Isaiah 65:19

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will rejoice {H1523} in Jerusalem {H3389}, and joy {H7797} in my people {H5971}: and the voice {H6963} of weeping {H1065} shall be no more heard {H8085} in her, nor the voice {H6963} of crying {H2201}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will rejoice in Yerushalayim and take joy in my people. The sound of weeping will no longer be heard in it, no longer the sound of crying.

Berean Standard Bible

I will rejoice in Jerusalem and take delight in My people. The sounds of weeping and crying will no longer be heard in her.

American Standard Version

And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people; and there shall be heard in her no more the voice of weeping and the voice of crying.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 65:19 is a profound prophetic declaration from God, envisioning a future state of ultimate joy, peace, and the complete cessation of sorrow for His redeemed people within a restored Jerusalem. This verse is a key component of a larger eschatological passage that describes the "new heavens and new earth," portraying a divine renewal where God Himself rejoices over His people, and all forms of lamentation and distress are permanently banished from their midst. It paints a vivid picture of a world transformed by divine presence and blessing, where the very atmosphere is imbued with gladness rather than grief.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 65:19 is situated within the latter portion of the book of Isaiah, specifically within chapters 60-66, which focus on Israel's future glory and the ultimate restoration of Zion. This section follows earlier prophecies of judgment and exile, pivoting dramatically to a glorious vision of God's redemptive work. Verses 17-18 immediately precede verse 19, explicitly introducing the concept of "new heavens and a new earth" and God's delight in creating Jerusalem as "a delight" and its people "a joy." Thus, verse 19 elaborates on the experiential reality of this new creation, detailing the profound joy and absence of sorrow that will characterize life within this divinely renewed order. It contrasts sharply with the earlier laments and sufferings described in the book, presenting a triumphant culmination of God's redemptive plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah, particularly those concerning restoration, were spoken to a people who had experienced or were anticipating exile and significant national suffering. The historical backdrop includes periods of Assyrian and Babylonian dominance, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. In this context, the promise of a restored Jerusalem where weeping is no more would have resonated deeply with a people familiar with lament and national grief. The concept of God "rejoicing" over His people was a radical departure from the perception of a God who had allowed their suffering, emphasizing a renewed, intimate, and joyful covenant relationship. The "voice of weeping" and "voice of crying" were common expressions of distress in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often associated with famine, war, death, and social injustice, making their complete absence a powerful symbol of ultimate peace and security.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative in Restoration**. God declares, "I will rejoice... and joy," emphasizing that this future state is entirely His doing, a testament to His faithfulness and power to bring about His purposes. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Radical Transformation and New Creation**. The absence of weeping and crying signifies a complete reversal of the fallen world's conditions, aligning with the broader vision of [new heavens and a new earth](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - New Heavens and New Earth"). This transformation is not merely external but deeply impacts the emotional and spiritual well-being of the people. Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of **God's Joy in His People and Their Secure Dwelling**. The divine joy expressed over Jerusalem and its inhabitants is foundational, ensuring a permanent state of peace and delight, where the very causes of sorrow are eradicated, echoing the promise that God will [swallow up death forever and wipe away tears](/isaiah/25-8 "Isaiah 25:8 - God Wipes Away Tears").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rejoice (Hebrew, _gîyl'_):** This word signifies a vibrant, often exuberant joy, implying spinning around or leaping for gladness. When applied to God, it conveys His profound, active delight and exultation over His restored creation and people, suggesting a joyous celebration of His redemptive work. It's not a passive contentment but an overflowing, expressive gladness.
* **weeping (Hebrew, _Bᵉkîy'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to weep," this term denotes the act of shedding tears, lamentation, or profound sorrow. Its usage here, in conjunction with "crying," emphasizes the complete cessation of all forms of grief, mourning, and distress, from audible lament to silent tears.
* **crying (Hebrew, _zaʻaq'_):** This word refers to a shriek, an outcry, or a cry for help, often indicative of intense distress, pain, or an urgent plea. Its absence signifies that there will be no more situations warranting such desperate cries, pointing to a state of absolute security, peace, and freedom from oppression or suffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will rejoice in Jerusalem":** This clause reveals God's personal and active delight in His restored city. It signifies that Jerusalem, in its renewed state, will be a source of profound joy for God Himself, reflecting His pleasure in His dwelling place and the fulfillment of His redemptive purposes.
* **"and joy in my people":** This expands God's joy from the city to its inhabitants. It highlights the intimate and personal relationship between God and His redeemed people, emphasizing that their well-being, faithfulness, and presence bring Him immense gladness. This divine joy is the foundation for the peace and gladness experienced by the people.
* **"and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her":** This is a powerful declaration of the permanent eradication of sorrow. "The voice of weeping" refers to audible expressions of grief, lamentation, and mourning. Its absence signifies that the causes of such sorrow—death, suffering, injustice, and sin—will be completely removed from the restored Jerusalem.
* **"nor the voice of crying":** This reinforces the previous clause, using a term that often denotes a desperate outcry or a cry for help. The complete silence of such cries underscores the absolute security, peace, and freedom from distress that will characterize the new creation. There will be no need for pleas for relief because all sources of pain will be gone.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 65:19 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message of ultimate restoration and joy. **Personification** is evident in "the voice of weeping" and "the voice of crying," giving human attributes to abstract concepts of sorrow, making their absence more vivid and impactful. The **repetition** of "voice of" followed by two distinct forms of lamentation ("weeping" and "crying") serves as a form of **emphasis**, underscoring the absolute and comprehensive eradication of all forms of sorrow and distress. This **parallelism** creates a sense of totality, ensuring no form of grief is left untouched by God's promise. Furthermore, the verse functions as a profound **prophecy**, painting a vivid picture of a future reality that contrasts sharply with the present human experience of suffering, thereby offering immense hope and comfort. The imagery itself is highly **symbolic**, with "Jerusalem" representing not just a physical city, but the spiritual dwelling place of God's people in perfect communion with Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 65:19 offers a profound glimpse into God's ultimate eschatological vision, where His delight in His creation and His people culminates in a state of perfect joy and the permanent absence of all sorrow. This vision is rooted in God's character as a loving and redemptive God who actively works to reverse the effects of sin and bring about complete restoration. The divine joy expressed here is the wellspring of the peace that floods the new creation, demonstrating that true blessedness flows from God's presence and His delight in His covenant relationship with humanity. It underscores the biblical truth that God's ultimate purpose is not merely to alleviate suffering, but to establish a realm where sorrow cannot even exist, replaced by an overflowing, divine gladness.

* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")
* [Zephaniah 3:17](/zephaniah/3-17 "Zephaniah 3:17 - The Lord Rejoices Over You")
* [Psalm 30:5](/psalms/30-5 "Psalm 30:5 - Weeping May Last for a Night, But Joy Comes in the Morning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 65:19 serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that our current struggles, tears, and laments are not the final word. It paints a glorious picture of a future where God's joy in His people is fully realized, and all forms of sorrow are permanently banished. This prophetic vision encourages believers to persevere through present trials, knowing that a time is coming when every tear will be wiped away. It invites us to live with an eternal perspective, allowing the promise of ultimate joy and peace to shape our present hope and comfort our hearts in moments of grief. This verse also calls us to consider how our lives can reflect this future reality, even now, by seeking to embody joy, cultivate peace, and alleviate suffering in our communities, anticipating the full manifestation of God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of God's personal joy in His people and Jerusalem impact your understanding of His character and His relationship with humanity?**
* **In what ways does the assurance that "the voice of weeping shall be no more heard" provide comfort and strength in your current circumstances?**
* **How might living with the hope of this future reality influence your perspective on present suffering and your pursuit of joy?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God "rejoicing" in Jerusalem and His people?**

Answer: The significance is profound, indicating that the ultimate state of restoration is not merely a cessation of suffering, but an active, joyful communion between God and His creation. God's rejoicing signifies His profound delight, pleasure, and satisfaction in His redeemed people and the city He has established. It underscores that the new creation is a place of divine pleasure and active presence, where God Himself finds joy in His relationship with His people, making His joy the foundation and source of all other joys. This divine joy is a powerful affirmation of His love and faithfulness, demonstrating that His redemptive work culminates in a state of mutual delight, as also seen in [Zephaniah 3:17](/zephaniah/3-17 "Zephaniah 3:17 - The Lord Rejoices Over You").

**Does this verse imply a literal, physical Jerusalem, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: While the prophecy uses the literal name "Jerusalem," the context of "new heavens and a new earth" (Isaiah 65:17) suggests a transformation that transcends the purely physical. Many scholars understand this "Jerusalem" to represent the spiritual dwelling place of God's people, a renewed community or a heavenly city, rather than strictly the geographical location. It symbolizes the culmination of God's redemptive plan, where His presence fully resides among His people in perfect peace and joy, free from the imperfections of the old creation. The New Testament often picks up on this theme, portraying a "new Jerusalem" that descends from heaven, as described in [Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 65:19 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the new covenant He inaugurated. The promise of God rejoicing in His people and the complete eradication of weeping and crying is realized through Christ's atoning work and His establishment of the Kingdom of God. Jesus, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the ultimate sorrow and suffering on the cross, becoming the very means by which sin, the root cause of all weeping and crying, is overcome. His resurrection guarantees the coming new creation where death itself is swallowed up in victory ([1_corinthians/15-54](/1-corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54 - Death Swallowed Up in Victory")). Through faith in Christ, believers are already made new creations ([2_corinthians/5-17](/2-corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), experiencing a foretaste of the joy and peace promised in Isaiah. The ultimate fulfillment, however, awaits Christ's second coming, when He will establish the [new heavens and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - New Heaven and New Earth") where God will dwell among His people, and indeed, [He will wipe away every tear from their eyes](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears"), and there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain. Thus, the divine joy and the absence of lamentation prophesied in Isaiah are fully actualized in the person and work of Christ, who brings about the ultimate restoration and communion between God and humanity.

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

Revelation 7:17

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Revelation 21:4

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Isaiah 35:10

And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

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.

Isaiah 25:8

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken [it].

Zephaniah 3:17

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

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.