injustice. This demonstrates God's profound empathy and His passionate desire to alleviate human suffering and bring about complete renewal.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 61:2 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound and multifaceted message. The most prominent is **Juxtaposition** or **Antithesis**, evident in the stark contrast between "the acceptable year of the LORD" and "the day of vengeance of our God." This pairing highlights the two distinct, yet complementary, phases or aspects of God's interaction with humanity: a period defined by grace and an appointed time for judgment. This contrast is not contradictory but reveals the comprehensive nature of God's character—both infinitely merciful and perfectly just. The verse also functions as **Prophecy**, specifically **Messianic Prophecy**, foretelling the future ministry of a divinely appointed deliverer. The terms "year" and "day" are best understood as **Metaphorical** or **Symbolic** representations of extended periods or specific, divinely ordained events, rather than literal 24-hour days or 365-day years, emphasizing their theological significance. Furthermore, there is an element of **Parallelism** in the grammatical structure, with each clause beginning with an infinitive ("To proclaim," "to comfort"), creating a rhythmic and purposeful declaration that underscores the comprehensive nature of the Anointed One's mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 61:2 stands as a profound theological cornerstone, illuminating the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive plan and the multifaceted character of the Messiah. It reveals a God who is both infinitely gracious, extending an "acceptable year" of favor and salvation, and perfectly just, ensuring a "day of vengeance" where all evil will be confronted and His people vindicated. This tension is perfectly resolved and embodied in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly manifests both grace and truth. The verse also powerfully underscores the ultimate goal of God's redemptive work: the profound comfort, healing, and holistic restoration of humanity, particularly those who mourn under the weight of sin, suffering, and injustice. It speaks to the divine compassion that drives God's intervention in human history, promising not just an end to suffering but a complete and glorious renewal.

* [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus Proclaims His Inaugural Mission")
* [2 Corinthians 6:2](/2_corinthians/6-2 "2 Corinthians 6:2 - The Time of God's Favor")
* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - God Wipes Away Every Tear")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 61:2 offers profound hope and a clear understanding of God's character and His unfolding plan, with deep and transformative implications for our lives today. We are currently living in the ongoing "acceptable year of the LORD," a season of unparalleled grace and divine favor ushered in by Christ's first coming. In this era, salvation is freely offered, and spiritual liberation from the bondage of sin and death is available to all who believe. This profound truth calls us to embrace God's unmerited favor, to live in the freedom and new life that Christ provides, and to actively extend this good news of reconciliation and hope to others. Simultaneously, the promise "to comfort all that mourn" is a present reality for believers through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who is our divine Comforter and Advocate. In our own sorrows, losses, and times of distress, we can find profound solace in God's compassionate presence and His unwavering promise of ultimate restoration. This verse also reminds us that while God is infinitely gracious, He is also perfectly just. The "day of vengeance" assures us that evil and injustice will not triumph indefinitely, providing a foundational hope and ultimate vindication for those who suffer unjustly, and serving as a powerful call to live righteously and faithfully in anticipation of His glorious return.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that we are living in the "acceptable year of the LORD" shape your daily walk with God and your sense of purpose in the world?**
* **In what specific ways have you personally experienced God's profound comfort and solace in times of mourning, grief, or deep difficulty?**
* **How does the promise of a future "day of vengeance" influence your perspective on justice in the world, and how does it inform your prayers for those who suffer injustice?**
* **Given that we are recipients of God's grace in this "acceptable year," what is your personal responsibility in actively proclaiming this good news and extending comfort to others?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus quote only part of Isaiah 61:2 in Luke 4:18-19?**

Answer: Jesus intentionally stopped His quotation of Isaiah 61:2 after "To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD" and before "and the day of vengeance of our God" when He read from the scroll in the synagogue in Nazareth ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Inaugural Sermon")). This deliberate omission is profoundly significant, indicating the nature of His first advent. His initial coming was primarily to inaugurate the "acceptable year"—a time of grace, salvation, and spiritual liberation, fulfilling the prophetic themes of Jubilee. The "day of vengeance" refers to God's righteous judgment and retribution, which Jesus will fully execute at His glorious second coming. By stopping where He did, Jesus clearly differentiated between the two distinct phases of His Messianic mission, emphasizing His role as Savior and bringer of grace in His first coming and His future role as the righteous Judge.

**What is the profound significance of "the acceptable year of the LORD"?**

Answer: "The acceptable year of the LORD" (Hebrew: _sh'nat ratzon l'Yĕhôvâh_) signifies a divinely appointed period of unparalleled favor, goodwill, and grace. It draws heavily on the rich imagery of the [Year of Jubilee in Leviticus 25](/leviticus/25 "Leviticus 25 - The Year of Jubilee"), a sacred time when debts were canceled, slaves were freed, and ancestral lands were returned to their original owners. Spiritually, it represents the era of salvation ushered in by Jesus Christ, offering profound freedom from the bondage of sin, spiritual debt, and alienation from God. It is a time when God's benevolent disposition is extended to humanity, inviting all to receive His unmerited favor, experience reconciliation, and enter into a new covenant relationship with Him.

**How does the "day of vengeance of our God" relate to God's character of love and mercy?**

Answer: While seemingly contradictory to God's character of love, the "day of vengeance" (Hebrew: _yôwm nâqâm lĕʼĕlôhêynû_) is, in fact, an essential expression of God's perfect justice, holiness, and unwavering commitment to righteousness. It is not about arbitrary wrath or personal spite, but about righteous retribution against sin, evil, and rebellion that defy His holy nature and oppress His creation. For those who persistently reject God's grace and cling to wickedness, it signifies ultimate judgment. However, for God's suffering people, it is a glorious day of vindication, where God rights all wrongs, delivers the oppressed, and definitively establishes His perfect kingdom. This aspect of God's character ensures that evil will not triumph indefinitely and that ultimate justice will prevail, reflecting His profound love for His people, whom He will ultimately deliver and restore.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 61:2 finds its ultimate, most profound, and comprehensive fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, the Anointed One (Messiah). When Jesus stood in the synagogue in Nazareth and read from [Isaiah 61:1-2a](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus Proclaims His Mission"), declaring, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing," He unequivocally identified Himself as the one sent "to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD." His first advent inaugurated this very era of divine favor, offering salvation, spiritual healing, and liberation from the bondage of sin to all who would believe. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus became the embodiment of God's boundless grace, making it possible for humanity to enter into this "acceptable time" ([2 Corinthians 6:2](/2_corinthians/6-2 "2 Corinthians 6:2 - The Acceptable Time - Paul's Application")). However, Jesus deliberately paused before the phrase "and the day of vengeance of our God," signifying that this aspect of the prophecy awaits His glorious second coming. At His triumphant return, Christ will appear as the righteous Judge, executing divine justice upon wickedness and bringing ultimate vindication and deliverance to His suffering people ([2 Thessalonians 1:7-10](/2_thessalonians/1-7 "2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 - Christ's Return in Judgment")). Finally, the promise "to comfort all that mourn" is realized both presently through Christ's compassionate ministry, His sending of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter and Advocate ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Comforter")), and ultimately in His promise to wipe away every tear in the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - God Wipes Away Every Tear")). Thus, Jesus Christ is the comprehensive fulfiller of Isaiah 61:2, embodying both God's boundless grace and His perfect justice, and bringing eternal comfort and restoration to all who trust in Him.

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

Matthew 5:4

Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Isaiah 34:8

For [it is] the day of the LORD'S vengeance, [and] the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion.

Isaiah 57:18

I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.

Luke 4:19

To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

Jeremiah 31:13

Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.

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].

1 Thessalonians 2:16

Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.