Isaiah 61:3

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

To appoint {H7760} unto them that mourn {H57} in Zion {H6726}, to give {H5414} unto them beauty {H6287} for ashes {H665}, the oil {H8081} of joy {H8342} for mourning {H60}, the garment {H4594} of praise {H8416} for the spirit {H7307} of heaviness {H3544}; that they might be called {H7121} trees {H352} of righteousness {H6664}, the planting {H4302} of the LORD {H3068}, that he might be glorified {H6286}.

yes, provide for those in Tziyon who mourn, giving them garlands instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, a cloak of praise instead of a heavy spirit, so that they will be called oaks of righteousness planted by ADONAI, in which he takes pride.

to console the mourners in Zion— to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.

to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of Jehovah, that he may be glorified.

Commentary

Commentary on Isaiah 61:3 (KJV)

Isaiah 61:3 is a profound verse within a Messianic prophecy, detailing the glorious transformation God promises to those who mourn. It speaks of divine comfort, restoration, and a complete reversal of fortunes for the afflicted, all for the purpose of glorifying God.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophetic announcement, beginning in Isaiah 61:1, which describes the mission of the Anointed One – often understood as the Messiah. This passage is part of a prophetic declaration, famously quoted by Jesus in Nazareth, identifying Himself as the one fulfilling this mission. Historically, it offered hope to the exiled Israelites mourning the destruction of Jerusalem and the desolation of Zion. Beyond the immediate historical context, it points to a spiritual restoration for all who are brokenhearted and oppressed, both in ancient times and today.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Exchange and Transformation: The core message is God's power to transform sorrow into joy, desolation into beauty, and despair into praise. This is not merely a change of circumstance but a deep, spiritual renewal.
  • Comfort and Restoration: God actively intervenes to comfort "them that mourn in Zion," providing solace and healing for those who have experienced deep grief and spiritual heaviness.
  • Purposeful Redemption: The transformation isn't random; it is "that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD." God redeems His people to reflect His character and bear fruit that brings Him glory.
  • God's Glory: The ultimate goal of this divine work is "that he might be glorified." The transformed lives of believers serve as a testament to God's power, love, and faithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Beauty for ashes" (פְּאֵר תַּחַת אֵפֶר, *pe'er takhat efer*): Ashes (*efer*) symbolize deep mourning, repentance, and desolation (often sprinkled on the head). "Beauty" (*pe'er*) refers to a turban or ornamental headdress, worn for celebration and honor, a stark contrast to the dust of mourning. It signifies a complete reversal from humiliation to honor.
  • "Oil of joy for mourning" (שֶׁמֶן שָׂשׂוֹן תַּחַת אֵבֶל, *shemen sason takhat evel*): Mourners typically refrained from anointing themselves with oil. The "oil of joy" signifies festivity, gladness, and prosperity, replacing the outward signs of sorrow (*evel*).
  • "Garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness" (מַעֲטֵה תְהִלָּה תַּחַת רוּחַ כֵּהָה, *ma'ateh tehillah takhat ruach kehah*): "Spirit of heaviness" (*ruach kehah*) describes a dim, faint, or oppressed spirit. The "garment of praise" refers to a festive robe, replacing the sackcloth worn during mourning, symbolizing a new attitude of gratitude and adoration towards God.
  • "Trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD": This metaphor emphasizes stability, fruitfulness, and divine origin. Just as a well-planted tree flourishes, so too will those whom God restores, bearing fruit of righteousness for His honor. The transformation from sorrow to joy echoes other biblical promises, such as God turning our mourning into dancing.

Practical Application

Isaiah 61:3 offers profound hope and encouragement for all who experience grief, depression, or spiritual desolation. It assures us that:

  • God is a God of Restoration: No matter how deep the ashes of our lives, God promises to bring beauty. He can transform our greatest sorrows into opportunities for His glory. This divine exchange is a profound promise of God's restorative power, pointing forward to a time when there will be no more sorrow or tears.
  • Joy and Praise are God's Gifts: We are not meant to remain in a state of heaviness. God desires to replace our mourning with the oil of joy and our despair with a garment of praise. This is an active work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
  • Our Transformation Glorifies God: When we allow God to work this transformation in us, our lives become living testimonies to His goodness and power. We become "trees of righteousness," demonstrating God's character to the world and bringing Him honor. The phrase "trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD" emphasizes that the transformed individuals are God's own work, established to bear good fruit and reflect His character, ultimately for His glory.

This verse reminds us that God's plan is not just to comfort us, but to empower us to live lives that reflect His righteousness and bring Him praise.

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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

  • Jeremiah 17:7 (43 votes)

    Blessed [is] the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

  • Jeremiah 17:8 (43 votes)

    For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and [that] spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

  • Psalms 30:11 (43 votes)

    Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;

  • John 16:20 (37 votes)

    Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

  • Isaiah 61:10 (31 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:8 (23 votes)

    Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.

  • Psalms 45:7 (22 votes)

    Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.