Isaiah 61:4

KJV

¶ And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall build {H1129} the old {H5769} wastes {H2723}, they shall raise up {H6965} the former {H7223} desolations {H8074}, and they shall repair {H2318} the waste {H2721} cities {H5892}, the desolations {H8074} of many {H1755} generations {H1755}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will rebuild the ancient ruins, restore sites long destroyed; they will renew the ruined cities, destroyed many generations ago.

Berean Standard Bible

They will rebuild the ancient ruins; they will restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations.

American Standard Version

And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 61:4 presents a powerful prophecy of comprehensive restoration, detailing the profound reversal of long-standing devastation. Following the declaration of the Messiah's anointing to bring good news and healing, this verse describes the tangible, physical, and spiritual rebuilding of what was once utterly ruined. It speaks to the divine capacity to transform desolate landscapes and broken communities, promising a renewal so complete that it addresses the cumulative decay of many generations, establishing a new era of flourishing and divine presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 61 opens with a profound Messianic prophecy, often referred to as the "Manifesto of the Messiah," where the anointed one declares his mission in [Isaiah 61:1-3](/isaiah/61-1-3 "Isaiah 61:1-3 - The Messiah's Mission"). The speaker, filled with the Spirit of the Lord, is commissioned to bring good news to the poor, bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to captives, and comfort those who mourn. Verse 4 then immediately shifts to the practical, visible outcomes of this anointing, providing concrete examples of the promised restoration. It transitions from the spiritual and emotional healing described in the preceding verses to the physical and communal rebuilding that will follow, demonstrating that God's restoration is holistic, encompassing both the inner person and the external environment. This verse sets the stage for further descriptions of the restored community's blessed state and their distinguished role among the nations in [Isaiah 61:5-9](/isaiah/61-5-9 "Isaiah 61:5-9 - The Prosperity of the Restored Community").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The primary historical backdrop for this prophecy is the Babylonian exile, a period of immense national trauma for Judah. Jerusalem, its temple, and its cities were utterly destroyed, leaving behind "wastes" and "desolations" that persisted for generations. The people were scattered, their identity challenged, and their land laid waste. For the ancient Israelites, the city, particularly Jerusalem, was not just a collection of buildings but the very center of their national and religious life, symbolizing God's presence among them. Its destruction represented a profound theological crisis and a sign of divine judgment. Therefore, the promise of rebuilding "old wastes" and "waste cities" resonated deeply with their longing for return, the restoration of their land, and the re-establishment of their covenant relationship with God. This promise of physical restoration was inextricably linked to their spiritual and national identity, signifying a return to divine favor and a renewed future.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 61:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Isaiah and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Restoration**, emphasizing God's power and intent to reverse even the most entrenched ruin, bringing life out of death and beauty out of ashes, as explicitly stated in [Isaiah 61:3](/isaiah/61-3 "Isaiah 61:3 - Beauty for Ashes"). It highlights **Hope in Desolation**, asserting that no state of brokenness, however long-standing ("desolations of many generations"), is beyond God's transformative power. The verse also underscores the theme of **New Creation** and **Rebuilding**, not just physically but also spiritually and socially, leading to a renewed community and a restored relationship with God. This comprehensive restoration is ultimately a work of the **Anointed Messiah**, whose mission encompasses both spiritual liberation and tangible, communal renewal, foreshadowing the comprehensive work of Christ in establishing a new spiritual reality and ultimately, a new heaven and new earth, as envisioned in [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Heaven and New Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **build (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** From H1129, a primitive root meaning to build (literally and figuratively). It encompasses the acts of establishing, constructing anew, and even obtaining children, suggesting a generative and foundational act. In this context, it signifies the comprehensive act of reconstruction and re-establishment of what was utterly ruined, implying a return to order and flourishing.
* **wastes (Hebrew, _chorbâh'_):** From H2723, a feminine noun derived from a root meaning drought or desolation. It refers to a decayed place, a desolate area, or destruction. Its use here vividly portrays the extent of the ruin and emptiness that the land and cities had become, emphasizing the dire state from which restoration is promised, a state of utter abandonment and decay.
* **generations (Hebrew, _dôwr'_):** From H1755, properly a revolution of time, an age or generation. It can also refer to a dwelling or posterity. The phrase "desolations of many generations" uses this word to underscore the profound, long-term, and entrenched nature of the devastation, indicating that the ruin was not recent but had accumulated over a vast span of time, making the promised reversal all the more miraculous and a testament to divine power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall build the old wastes":** This opening clause immediately sets the tone of active and comprehensive restoration. The "old wastes" refer to places that have been ruined for a long time, signifying deep-seated destruction. The verb "build" (bânâh) indicates a foundational re-establishment and construction anew, not just minor repairs, but a complete transformation of the desolate landscape.
* **"they shall raise up the former desolations":** This phrase reiterates and intensifies the promise of rebuilding. "Raise up" (qûwm) implies causing something to stand upright again after it has fallen, suggesting a revival from a state of collapse and utter ruin. "Former desolations" emphasizes that the ruin is not new, but a long-standing, ingrained condition that will be completely reversed by divine power.
* **"and they shall repair the waste cities":** This clause specifically focuses on urban centers, which were vital for community life, commerce, and worship in ancient Israel. "Repair" (châdash) means to make new or rebuild, signifying a renewal and restoration of functionality, habitability, and vibrancy to cities that had been rendered uninhabitable and lifeless.
* **"the desolations of many generations.":** This concluding phrase serves as an emphatic summary, highlighting the extensive and prolonged nature of the destruction. It underscores that the ruin was not temporary but had endured for a vast period, affecting multiple generations. This detail magnifies the scope and miraculous nature of the promised divine intervention and the thoroughness of the restoration.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 61:4 employs several literary devices to amplify its powerful message of comprehensive restoration. **Parallelism** is prominently featured, particularly **synonymous parallelism**, where ideas are repeated using different but related phrases to reinforce the central theme. Phrases like "build the old wastes," "raise up the former desolations," and "repair the waste cities" all convey the same core idea of reconstruction and renewal, emphasizing the thoroughness and completeness of the divine work. The careful **Repetition** of terms like "wastes" (chorbâh) and "desolations" (shâmêm) further underscores the pervasive nature of the destruction that is to be reversed, creating a vivid mental picture of the devastation. The concluding phrase, "the desolations of many generations," functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, vividly portraying the extreme duration and depth of the ruin, thereby magnifying the miraculous power of God's promised restoration. This also contributes to powerful **Imagery** of a land and its cities utterly ruined over a long period, making the reversal all the more striking and hopeful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 61:4 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering commitment to restoration and His ultimate triumph over decay and destruction. Theologically, it affirms God's sovereignty over history and His redemptive purpose to bring order out of chaos, life out of death, and beauty out of ashes. It speaks to the enduring nature of God's covenant faithfulness, promising to restore His people and their land after periods of judgment and exile. This restoration is not merely physical but encompasses spiritual renewal, social justice, and the re-establishment of a vibrant, God-centered community. The verse points forward to an eschatological hope where all things are made new, a vision that finds its ultimate expression in the new heaven and new earth.

* [Jeremiah 30:18](/jeremiah/30-18 "Jeremiah 30:18 - Restoration of Jacob's Tents and Cities")
* [Amos 9:11](/amos/9-11 "Amos 9:11 - Rebuilding David's Fallen Tabernacle")
* [Ezekiel 36:33-36](/ezekiel/36-33-36 "Ezekiel 36:33-36 - Restoration of Desolate Cities and Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 61:4 offers profound hope and a compelling call to action for believers today. It assures us that no personal "waste" or "desolation"—whether from past mistakes, trauma, spiritual dryness, or the brokenness of our world—is beyond God's power to restore. He is the divine builder and repairer, capable of transforming even the most entrenched ruin into places of flourishing and beauty. This verse encourages us to bring our brokenness to Him, trusting in His restorative power and acknowledging His sovereign ability to make all things new. Furthermore, it highlights the Church's ongoing mission as agents of God's restoration in the world. As followers of Christ, empowered by the Spirit, we are called to participate in the rebuilding of communities, ministering to the hurting, advocating for justice, and bringing the hope of the Gospel to those living in spiritual desolation. It reminds us that God is actively working to reverse the effects of sin and decay, transforming "waste cities" into places that reflect His glory and goodness, demonstrating His redemptive love to a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "old wastes" or "former desolations" in your own life or community do you believe God desires to rebuild or restore?**
* **How does the promise of restoration "of many generations" encourage you when faced with long-standing or seemingly insurmountable problems?**
* **In what practical ways can you participate in God's work of rebuilding and repairing in your sphere of influence, reflecting His restorative heart?**

### FAQ
**Who are "they" who shall build and repair in this verse?**

Answer: The "they" in Isaiah 61:4 refers to the people of God, specifically those who have been liberated and comforted by the Messiah, as described in the preceding verses. While the ultimate power and initiative for restoration come from God through the Anointed One, the prophecy indicates that the restored community will actively participate in the physical and spiritual rebuilding. This implies a partnership between divine power and human cooperation, where the recipients of God's grace become agents of His ongoing work in the world. This can be understood as the returning exiles physically rebuilding Jerusalem, but also prophetically as the Church, empowered by the Spirit, engaging in spiritual and social renewal, embodying the mission of Christ.

**Is this prophecy only about physical rebuilding, or does it have a deeper meaning?**

Answer: While the immediate historical context of Isaiah 61:4 certainly points to the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem and Judah after the Babylonian exile, the prophecy carries a much deeper, multi-layered meaning. It extends beyond mere physical reconstruction to encompass spiritual, social, and relational restoration. The "wastes" and "desolations" can symbolize the brokenness caused by sin, spiritual decay, and societal injustice. Therefore, the rebuilding signifies the restoration of dignity, community, covenant relationship with God, and the flourishing of righteousness. Ultimately, this prophecy finds its deepest fulfillment in the spiritual work of Jesus Christ, who rebuilds broken lives and establishes a new spiritual temple—the Church—from the "wastes" of sin and spiritual death, as seen in passages like [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones for a Spiritual House").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 61:4 finds its most profound and comprehensive fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the immediate context speaks to the physical restoration of Israel after exile, the New Testament clearly identifies Jesus as the Anointed One of [Isaiah 61:1-2](/isaiah/61-1-2 "Isaiah 61:1-2 - The Spirit of the Lord on the Messiah"), who came to proclaim good news and liberty. His ministry inaugurated a new era of spiritual rebuilding. Jesus, through His atoning death and resurrection, addresses the deepest "desolations of many generations"—the ruin caused by sin, spiritual death, and separation from God. He rebuilds broken lives, transforming hearts of stone into hearts of flesh, as powerfully prophesied in [Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit"). The Church, composed of believers from every nation, becomes the "waste cities" that are repaired and raised up, a spiritual dwelling for God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of Christ")). Through Christ, individuals are reconciled to God, communities are transformed by the Gospel, and the process of cosmic restoration is set in motion, culminating in the new heaven and new earth where God makes all things new, a promise echoed in [Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - God Makes All Things New"). Thus, Jesus is not merely a restorer of physical structures but the ultimate rebuilder of humanity and creation itself, bringing about a comprehensive and eternal renewal.

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

Isaiah 58:12

And [they that shall be] of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.

Amos 9:14

And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.

Amos 9:15

And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.

Ezekiel 36:33

Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day that I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities I will also cause [you] to dwell in the cities, and the wastes shall be builded.

Ezekiel 36:36

Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the LORD build the ruined [places, and] plant that that was desolate: I the LORD have spoken [it], and I will do [it].

Ezekiel 36:23

And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I [am] the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.

Ezekiel 36:26

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.