65:17 65:17

Isaiah 65:18

65:19 65:19

Bible Versions

But be ye glad and rejoice for ever [in that] which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.
But be ye glad {H7797} and rejoice {H1523} for ever {H5703} in that which I create {H1254}: for, behold, I create {H1254} Jerusalem {H3389} a rejoicing {H1525}, and her people {H5971} a joy {H4885}.
So be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for look! I am making Yerushalayim a joy, and her people a delight.
But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; for I will create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight.
But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create; for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.

Commentary on Isaiah 65:18 (KJV)

Isaiah 65:18, "But be ye glad and rejoice for ever [in that] which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy," is a powerful declaration of God's future work of restoration and the everlasting joy it will bring.

Context

This verse is situated within a profound prophetic section of Isaiah, often referred to as "Third Isaiah" (chapters 56-66), which speaks to the post-exilic community and also looks forward to the ultimate eschatological future. Chapter 65, in particular, contrasts the unfaithfulness and judgment upon those who rebel against God (verses 1-16) with the glorious blessings awaiting those who serve Him. Immediately preceding verse 18, God proclaims His intention to create "new heavens and a new earth" (Isaiah 65:17), setting the stage for a radical transformation that will usher in an era of unprecedented joy and divine presence. This passage paints a picture of a renewed creation where former troubles are forgotten.

Key Themes

  • Divine Initiative and Creation: The repeated phrase "I create" underscores God's sovereign power and His active role in bringing about this glorious future. This is not merely a restoration of what was lost, but a fresh, divine act of creation, ensuring its perfection and permanence.
  • Everlasting Joy and Rejoicing: The central theme is joy—a profound, perpetual, and unceasing gladness. The command "be ye glad and rejoice for ever" is a divine invitation to participate in this eternal delight that God Himself is initiating. The repetition of "rejoicing" (מָשׂוֹשׂ, masos) and "joy" (שִׂמְחָה, simchah) emphasizes the depth and abundance of this blessed state.
  • The Transformed Jerusalem: Jerusalem, which often symbolized sorrow and destruction due to its history of judgment, is here reimagined as the epicenter of this divine joy. It will literally be "a rejoicing" and its inhabitants "a joy," signifying a complete reversal of its former fortunes and a new identity as a place of divine pleasure and peace. This vision points towards the ultimate New Jerusalem described in Revelation.
  • Hope and Promise: For those facing hardship, this verse offers immense hope, reminding them that God's ultimate plan is not one of sorrow or despair, but of complete and eternal joy, rooted in His creative power and faithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "create" (בָּרָא, bara') is significant. It is the same word used in Genesis 1 for God's original act of creation, highlighting that what God is doing here is not simply reforming or repairing, but bringing into existence something fundamentally new and perfect. This divine creation brings forth an intrinsic state of "rejoicing" (מָשׂוֹשׂ, masos) and "joy" (שִׂמְחָה, simchah), indicating that joy will be an inherent quality of this new existence.

Practical Application

Isaiah 65:18 offers profound comfort and direction for believers today:

  • Future Hope: It reminds us that our ultimate hope is not in fleeting earthly circumstances, but in God's eternal plan to bring about a new creation filled with unending joy. This perspective helps us endure present difficulties with a sense of divine purpose.
  • God's Faithfulness: The "I create" emphasizes God's unwavering commitment to His promises. What He declares, He will certainly bring to pass. This builds confidence in His character.
  • Living with Joy: While the full realization of this joy awaits the future, the promise of God's new creation should inspire gladness and hope in our present lives. We are called to anticipate and even begin to experience the joy of the Lord, which is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

This verse is a timeless reminder that God's ultimate design for His people and His creation is one of perfect, eternal joy, a joy that flows directly from His own creative and redemptive work.

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.

  • Psalms 98:1

    ¶ A Psalm. O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.

  • Psalms 98:9

    Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.

  • Isaiah 66:10

    Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her:

  • Isaiah 66:14

    And when ye see [this], your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants, and [his] indignation toward his enemies.

  • Revelation 11:15

    And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

  • Revelation 11:18

    And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

  • Revelation 19:1

    ¶ And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:
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