Isaiah 66:10

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Rejoice {H8055} ye with Jerusalem {H3389}, and be glad {H1523} with her, all ye that love {H157} her: rejoice {H7797} for joy {H4885} with her, all ye that mourn {H56} for her:

Complete Jewish Bible

Rejoice with Yerushalayim! Be glad with her, all you who love her! Rejoice, rejoice with her, all of you who mourned for her;

Berean Standard Bible

Be glad for Jerusalem and rejoice over her, all who love her. Rejoice greatly with her, all who mourn over her,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 66:10 is a vibrant prophetic summons, calling all who love and have mourned for Jerusalem to participate in an exuberant, divinely orchestrated celebration of her future glory and profound comfort. It heralds a dramatic reversal of fortunes, where deep sorrow and lamentation give way to overflowing joy, serving as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and comprehensive restoration plan for His people and His city.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as a climactic declaration within the final chapter of Isaiah, which serves as a grand conclusion to the prophet's expansive vision of judgment, redemption, and a new creation. Following profound descriptions of God's universal judgment upon the wicked and His glorious plans for His faithful remnant, Isaiah 66:10 is embedded within a powerful depiction of God's intimate dwelling with His people in a renewed cosmos. The preceding verses in [Isaiah 66](/isaiah/66 "Isaiah 66 - God's Judgment and Restoration") describe the miraculous and swift birth of a nation (vv. 7-9), a sudden and joyous expansion of God's family, and the Lord's coming in fire to execute judgment (v. 15). This call to rejoice is not a mere suggestion but the Spirit-wrought, inevitable response to God's decisive and transformative intervention, which brings comfort and renewal on an unprecedented scale. It is the joyous crescendo to a symphony of divine promise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophetic book of Isaiah addresses audiences across significant historical periods, encompassing both pre-exilic warnings and post-exilic promises. For those living through or returning from the Babylonian exile, Jerusalem was a deeply evocative symbol—a poignant reminder of past glory, present ruin, and future hope. To "mourn for Jerusalem" was a deeply ingrained, communal expression of grief over its destruction, the desecration of the Temple, and the scattering of God's people, a sentiment vividly captured in [Lamentations 1:4](/lamentations/1-4 "Lamentations 1:4 - Jerusalem's Desolation"). The divine imperative to "rejoice" in this context was a radical counter-cultural call, speaking to a profound longing for restoration that transcended mere political or physical rebuilding, aiming for a spiritual and theological renewal. Jerusalem, as God's chosen city and the symbolic nexus of His presence, represented the very destiny of God's people, and the cultural expectation was that God would ultimately vindicate His name and His people by restoring Zion to its rightful place of glory and peace.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 66:10 encapsulates several profound theological and narrative themes woven throughout the book of Isaiah. Firstly, **Divine Restoration and Comfort** is paramount; it underscores God's unwavering commitment to restore Jerusalem to a state of unparalleled glory and to provide immense, comprehensive comfort to those who have grieved over its desolation or the suffering of its inhabitants. Secondly, **Solidarity with God's People** is powerfully emphasized, as the universal call for "all ye that love her" and "all ye that mourn for her" to rejoice signifies a deep spiritual connection and empathetic participation with God's chosen city and, by extension, His people. It is a collective rejoicing over God's faithfulness, echoing the ancient wisdom that those who love Zion will prosper, as articulated in [Psalm 122:6](/psalms/122-6 "Psalm 122:6 - Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem"). Thirdly, the **Transformation of Sorrow into Joy** is a central motif, highlighting a complete and dramatic reversal of fortune. Those who experienced profound sorrow and lamentation over Jerusalem's plight are promised an overwhelming experience of joy, a truth that resonates deeply with the assurance that "weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning" ([Psalm 30:5](/psalms/30-5 "Psalm 30:5 - Joy Comes in the Morning")). Finally, this prophecy carries a strong **Eschatological Hope**, pointing beyond any immediate historical fulfillment to the ultimate, spiritual Jerusalem—the [New Jerusalem](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Descends")—where God's presence will be fully realized, and all tears will be eternally wiped away ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Sorrow")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rejoice (Hebrew, _sâmach'_):** This primitive root (H8055) primarily means "to brighten up," and figuratively, "to be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome." It conveys a sense of inner cheerfulness that often expresses itself outwardly through actions or demeanor. The imperative "rejoice" here is a divine command for a deep, heartfelt, and active expression of joy, reflecting a profound and divinely initiated shift from a state of sorrow to one of exuberant gladness.
* **Jerusalem (Hebrew, _Yᵉrûwshâlaim'_):** This dual noun (H3389), likely meaning "founded peaceful," refers to the capital city of Palestine. In this profound prophetic context, Jerusalem transcends its geographical reality; it functions as a metonym for God's covenant people, His chosen dwelling place, and the symbolic center of His unfolding redemptive plan for humanity. The call to rejoice *with* Jerusalem emphasizes a communal and empathetic participation in its destiny, signifying that the joy is shared with the very essence of God's presence among His people.
* **Mourn (Hebrew, _ʼâbal'_):** A primitive root (H56) meaning "to bewail" or "lament." This word describes a deep, often public, and communal expression of grief, typically associated with death, destruction, or profound loss. Its inclusion in this verse highlights the dramatic and divinely orchestrated contrast between the past state of profound sorrow and the promised future of overwhelming, transformative joy, underscoring the magnificent scale and redemptive power of God's work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her":** This opening imperative is a direct, urgent, and universal call to a corporate act of profound joy. The pairing of two distinct verbs for "rejoice" (from _sâmach_ and _gîyl_, the latter implying spinning round in violent emotion) emphasizes the intensity, exuberance, and uncontainable nature of the commanded emotion. The crucial preposition "with" signifies a shared, empathetic experience, indicating that the joy is not merely *about* Jerusalem's restoration, but *in solidarity* with her, as if the city itself is experiencing a profound, personal moment of celebration and triumph.
* **"all ye that love her":** This phrase identifies the first, and perhaps most obvious, group summoned to participate in this great rejoicing. "Those who love her" are the faithful, the loyal, those who have remained devoted to God's city and, by extension, to God Himself, even through periods of desolation, hardship, and spiritual decline. Their steadfast love and allegiance are now vindicated and richly rewarded with the opportunity to share intimately in Jerusalem's glorious triumph and renewed prosperity.
* **"rejoice for joy with her":** This repetition of the command to rejoice, reinforced by the abstract noun "joy" (_mâsôws_), serves to intensely amplify the call to exultation. The phrase "rejoice for joy" (literally "rejoice with rejoicing") is a powerful Hebrew idiom signifying extreme, overflowing, and unbridled gladness. It underscores that the joy being commanded is not superficial or fleeting, but deep, abundant, and utterly overwhelming, a direct and inevitable consequence of Jerusalem's divinely restored and exalted state.
* **"all ye that mourn for her":** This second group highlights the most dramatic and redemptive aspect of the prophecy: a complete transformation. These are the ones who have experienced profound grief, lamentation, and sorrow over Jerusalem's past suffering, destruction, or spiritual decline. The explicit call for them to now rejoice signifies a divine reversal of monumental proportions: their deep sorrow is not merely alleviated but fundamentally transformed into its polar opposite, an overwhelming joy. This transformation stands as a powerful testament to God's sovereign power to bring comfort, healing, and new life out of the deepest desolation.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 66:10 is rich with rhetorical and literary artistry that amplifies its prophetic message. The pervasive use of the **Imperative Mood** in verbs like "Rejoice" and "be glad" conveys a sense of divine command, urgency, and authority, signaling that this is not an optional emotion but a mandated response to God's work. **Repetition** is a prominent feature, with the verb "rejoice" appearing three times and the phrase "with her" also recurring three times. This iterative structure creates a powerful rhetorical emphasis, underscoring both the intensity of the commanded joy and the communal, empathetic nature of the celebration. The city of Jerusalem is imbued with human qualities, making the call to "rejoice *with* her" a clear instance of **Personification**, inviting a deeply personal and empathetic participation in her experience of restoration. Furthermore, the verse employs stark **Contrast** between the past state of "mourning for her" and the future command to "rejoice for joy with her." This juxtaposition dramatically highlights the transformative nature of God's redemptive work, amplifying the magnitude of the divine comfort and restoration being proclaimed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the communal and corporate nature of God's redemptive plan and the profound, overflowing joy that accompanies its fulfillment. It underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating His steadfast commitment to restore His people and His dwelling place, Jerusalem, to a state of glorious prosperity, peace, and divine favor. The call to rejoice, particularly for those who have experienced deep mourning, reveals a core theological truth about God's character and ultimate purpose: His design is to transform sorrow into joy, lament into praise, and desolation into flourishing life. This is not merely an emotional shift but a divinely orchestrated, comprehensive reversal of circumstances, signifying the triumph of God's grace over human suffering and the ultimate vindication of His justice, love, and sovereign power. It profoundly invites believers to participate empathetically in God's ongoing work of restoration, recognizing that the destiny of God's people is intricately intertwined with His glory.

* [Psalm 122:6](/psalms/122-6 "Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem")
* [Zechariah 8:3](/zechariah/8-3 "God Returns to Zion")
* [Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "God Dwells with Humanity; No More Sorrow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 66:10 offers profound encouragement and a vital call to perspective for believers today. It powerfully reminds us that our faith is not a solitary journey but is deeply communal, inviting us to share empathetically in the joys and sorrows of God's people globally, and to anticipate with eager hope the full realization of God's kingdom. Even in times of present difficulty, personal suffering, or global brokenness, this verse anchors our hope in God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises of restoration and comfort. It challenges us to cultivate a heart that truly mourns with those who mourn and rejoices with those who rejoice, fostering a deep and active empathy rooted in our shared identity as God's redeemed people. Ultimately, it invites us to live with a vibrant eschatological hope, anticipating the glorious day when all sorrow will cease, and God's perfect reign will bring everlasting joy and peace to His people in the new heavens and new earth. This prophetic vision encourages us to look beyond immediate circumstances to God's ultimate victory, allowing that future certainty to infuse our present with resilient joy, unwavering perseverance, and active participation in His redemptive work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the call to rejoice with Jerusalem challenge our individualistic tendencies in faith and encourage a greater sense of communal belonging and shared destiny within the body of Christ?**
* **In what tangible ways do we, as believers today, "mourn for Jerusalem"—whether for the suffering church, societal brokenness, or personal trials—and how does this verse transform that mourning into active hope and joyful anticipation?**
* **Considering God's promise of ultimate restoration, how can we actively participate in the joy of God's redemptive work in the world, both locally and globally, as we await its glorious and final fulfillment?**

### FAQ
**Why is Jerusalem so central to this prophecy?**

Answer: Jerusalem is central because it is not merely a geographical city but a profound and multifaceted symbol in biblical prophecy. It represents God's chosen dwelling place, the historical center of His covenant with Israel, and the focal point of His redemptive plan for the world. In Isaiah, Jerusalem embodies God's people, their spiritual condition, their historical suffering, and their ultimate destiny. The mourning for Jerusalem reflects the historical suffering and desolation experienced by God's people, particularly during the Babylonian exile, as vividly described in [Lamentations 1](/lamentations/1 "Jerusalem's Lament"). The call to rejoice with Jerusalem signifies God's faithfulness to restore His people, to establish His presence fully and permanently, and to bring about an era of unparalleled peace and joy. Ultimately, this prophetic vision points beyond the literal city to the spiritual New Jerusalem, where God will dwell with humanity forever ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "God's Dwelling with Humanity")) and all promises of peace and joy find their eternal realization.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of Christian joy?**

Answer: This verse is deeply relevant to the concept of Christian joy, which is not merely a fleeting emotion but a profound, enduring fruit of the Spirit ([Galatians 5:22](/galatians/5-22 "Fruit of the Spirit")). The joy commanded here is rooted in God's unwavering faithfulness and His ultimate triumph over sorrow, suffering, and desolation. For Christians, this joy is found preeminently in the finished work of Christ, His victorious resurrection, and the certain promise of His glorious return. It is a joy that can exist even amidst present suffering and trials, because it is grounded in the unshakeable certainty of God's redemptive plan and the hope of eternal life in His presence. Just as those who mourned for Jerusalem were called to rejoice in God's restoration, Christians are called to find deep, abiding joy in God's sovereign control and His promise to wipe away every tear ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "No More Sorrow")), transforming present sorrow into future glory and eternal rejoicing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 66:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the immediate prophetic context speaks to the restoration of literal Jerusalem, the New Testament reveals that the true Jerusalem is ultimately spiritual—the community of God's redeemed people, the Church, with Christ as its glorious head. Jesus is the very embodiment of God's presence among humanity (Emmanuel, [Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Immanuel")), and through His atoning work on the cross and His resurrection, He brings about the new creation that Isaiah so powerfully foretold ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New Creation in Christ")). Those who "mourned for Jerusalem" in the Old Testament foreshadow those who grieve over sin, brokenness, and the fallen state of the world. Christ, through His suffering and resurrection, transforms this mourning into eternal and unassailable joy ([John 16:20](/john/16-20 "Sorrow Turned to Joy")). He is the ultimate source of comfort, the one who truly wipes away every tear from the eyes of His people ([Revelation 7:17](/revelation/7-17 "The Lamb Will Guide Them")). Therefore, the call to "rejoice with Jerusalem" is now a jubilant call for all believers to rejoice in the New Jerusalem, the glorious bride of Christ ([Revelation 21:9-10](/revelation/21-9-10 "The Bride, the New Jerusalem")), knowing that in Him, God's dwelling is truly with humanity, and all the ancient promises of peace, comfort, and abundant, overflowing joy are eternally secured and realized.

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 26:8

LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.

Psalms 137:6

If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.

Deuteronomy 32:43

Rejoice, O ye nations, [with] his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, [and] to his people.

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.

Isaiah 44:23

Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done [it]: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.

John 16:20

Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

John 16:22

And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.