Isaiah 65:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for look! I am making Yerushalayim a joy, and her people a delight.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 65:18 proclaims a divine promise of radical transformation and unending joy, asserting God's sovereign power to bring forth a new creation. This verse shifts from earlier pronouncements of judgment to a vibrant vision of restoration, where God Himself is the architect of an everlasting gladness. He declares His intention to create a renewed Jerusalem, not merely as a physical city, but as a spiritual epicenter of rejoicing, whose inhabitants will be imbued with profound and perpetual joy, signifying a complete reversal of past sorrow and a future defined by divine delight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal declaration within the latter portion of the Book of Isaiah, often referred to as "Third Isaiah" (chapters 56-66). This section primarily addresses the post-exilic community, offering both stern rebukes for their continued unfaithfulness and magnificent promises of future restoration. Chapter 65 specifically contrasts the judgment pronounced upon the rebellious and idolatrous (as seen in [Isaiah 65:1-7](/isaiah/65-1 "Isaiah 65:1-7 - God's Judgment on the Rebellious")) with the glorious blessings reserved for God's faithful servants (beginning in [Isaiah 65:8](/isaiah/65-8 "Isaiah 65:8 - God's Promise to His Servants")). Immediately preceding verse 18, God makes the profound declaration in [Isaiah 65:17](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - The New Heavens and New Earth") that He is creating "new heavens and a new earth," setting the cosmic stage for the radical transformation described in our verse. This establishes a context of ultimate renewal, where past sorrows are forgotten and a new reality, infused with divine presence and joy, is ushered in.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah's prophecies span centuries, with "Third Isaiah" likely reflecting the challenges and hopes of the Jewish community returning from Babylonian exile. They faced the daunting task of rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple, often amidst spiritual apathy and external opposition. The historical Jerusalem had experienced immense suffering, destruction, and desolation, making the promise of a "rejoicing" city a profound reversal of their lived experience. Culturally, the concept of a city's prosperity and the well-being of its people were intrinsically linked to divine favor. The promise of God "creating" Jerusalem as a source of joy would have resonated deeply with a people yearning for a return to a golden age, a time when God's presence brought unadulterated blessing and peace. This vision offered hope beyond mere political restoration, pointing to a divinely orchestrated, spiritual renewal.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 65:18 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Initiative and New Creation**, emphasizing God's sovereign power to bring about something entirely new, not merely a repair of the old, as seen in the repeated "I create." This echoes the original creation accounts in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). Another central theme is **Everlasting Joy and Restoration**, where sorrow and pain are replaced by an enduring, divinely-sourced gladness, which is commanded and promised to be perpetual. This joy is intrinsically linked to the **Transformation of Jerusalem**, moving from a symbol of judgment and desolation to the very embodiment of God's delight and the dwelling place of His joyful people. This vision of a renewed Jerusalem serves as a powerful symbol of **Eschatological Hope**, pointing to a future state of perfect communion and blessing that transcends all earthly limitations and suffering, a hope that finds its ultimate expression in the New Testament vision of the [New Jerusalem](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **create (Hebrew, _bârâʼ'_):** This primitive root signifies not merely to form or make, but to bring into existence something entirely new, often without pre-existing material, and always with a divine agent. It is the same verb used in [Genesis 1:1](/genesis/1-1 "Genesis 1:1 - God Creates the Heavens and the Earth") for God's original act of creation, emphasizing the unparalleled, sovereign power of God. In Isaiah 65:18, its repetition underscores that the promised future is not a mere renovation but a radical, divine act of new creation, ensuring its perfection and eternal nature.
* **rejoice (Hebrew, _gîyl'_):** This root word conveys the sense of spinning around or leaping for joy, indicative of intense, often exuberant, emotion. It denotes a profound gladness and delight. Coupled with "be ye glad" (from H7797, _sûws_, meaning to be bright or cheerful), it emphasizes the depth and effusiveness of the joy that God commands and promises. This is not a passive contentment but an active, overflowing gladness that characterizes the new creation.
* **forever (Hebrew, _ʻad'_):** This term denotes a terminus or duration, implying perpetuity, eternity, or "world without end." When God commands His people to "rejoice forever" and promises a Jerusalem that is "a rejoicing" and "a joy," this word assures the permanence and unending nature of this divine blessing. It signifies that the joy of the new creation is not temporary or fleeting, but an eternal reality established by God Himself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But be ye glad and rejoice for ever [in that] which I create:"** This opening clause serves as both a divine command and a profound invitation. The imperative "be ye glad and rejoice" calls God's people to actively participate in the joy that is about to be revealed. The phrase "for ever" emphasizes the eternal nature of this commanded gladness, directly linked to the object of their rejoicing: "that which I create." This highlights God's sovereign initiative; the joy is not self-generated but flows directly from His ongoing, powerful act of new creation. It sets the stage for a joy that is not contingent on human circumstances but on divine action.
* **"for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing,"** This clause provides the reason ("for") and the specific focus of the new creation and its resulting joy. The emphatic "behold" draws immediate attention to God's declaration. The repetition of "I create" reinforces divine sovereignty and power, echoing the initial creation. Here, Jerusalem, which had been a symbol of desolation and judgment, is transformed into the very embodiment of joy. It will not merely contain joy, but *be* "a rejoicing" (Hebrew _gîylâh_, H1525), signifying that joy will be its intrinsic nature and defining characteristic. This points to a radical reversal of its historical experience.
* **"and her people a joy."** This final clause extends the promise of joy from the city itself to its inhabitants. Just as Jerusalem becomes "a rejoicing," its "people" (Hebrew _ʻam_, H5971) will become "a joy" (Hebrew _mâsôws_, H4885). This signifies a complete transformation of their state and identity. No longer defined by sorrow, suffering, or sin, they will be characterized by profound gladness. This collective joy is a direct result of God's creative work, assuring that the new creation will bring about a renewed, joyful community in perfect harmony with its divinely established environment.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 65:18 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message of hope and transformation. The most prominent is **Repetition**, particularly of the verb "create" (Hebrew _bârâʼ_) and the concepts of "rejoicing" and "joy." The repeated "I create" emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and His unique ability to bring forth something new and perfect, echoing the original creation narrative. The multiple uses of words for joy ("glad," "rejoice," "rejoicing," "joy") amplify the central theme, underscoring the abundance, depth, and pervasive nature of the promised gladness. **Personification** is also evident as Jerusalem is not just a place where joy exists, but is itself "a rejoicing," suggesting that joy becomes an inherent quality and identity of the city. Similarly, "her people a joy" personifies the inhabitants as embodiments of this emotion. This use of personification elevates the promise beyond mere circumstance to a fundamental change in being. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Divine Decree**, a declarative statement of God's intention and power, which carries the weight of certainty and inevitability. The shift from the preceding verses of judgment to this declaration of joy creates a powerful **Contrast**, highlighting the radical nature of God's redemptive work and the profound difference between the old order and the new.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 65:18 stands as a profound theological statement on God's redemptive purpose and His ultimate plan for creation. It reveals a God who is not merely reactive to human sin but actively engaged in bringing about a glorious, new reality. The emphasis on "I create" ties this future hope directly to God's original creative power, suggesting that the eschatological restoration is as fundamental and complete as the initial act of bringing the cosmos into being. This divine initiative ensures the permanence and perfection of the promised joy. The transformation of Jerusalem from a place of sorrow and desolation to the very embodiment of "rejoicing" signifies a complete reversal of the consequences of sin and judgment, pointing to a future where God's presence brings unadulterated delight. This joy is not fleeting but "for ever," establishing an eternal state of blessedness for God's people within His renewed creation. The verse thus speaks to God's faithfulness, His power to overcome all brokenness, and His ultimate desire for His people to experience unending communion and gladness in His presence.

* [Psalm 16:11](/psalm/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence")
* [Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People, No More Tears")
* [Zephaniah 3:14-17](/zephaniah/3-14 "Zephaniah 3:14-17 - Rejoice, for the Lord is Among You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 65:18 offers immense spiritual nourishment and practical guidance for believers navigating the complexities of life. In a world often marked by sorrow, anxiety, and fleeting pleasures, this verse anchors our hope in a divinely guaranteed future of eternal joy. It challenges us to lift our gaze beyond immediate circumstances and to cultivate an eschatological perspective, understanding that our ultimate destiny is not despair but perpetual gladness rooted in God's creative and redemptive work. This promise should empower us to endure present trials with resilience, knowing that any suffering is temporary compared to the everlasting joy God is preparing. Furthermore, it calls us to live with an anticipatory joy even now, recognizing that the "new creation" has already begun in Christ. Our present gladness, though imperfect, becomes a foretaste and a testimony to the greater reality to come. It reminds us that our joy is not self-generated, but a gift from God, flowing from His sovereign initiative and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises. Therefore, we are encouraged to fix our eyes on the Creator, trusting in His power to transform all things and to bring about the fullness of joy He has promised.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of God "creating" eternal joy reshape your perspective on current difficulties or sorrows?**
* **In what ways can you begin to experience or express the "gladness and rejoicing" of God's new creation in your daily life, even before its full realization?**
* **How does the transformation of Jerusalem in this verse encourage you about God's ability to redeem and restore what seems broken or lost in your own life or in the world?**

### FAQ
**Is this prophecy about a literal earthly Jerusalem or a spiritual one?**

Answer: While the prophecy uses the literal name "Jerusalem," biblical scholars generally understand this vision to encompass both a literal and a spiritual fulfillment. Historically, it offered hope to the post-exilic community for the restoration of their physical city. However, the language of "new heavens and a new earth" in [Isaiah 65:17](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - The New Heavens and New Earth") and the absolute nature of the promised joy ("for ever") points beyond any temporary earthly restoration to an ultimate, eschatological reality. In the New Testament, this vision culminates in the [New Jerusalem](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Jerusalem") described in Revelation, which is both a heavenly city and a symbol of God's perfected people dwelling in His presence. Therefore, it speaks to a transformed physical reality and a renewed spiritual community, where God's presence ensures everlasting joy.

**How can we "rejoice for ever" if we still experience sorrow and suffering in this life?**

Answer: The command to "be ye glad and rejoice for ever" is primarily an eschatological imperative, pointing to the unending joy that will characterize God's new creation. While believers still experience sorrow and suffering in the present age, this verse provides the ultimate framework for our hope. Our present joy is often an *anticipatory* joy, rooted in the certainty of God's promises and the work of Christ. The New Testament teaches that even in suffering, we can rejoice in hope ([Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3 "Romans 5:3-5 - Rejoicing in Suffering")). This eschatological promise empowers us to view present difficulties through the lens of eternal hope, knowing that God will ultimately wipe away every tear ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")). Our present joy is a down payment of the full, unending joy that awaits us in the new heavens and new earth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 65:18 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment and inaugurator of God's new creation. The "new heavens and a new earth" that God promises to create are initiated through Christ's redemptive work, particularly His death and resurrection, which conquered sin and death and made reconciliation possible ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Through faith in Him, believers become "new creations," already participating in the joy and life of the age to come ([Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created in Christ Jesus for Good Works")). Jesus Himself is the source of true and lasting joy, promising His disciples a joy that no one can take away ([John 16:22](/john/16-22 "John 16:22 - Your Sorrow Will Turn Into Joy")). The transformation of Jerusalem into "a rejoicing" and its people into "a joy" foreshadows the New Testament concept of the Church as the spiritual Jerusalem, the dwelling place of God's Spirit, filled with the joy of the Lord ([Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - You Have Come to Mount Zion, the Heavenly Jerusalem")). Ultimately, the promise of "rejoicing for ever" culminates in the glorious return of Christ and the establishment of the [New Jerusalem](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Descends"), where God will dwell with His people, and all sorrow, pain, and death will be no more, replaced by eternal, unadulterated joy in His presence ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People, No More Tears")). Thus, Christ is the means, the substance, and the ultimate destination of the everlasting joy promised in Isaiah.

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

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: