Isaiah 61:2

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

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};

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

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

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

Commentary

Context of Isaiah 61:2

Isaiah 61 is a profound Messianic prophecy, foretelling the ministry of the Anointed One (the Messiah). This specific verse, Isaiah 61:2, stands as a pivotal declaration of His twofold mission. It is famously referenced by Jesus Christ Himself in His inaugural sermon in Nazareth (Luke 4:18-19), where He quotes the preceding verse and the first half of this one. The prophecy paints a picture of a time of divine favor and liberation, followed by a period of divine judgment and ultimate comfort.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Acceptable Year of the LORD (Grace): This phrase, sh'nat ratzon (שְׁנַת רָצוֹן) in Hebrew, signifies a time of God's special favor, goodwill, and grace. It echoes the concept of the ancient Year of Jubilee in Leviticus 25, a period when slaves were freed, debts were cancelled, and ancestral lands were returned. Spiritually, it points to the era of salvation ushered in by Christ, offering freedom from sin and spiritual bondage. Jesus' emphasis on this part of the prophecy in Luke 4 highlights His primary mission during His first advent: to bring salvation, healing, and liberation to the spiritually captive.
  • The Day of Vengeance of our God (Judgment): In stark contrast to the "acceptable year," this phrase speaks of divine retribution and justice. While Jesus quoted the "acceptable year" at His first coming, He intentionally omitted the "day of vengeance," signifying that this aspect of the prophecy would be fulfilled at His second coming. This points to a future time when God will judge wickedness and bring justice to the oppressed, as further described in passages like 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8. It underscores God's perfect balance of grace and justice.
  • To Comfort All That Mourn (Restoration): The ultimate outcome of both grace and judgment is the comfort and restoration of those who have suffered and mourned. This speaks to God's compassionate heart for humanity, promising solace for the brokenhearted, healing for the wounded, and hope for the despairing. This comfort is a present reality for believers through the Holy Spirit and a future promise of complete restoration, where God will wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "acceptable year of the LORD" is sh'nat ratzon (שְׁנַת רָצוֹן). Ratzon implies favor, delight, or goodwill, emphasizing God's benevolent disposition towards humanity during this period of grace. The "day of vengeance" uses the Hebrew yom naqam (יוֹם נָקָם), indicating a specific, appointed time for divine retribution, highlighting God's active role in bringing justice.

Practical Application

Isaiah 61:2 offers profound hope and a clear understanding of God's character and plan. For believers today, we live in the ongoing "acceptable year of the LORD," a time of grace where salvation is freely offered. This verse encourages us to embrace God's favor, find comfort in His presence amidst our sorrows, and participate in His mission to bring good news to others. It also reminds us that while God is gracious, He is also just, and there will be a future reckoning where all wrongs are made right, providing ultimate vindication for His suffering people and judgment for those who reject His grace.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
← Back