Isaiah 66:13

KJV

As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

As one {H376} whom his mother {H517} comforteth {H5162}, so will I comfort {H5162} you; and ye shall be comforted {H5162} in Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Like someone comforted by his mother, I will comfort you; in Yerushalayim you will be comforted."

Berean Standard Bible

As a mother comforts her son, so will I comfort you, and you will be consoled over Jerusalem.”

American Standard Version

As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 66:13 presents a profoundly tender and personal promise from God, assuring His people of a comfort as intimate and unconditional as that offered by a mother to her child. This divine solace is not merely a fleeting relief but a deep, abiding peace that culminates in the restoration and security found in Jerusalem, symbolizing both a physical place of future blessing and the ultimate spiritual dwelling of God's presence. The verse serves as a powerful affirmation of God's unwavering compassion and His commitment to His beloved children.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 66 concludes the prophetic book with a powerful crescendo, bringing together themes of judgment, salvation, and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. The chapter opens with a declaration of God's transcendence and His preference for the humble and contrite heart over mere ritualistic worship, contrasting those who obey with those who rebel ([Isaiah 66:1-5](/isaiah/66-1 "Isaiah 66:1-5 - God's Majesty and His Regard for the Humble")). It then shifts to glorious promises concerning the rapid expansion of Zion, the gathering of all nations to Jerusalem, and the creation of new heavens and a new earth ([Isaiah 66:7-12](/isaiah/66-7 "Isaiah 66:7-12 - The Expansion of Zion and Universal Peace")). Amidst these sweeping eschatological visions and pronouncements of universal peace and judgment, verse 13 offers a remarkably intimate and personal assurance of comfort, serving as a tender counterpoint to the grand cosmic declarations, emphasizing God's personal care for His faithful remnant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah, particularly chapters 40-66, speaks to a post-exilic audience, or at least anticipates their experiences. The people of Israel had endured the trauma of exile in Babylon, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the Temple. Upon their return, they faced immense challenges in rebuilding their land, their city, and their spiritual identity. There was often disillusionment, internal strife, and a sense of abandonment. In this context, the promise of comfort was not merely a theological concept but a desperate need for a people who had suffered greatly. The analogy of a mother's comfort would have resonated deeply in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where the bond between a mother and child was universally understood as one of profound, instinctive, and unconditional love and protection, representing the epitome of tender care and solace in times of distress.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 66:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Compassion and Tenderness**, portraying God not merely as a distant sovereign but as an intimately involved and profoundly empathetic caregiver. This verse reinforces the idea of God as the ultimate source of comfort, a theme echoed in other prophetic books and Psalms, such as [Psalm 23:4](/psalms/23-4 "Psalm 23:4 - Comfort in the Valley of the Shadow"). Another crucial theme is **Restoration and Hope for Zion/Jerusalem**. The promise of comfort "in Jerusalem" points to a future era of peace, security, and flourishing for God's people, often understood as the restored earthly Jerusalem and ultimately foreshadowing the spiritual New Jerusalem ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Descends")). Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **God's Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His promises of blessing and solace for those who remain faithful to Him, even amidst severe trials and the grand sweep of His eschatological plans.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **comforteth (Hebrew, _nâcham'_):** This primitive root word (H5162) is used three times in this verse, highlighting its central importance. It properly means "to sigh," which by implication can mean "to breathe strongly." In a favorable sense, it signifies "to pity," "console," or "rue" (to feel sorrow or regret). When applied to God, as here, it conveys a profound empathy and an active intervention to bring peace and relief from suffering. It's not just a passive feeling of pity but an active turning towards the distressed to alleviate their pain, often involving a change of mind or purpose from judgment to compassion.
* **mother (Hebrew, _ʼêm'_):** This primitive word (H517) refers to a mother, understood as the fundamental "bond of the family." It signifies the most intimate, nurturing, and unconditional relationship. The comfort derived from a mother is instinctive, deeply personal, and enduring, making it the perfect analogy for the quality of God's solace.
* **Jerusalem (Hebrew, _Yᵉrûwshâlaim'_):** This city (H3389) is likely derived from roots meaning "founded peaceful." It is the capital city of Palestine and holds immense theological significance. In this context, it represents not only a physical location but also the spiritual center of God's people, the place of His presence, and the locus of future restoration and peace. The comfort promised is not merely individual but also communal and geographically situated, pointing to a holistic restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As one whom his mother comforteth,"**: This opening clause establishes a powerful and universally understood simile. It evokes the deepest, most instinctive, and unconditional form of care and solace. A mother's comfort is characterized by tenderness, empathy, and an unwavering presence, often expressed through physical touch, soothing words, and a deep understanding of her child's distress. This analogy sets the bar for the quality and depth of the comfort God promises.
* **"so will I comfort you;"**: This clause directly applies the preceding analogy to God Himself. It declares that God's comfort will be of the same profound, personal, and empathetic nature as a mother's. It emphasizes God's active role ("I comfort you") and His personal involvement in the lives of His people. His comfort is not generic or distant but tailored to the individual's need, surpassing any human capacity for solace in its efficacy and endurance.
* **"and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem."**: This concluding clause specifies the context and locus of this divine comfort. "In Jerusalem" points to both a physical place and a spiritual reality. For the original audience, it signified the restoration of their homeland and their spiritual center after exile. Theologically, it speaks to the ultimate peace, security, and flourishing that God's people will experience in His presence, often understood as the eschatological Jerusalem, where all sorrow will be banished and God's comforting presence will be fully manifested.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Isaiah 66:13 is **Simile**. The phrase "As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you" directly compares God's comforting action to that of a mother, using the explicit "as... so..." construction. This simile is incredibly effective because it taps into a universal human experience of profound, unconditional love and care, immediately conveying the depth and tenderness of God's compassion in a relatable way. The verse also utilizes **Repetition** of the root word for "comfort" (nâcham), which appears three times ("comforteth," "comfort," "comforted"). This repetition emphasizes the central theme of divine solace and underscores the certainty and abundance of God's promise to bring relief and peace to His people. Furthermore, the mention of "Jerusalem" serves as a powerful **Symbolism**, representing not just a physical city but the spiritual home, the place of God's presence, and the ultimate locus of peace, restoration, and eschatological hope for His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 66:13 beautifully encapsulates the compassionate heart of God, revealing Him as the ultimate source of comfort and solace for His people. This promise is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of God's character as a loving Father who tenderly cares for His children, especially in times of distress. It foreshadows the New Testament revelation of the Holy Spirit as the "Comforter" or "Helper," sent by God to provide ongoing presence, guidance, and consolation to believers. The verse also connects to the broader biblical narrative of restoration, where God's ultimate plan is to bring His people into a state of perfect peace and security, culminating in the new heavens and new earth where sorrow and pain are no more. This divine comfort is not a passive sentiment but an active, transformative presence that sustains and heals.

* [2 Corinthians 1:3-4](/2-corinthians/1-3 "2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - God of All Comfort")
* [Psalm 23:4](/psalms/23-4 "Psalm 23:4 - Comfort in the Valley")
* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 66:13 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating the complexities and sorrows of life. It reminds us that God's care for us is not abstract or distant, but deeply personal, intimate, and unconditional, mirroring the most tender human bond. In a world often marked by suffering, loss, and anxiety, this verse serves as an anchor, assuring us that God Himself is actively involved in our pain, desiring to bring us solace that transcends all understanding. It invites us to lean into His divine comfort, trusting that He sees our tears, hears our cries, and is present to soothe our deepest hurts. Furthermore, the promise of comfort "in Jerusalem" points us toward a future hope, reminding us that while we experience God's comfort now, there is an ultimate, complete restoration awaiting us in His eternal presence, where all sorrow will finally cease. This should inspire both present trust and future anticipation, encouraging us to seek His comfort and to extend it to others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the analogy of a mother's comfort deepen your understanding of God's care for you personally?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you most need God's comfort right now, and how might you more intentionally lean into His promise?**
* **How does the promise of comfort "in Jerusalem" shape your hope for the future, both individually and for the broader community of faith?**

### FAQ

**Why does God choose the analogy of a mother's comfort in this verse?**

Answer: God chooses the analogy of a mother's comfort because it represents one of the most universally understood and deeply felt forms of unconditional love, tenderness, and empathy. A mother's comfort is instinctive, nurturing, and intimately personal, often involving a deep understanding of her child's distress and an unwavering presence. By comparing His comfort to that of a mother, God communicates the profound depth, personal nature, and unwavering commitment of His own care for His people. It highlights His desire to soothe, protect, and restore, assuring His children that His love is as encompassing and tender as the most cherished human bond.

**Is the comfort "in Jerusalem" literal or spiritual?**

Answer: The comfort "in Jerusalem" can be understood as having both literal and spiritual dimensions. For the immediate post-exilic audience, it would have carried a literal promise of restoration to their homeland and the rebuilding of the city of Jerusalem, which symbolized their national and spiritual identity. This physical restoration would bring a sense of security and peace after years of displacement and suffering. Theologically, "Jerusalem" also functions as a powerful symbol throughout the Bible, representing the dwelling place of God, the center of His people, and the locus of His ultimate peace and justice. In an eschatological sense, it points forward to the "New Jerusalem" ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Descends")) or the spiritual Zion, where God's presence will be fully manifest, and His people will experience ultimate and eternal comfort, free from all sorrow and pain ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - God Will Wipe Away Every Tear")). Therefore, the promise encompasses both immediate, tangible comfort and ultimate, spiritual fulfillment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 66:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of God's tender comfort, the one through whom the Father's maternal compassion is fully expressed. Just as a mother gathers her chicks under her wings, Jesus lamented over Jerusalem, desiring to gather her children and offer them solace ([Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")). He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, leading them beside still waters and restoring their souls, comforting them even in the valley of the shadow of death ([Psalm 23:1-4](/psalms/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd")). Christ's invitation, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")), perfectly echoes the promise of comfort. Furthermore, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as the "Comforter" or "Advocate" (Greek: _Paraclete_), who would indwell believers, providing ongoing presence, guidance, and solace in His absence ([John 14:16-18](/john/14-16 "John 14:16-18 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). The promise of comfort "in Jerusalem" ultimately points to the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city established through Christ's redemptive work, where God will dwell with His people, and all tears will be wiped away, signifying the complete and eternal comfort found in His everlasting kingdom ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, Christ is the very personification and ultimate provider of the tender comfort promised by God 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

2 Corinthians 1:4

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

1 Thessalonians 2:7

¶ But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

Isaiah 51:3

For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.

Isaiah 40:1

¶ Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.

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:

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.

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.