Isaiah 62:5

KJV

For [as] a young man marrieth a virgin, [so] shall thy sons marry thee: and [as] the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, [so] shall thy God rejoice over thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

For as a young man {H970} marrieth {H1166} a virgin {H1330}, so shall thy sons {H1121} marry {H1166} thee: and as the bridegroom {H2860} rejoiceth {H4885} over the bride {H3618}, so shall thy God {H430} rejoice {H7797} over thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

as a young man marries a young woman, your sons will marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over the bride, your God will rejoice over you.

Berean Standard Bible

For as a young man marries a young woman, so your sons will marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so your God will rejoice over you.

American Standard Version

For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee; and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 62:5 presents a radiant vision of God's profound joy and unwavering commitment to His restored people, Zion. Through the tender and celebratory imagery of a wedding, the prophet conveys the intimate, passionate, and secure relationship that will exist between the Lord and His beloved community, symbolizing a complete spiritual and physical renewal where God delights in His people as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, and the exiled inhabitants return to embrace their land anew.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the latter portion of the Book of Isaiah, often referred to as "Second Isaiah" (chapters 40-55) and "Third Isaiah" (chapters 56-66), which primarily focus on themes of comfort, restoration, and the future glory of Israel after the Babylonian exile. Chapters 60-62 specifically describe the magnificent return and re-establishment of Zion (Jerusalem) as a radiant city, a beacon for the nations. The preceding verses in [Isaiah 62](/isaiah/62 "Isaiah 62 - Zion's Restoration and Glory") emphasize God's unceasing work on behalf of Zion, promising her new names—"Hephzibah" (My delight is in her) and "Beulah" (Married)—which signify her restored favor and intimate relationship with God, culminating in the marriage imagery of [Isaiah 62:4](/isaiah/62-4 "Isaiah 62:4 - Zion's New Names"). Verse 5 serves as the climactic expression of this divine delight and covenantal bond.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The original audience of Isaiah 62 would have been the Jewish exiles, either still in Babylon or recently returned to a desolate homeland. Their capital, Jerusalem, lay in ruins, and their national identity was shattered. In ancient Near Eastern culture, marriage was a foundational institution, symbolizing covenant, permanence, and the establishment of a household and lineage. The bridegroom's joy was a profound, public expression of fulfillment and new beginnings. The imagery of "sons marrying thee" (Zion) would have resonated deeply, signifying the physical return of the scattered populace to rebuild and re-inhabit the land of Israel, establishing a new generation rooted in their heritage. This was a powerful promise of reversal from the desolation and barrenness that had plagued the land and its people during the exile.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 62:5 powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive in Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is **Divine Delight and Joy**, portraying God not as a distant or wrathful deity, but as one who passionately rejoices over His people, a sentiment echoed in [Zephaniah 3:17](/zephaniah/3-17 "Zephaniah 3:17 - God Rejoices Over His People"). This highlights God's emotional investment in His covenant relationship. Secondly, the verse underscores **Restoration and Re-establishment**, illustrating the complete renewal of Zion, both physically and spiritually. The "sons marrying thee" metaphorically depicts the return of the exiled population to resettle and possess their land, transforming desolation into vibrant life. Finally, the **Covenant Relationship** is central, with the marriage metaphor serving as a profound symbol of the exclusive, intimate, and faithful bond between God and His people, a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Jeremiah 3:14](/jeremiah/3-14 "Jeremiah 3:14 - Israel as God's Bride") and [Hosea 2:19-20](/hosea/2-19-20 "Hosea 2:19-20 - God Betroths Israel Forever")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **marrieth (Hebrew, _bâʻal'_):** From H1166, this primitive root means "to be master; hence, to marry." It conveys the idea of possession and dominion, emphasizing a deep, proprietary, and committed union. When applied to the young man marrying a virgin or the sons marrying Zion, it signifies a complete and secure taking possession, much like a husband takes possession of his wife, establishing a permanent and exclusive bond.
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, this word means "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense." In this context, "thy sons" refers to the returning exiles, the descendants of Israel. Their "marrying" Zion (the land/city) signifies their re-inhabitation, rebuilding, and re-establishment of a thriving community, ensuring the continuity and flourishing of the nation in its promised land. They are the ones who will build up and possess the land, like sons inheriting and cherishing their family heritage.
* **rejoice (Hebrew, _sûws'_):** From H7797, this root means "to be bright, i.e. cheerful; be glad, greatly, joy, make mirth." It denotes an exuberant, effusive, and profound delight. This is not a passive happiness but an active, overflowing joy, mirroring the intense celebration of a bridegroom on his wedding day. When applied to God, it reveals His passionate, unreserved joy over His restored and beloved people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For [as] a young man marrieth a virgin":** This clause establishes the first part of the simile, drawing on the universal human experience of a joyous, foundational event. The marriage of a young man to a virgin symbolizes a fresh start, purity, passionate love, and the beginning of a new family line, full of hope and promise. It sets the tone for the profound joy and commitment that follows.
* **"[so] shall thy sons marry thee":** This is the first application of the simile. "Thy sons" refers to the returning exiles, the people of Israel. "Thee" refers to Zion, personified as a virgin bride. This imagery signifies the passionate re-inhabitation and re-establishment of the land and city of Jerusalem by its rightful inhabitants. It speaks of a complete and loving reunion, where the people take possession of and are devoted to their restored homeland, much like a husband to his wife, ensuring its future and prosperity.
* **"and [as] the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride":** This clause introduces the second, parallel simile, intensifying the theme of joy. The bridegroom's joy on his wedding day is one of the most profound and celebrated human emotions—a joy of fulfillment, possession, and deep affection for his beloved. This sets the stage for the ultimate expression of divine delight.
* **"[so] shall thy God rejoice over thee":** This is the climactic statement, revealing the depth of God's feeling for Zion. Just as a bridegroom finds overflowing, exultant joy in his bride, so the Almighty God, the Lord of all creation, will rejoice over His people. This portrays God's active, passionate, and personal delight in His restored community, signifying His complete satisfaction and pleasure in their renewed relationship.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 62:5 is rich in **Simile**, using the conjunction "as... so" to draw direct comparisons between human marriage and God's relationship with Zion. Two distinct similes are employed: "as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee" and "as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee." This technique makes the abstract concept of divine love and commitment tangible and relatable. The verse also employs **Metaphor** and **Personification**, as Zion (representing Jerusalem and Israel) is personified as a virgin bride, and later simply "thee," to whom both her "sons" (the returning exiles) and God are united in a marriage-like bond. This anthropomorphic portrayal of a city as a woman allows for the application of intimate human emotions and relationships to a collective entity. Furthermore, the description of God's joy as mirroring that of a human bridegroom is an instance of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human emotions and actions (rejoicing) to God to help the audience grasp the depth and intensity of His divine affection and delight.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 62:5 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His ultimate desire for intimate communion with His people. It reveals a God who is not merely sovereign and just, but also deeply relational and emotionally invested in His creation, particularly in those He has chosen. The marriage metaphor, a recurring theme throughout biblical theology, speaks to the exclusivity, permanence, and profound joy of this divine-human bond. It foreshadows the ultimate realization of God's redemptive plan, where His people are fully restored, purified, and united with Him in an unbreakable covenant of love, culminating in an eternal state of mutual delight and fellowship. This verse provides a profound glimpse into the very heart of God, radiating His passionate love and exuberant joy over His redeemed.

* [Jeremiah 3:14](/jeremiah/3-14 "Jeremiah 3:14 - Return, faithless people, for I am your husband")
* [Hosea 2:19-20](/hosea/2-19-20 "Hosea 2:19-20 - I will betroth you to me forever")
* [Zephaniah 3:17](/zephaniah/3-17 "Zephaniah 3:17 - The Lord your God is with you, he will rejoice over you with singing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 62:5 offers believers today an incredibly comforting and empowering truth: God delights in us with an overflowing, passionate joy akin to that of a bridegroom for his bride. This verse challenges us to move beyond a transactional view of faith and embrace the reality of a deeply relational God who finds immense pleasure in His redeemed people. Understanding that we are the object of such divine affection can transform our self-perception, our worship, and our daily walk. It invites us to live in the confidence of His unwavering love, inspiring gratitude and a desire to honor this sacred bond. Just as the restored Zion was called to live in the light of God's favor, so too are we called to live lives that reflect the joy and commitment of this divine marriage, anticipating the ultimate consummation of God's union with His Church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God as a rejoicing bridegroom challenge or deepen your understanding of His character?**
* **In what ways can you practically respond to the truth that God delights in you with such profound joy?**
* **Considering the "sons marrying Zion" imagery, how does this verse inspire you to actively participate in the "rebuilding" and flourishing of God's community today?**

### FAQ

**Who are "thy sons" and what does it mean for them to "marry thee" (Zion)?**

Answer: In this prophetic context, "thy sons" refers to the Jewish exiles who would return from Babylon to their homeland. "Thee" refers to Zion, which represents both the city of Jerusalem and the land of Israel. The phrase "shall thy sons marry thee" is a powerful metaphor for the complete and passionate re-inhabitation and re-establishment of the desolate land by its rightful people. It signifies that the returning exiles would take possession of and devotedly cultivate the land, making it fruitful and vibrant again, much like a husband commits to and cherishes his wife. This imagery underscores the permanence and intimacy of their renewed connection to their ancestral home, transforming a barren landscape into a thriving community (see also [Isaiah 49:18-20](/isaiah/49-18-20 "Isaiah 49:18-20 - Zion's Children Return")).

**What is the significance of God "rejoicing" over His people in this verse?**

Answer: The significance of God "rejoicing" over His people is profound. The Hebrew word used (H7797, _sûws_) conveys a sense of exuberant, overflowing, and even leaping joy, akin to the boundless happiness of a bridegroom on his wedding day. This portrays God not as a distant or indifferent deity, but as one who is deeply, personally, and passionately invested in His relationship with His people. It highlights His profound delight, satisfaction, and pleasure in their restoration and in their renewed covenant bond. This divine joy is a central theme in Scripture, emphasizing God's loving character and His desire for intimate fellowship with humanity, as seen in [Zephaniah 3:17](/zephaniah/3-17 "The Lord your God will rejoice over you with singing").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 62:5 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His relationship with the Church. While initially a promise to literal Israel, the New Testament reveals that the Church, comprised of both Jew and Gentile believers, is the spiritual Israel, the true Zion, the beloved bride of Christ. Just as God rejoiced over Old Testament Israel, so too does Christ, the divine Bridegroom, rejoice over His Church. This is beautifully articulated in passages like [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loved the Church as His Bride"), where Christ's sacrificial love for the Church is likened to a husband's love for his wife, purifying her to present her to Himself as a radiant bride. John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the "bridegroom" in [John 3:29](/john/3-29 "John 3:29 - John the Baptist on Jesus as the Bridegroom"), indicating the arrival of the promised one who brings ultimate joy and fulfillment. The marriage supper of the Lamb in [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb") and the description of the New Jerusalem descending as a "bride adorned for her husband" in [Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem as a Bride") beautifully portray the consummation of this divine romance. Thus, Isaiah 62:5 is not merely a historical promise but a vibrant prophecy of the eternal, joyful union between Christ and His redeemed people, a relationship characterized by profound delight, unwavering commitment, and everlasting communion.

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 65:19

And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.

Isaiah 62:4

Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.

Hebrews 12:2

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Isaiah 49:18

¶ Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, [and] come to thee. [As] I live, saith the LORD, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them [on thee], as a bride [doeth].

Isaiah 49:22

Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in [their] arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon [their] shoulders.

Jeremiah 32:41

Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul.

Psalms 45:11

So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he [is] thy Lord; and worship thou him.