Isaiah 61:3

Isaiah 61:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

to console the mourners in Zion— to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.

King James Version KJV

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

American Standard Version ASV

to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of Jehovah, that he may be glorified.

Bible in Basic English BBE

To give them a fair head-dress in place of dust, the oil of joy in place of the clothing of grief, praise in place of sorrow; so that they may be named trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, and so that he may have glory.

Free Bible Version FBV

The Lord will give to everyone who mourns in Zion a crown instead of ashes on their head, the oil of happiness instead of mourning, clothes of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of integrity, planted by the Lord to reveal his glory.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

To appoint vnto them that mourne in Zion, and to giue vnto them beautie for ashes, the oyle of ioye for mourning, the garment of gladnesse for the spirit of heauinesse, that they might be called trees of righteousnesse, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

To appoint to mourners in Zion, To give to them beauty instead of ashes, The oil of joy instead of mourning, A covering of praise for a spirit of weakness, And He is calling to them, 'Trees of righteousness, The planting of Jehovah — to be beautified.'

World English Bible WEB

to provide for those who mourn in Zion, to give to them a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

To appoint to them that mourn in Zion, to give to them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

To appoint to the mourners of Sion, and to give them a crown for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, a garment of praise for the spirit of grief: and they shall be called in it the mighty ones of justice, the planting of the Lord to glorify hint.

Translation for Translators T4T

To all those in Jerusalem who mourn, he will give flower necklaces to wear; instead of ashes that they put on their heads to show that they are sad; he will cause them to rejoice [MTY] instead of being sad; he will enable them to be [MET] happy instead of being discouraged. They will be called “people who continually do what is right, people who are like tall/strong oak trees that Yahweh has planted” to show others that he is very great.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 61:3

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Isaiah 61:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB לָ/שׂ֣וּם לַ/אֲבֵלֵ֣י צִיּ֗וֹן לָ/תֵת֩ לָ/הֶ֨ם פְּאֵ֜ר תַּ֣חַת אֵ֗פֶר שֶׁ֤מֶן שָׂשׂוֹן֙ תַּ֣חַת אֵ֔בֶל מַעֲטֵ֣ה תְהִלָּ֔ה תַּ֖חַת ר֣וּחַ כֵּהָ֑ה וְ/קֹרָ֤א לָ/הֶם֙ אֵילֵ֣י הַ/צֶּ֔דֶק מַטַּ֥ע יְהוָ֖ה לְ/הִתְפָּאֵֽר

לָ/שׂ֣וּם sûwm H7760 to set Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

לַ/אֲבֵלֵ֣י ʼâbêl H57 mourning Prep | Adj

צִיּ֗וֹן Tsîyôwn H6726 Zion N-proper

לָ/תֵת֩ nâthan H5414 to give Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

לָ/הֶ֨ם Prep | Suff

פְּאֵ֜ר pᵉʼêr H6287 headdress N-ms

תַּ֣חַת tachath H8478 underneath Prep

אֵ֗פֶר ʼêpher H665 ashes N-ms

שֶׁ֤מֶן shemen H8081 oil N-ms

שָׂשׂוֹן֙ sâsôwn H8342 rejoicing N-ms

תַּ֣חַת tachath H8478 underneath Prep

אֵ֔בֶל ʼêbel H60 mourning N-ms

מַעֲטֵ֣ה maʻăṭeh H4594 mantle N-ms

תְהִלָּ֔ה tᵉhillâh H8416 praise N-fs

תַּ֖חַת tachath H8478 underneath Prep

ר֣וּחַ rûwach H7307 spirit N-cs

כֵּהָ֑ה kêheh H3544 faint Adj

וְ/קֹרָ֤א qârâʼ H7121 to call Conj | V-Pual-3ms

לָ/הֶם֙ Prep | Suff

אֵילֵ֣י ʼayil H352 ram N-mp

הַ/צֶּ֔דֶק tsedeq H6664 Righteousness Art | N-ms

מַטַּ֥ע maṭṭâʻ H4302 plantation N-ms

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

לְ/הִתְפָּאֵֽר pâʼar H6286 to beautify Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 61:3

לָ/שׂ֣וּם sûwm H7760 "to set" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.

Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set

Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.

לַ/אֲבֵלֵ֣י ʼâbêl H57 "mourning" Prep | Adj

This Hebrew word means mourning or lamenting, often for the dead or because of a disaster. It appears in the Bible as a time of sorrow. In the KJV, it is translated as mourn or mourner.

Definition: 1) mourning 1a) for the dead 1b) because of calamity 1c) of rites of mourning 2) mourner (subst.) 2a) for the dead 2b) for calamity

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: mourn(-er, -ing). See also: Genesis 37:35; Isaiah 57:18; Psalms 35:14.

צִיּ֗וֹן Tsîyôwn H6726 "Zion" N-proper

Zion refers to a mountain in Jerusalem, often used as another name for the city, especially in prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.

Definition: Zion = "parched place" another name for Jerusalem especially in the prophetic books Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: Zion. See also: 2 Samuel 5:7; Isaiah 49:14; Psalms 2:6.

לָ/תֵת֩ nâthan H5414 "to give" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

לָ/הֶ֨ם "" Prep | Suff

פְּאֵ֜ר pᵉʼêr H6287 "headdress" N-ms

This noun refers to a fancy head-dress or ornament, like a turban or bonnet. It is used in the Bible to describe decorative clothing. In the KJV, it is translated as 'beauty' or 'ornament'.

Definition: head-dress, ornament, turban

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: beauty, bonnet, goodly, ornament, tire. See also: Exodus 39:28; Isaiah 61:10; Isaiah 3:20.

תַּ֣חַת tachath H8478 "underneath" Prep

This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.

Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath

Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.

אֵ֗פֶר ʼêpher H665 "ashes" N-ms

In the Bible, this word refers to ashes, often symbolizing worthlessness or something worthless. It is used to describe something that has been destroyed or reduced to nothing.

Definition: 1) ashes 2) (CLBL) worthlessness (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: ashes. See also: Genesis 18:27; Psalms 147:16; Psalms 102:10.

שֶׁ֤מֶן shemen H8081 "oil" N-ms

The Hebrew word for oil, often referring to olive oil, which was highly valued in ancient times. It symbolizes richness, anointing, and healing, and is used in various biblical contexts, including rituals and medicinal practices.

Definition: 1) fat, oil 1a) fat, fatness 1b) oil, olive oil 1b1) as staple, medicament or unguent 1b2) for anointing 1c) fat (of fruitful land, valleys) (metaph)

Usage: Occurs in 176 OT verses. KJV: anointing, [idiom] fat (things), [idiom] fruitful, oil(-ed), ointment, olive, [phrase] pine. See also: Genesis 28:18; Deuteronomy 8:8; Psalms 23:5.

שָׂשׂוֹן֙ sâsôwn H8342 "rejoicing" N-ms

This word describes a feeling of great joy or celebration, like the kind experienced during happy events. It is used in the Bible to describe the joy of God's people, such as in Psalm 16:11, where David talks about the joy of being in God's presence. Joy is a key part of biblical celebrations.

Definition: 1) gladness, joy, exultation, rejoicing 1a) exultation, joy

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: gladness, joy, mirth, rejoicing. See also: Esther 8:16; Isaiah 51:11; Psalms 45:8.

תַּ֣חַת tachath H8478 "underneath" Prep

אֵ֔בֶל ʼêbel H60 "mourning" N-ms

Mourning refers to the act of grieving or lamenting, often for someone who has died, like the mourning of the Israelites after the death of Moses in Deuteronomy 34.

Definition: 1) mourning 1a) for the dead 1b) for rites of mourning (metaph) 1c) mourning garb 1d) period of mourning

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: mourning. See also: Genesis 27:41; Ecclesiastes 7:4; Isaiah 60:20.

מַעֲטֵ֣ה maʻăṭeh H4594 "mantle" N-ms

This word refers to a type of clothing, like a vestment or garment. In the Bible, it describes what people wore, often translated as a mantle or cloak. It was a common piece of clothing in ancient times.

Definition: wrap, mantle

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: garment. See also: Isaiah 61:3.

תְהִלָּ֔ה tᵉhillâh H8416 "praise" N-fs

Tehillah means praise or a song of praise, often directed towards God. It can also refer to a hymn or an act of public praise, acknowledging God's qualities or deeds.

Definition: 1) praise, song or hymn of praise 1a) praise, adoration, thanksgiving (paid to God) 1b) act of general or public praise 1c) praise-song (as title) 1d) praise (demanded by qualities or deeds or attributes of God) 1e) renown, fame, glory 1e1) of Damascus, God 1e2) object of praise, possessor of renown (fig)

Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: praise. See also: Exodus 15:11; Psalms 106:47; Psalms 9:15.

תַּ֖חַת tachath H8478 "underneath" Prep

ר֣וּחַ rûwach H7307 "spirit" N-cs

In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.

Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force

Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.

כֵּהָ֑ה kêheh H3544 "faint" Adj

Faint means to become weak or dim, like when the light of a candle burns out. It can also describe someone who is feeling tired or sluggish, like when the Israelites were faint from hunger in the wilderness.

Definition: dim, dull, colourless, be dark, faint

Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: somewhat dark, darkish, wax dim, heaviness, smoking. See also: Leviticus 13:6; Leviticus 13:39; Isaiah 42:3.

וְ/קֹרָ֤א qârâʼ H7121 "to call" Conj | V-Pual-3ms

This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.

Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen

Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.

לָ/הֶם֙ "" Prep | Suff

אֵילֵ֣י ʼayil H352 "ram" N-mp

A strong tree, like an oak or a ram, symbolizes strength and power, as seen in 1 Kings 7:2 where Solomon builds a house with strong pillars. It can also refer to a chief or leader, like in 1 Chronicles 12:14 where the leaders of the tribes are listed.

Definition: 1) ram 1a) ram (as food) 1b) ram (as sacrifice) 1c) ram (skin dyed red, for tabernacle)

Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: mighty (man), lintel, oak, post, ram, tree. See also: Genesis 15:9; Numbers 28:20; Psalms 66:15.

הַ/צֶּ֔דֶק tsedeq H6664 "Righteousness" Art | N-ms

Represents the idea of righteousness or justice, often referring to God's character or the standard for human behavior. It is closely tied to the concept of morality and what is right. The word is used to describe the ideal for human conduct and society.

Definition: This name means justice, righteousness Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 119:138; Psalms 4:2.

מַטַּ֥ע maṭṭâʻ H4302 "plantation" N-ms

Matta refers to a plantation or garden, and can also describe the act of planting something. It is translated as plant or plantation in the Bible. This word is used to describe a place where things are cultivated and grown.

Definition: 1) place or act of planting, planting, plantation 1a) planting place 1b) act of planting 1c) plantation

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: plant(-ation, -ing). See also: Isaiah 60:21; Ezekiel 31:4; Isaiah 61:3.

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

לְ/הִתְפָּאֵֽר pâʼar H6286 "to beautify" Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a

This verb means to make something beautiful or to boast about oneself. It can also mean to explain or make something clear. In the Bible, it is used to describe pride or beauty. The KJV translates it as 'beautify' or 'glorify'.

Definition: 1) to glorify, beautify, adorn 1a) (Piel) to glorify, beautify 1b) (Hithpael) 1b1) to glorify oneself 1b2) to get glory to oneself, be glorified

Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: beautify, boast self, go over the boughs, glorify (self), glory, vaunt self. See also: Exodus 8:5; Isaiah 49:3; Psalms 149:4.

Study Notes — Isaiah 61:3

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Context
Cross References
Isaiah 61:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 61:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 61:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 61:3
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 61:3
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 61:3
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 61:3
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 61:3
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 61:3
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 61:3
Sermons on Isaiah 61:3

Context — The Year of the LORD’s Favor

1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, 2to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of our God’s vengeance, to comfort all who mourn,

3to console the mourners in Zion— to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.

4They will rebuild the ancient ruins; they will restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations. 5Strangers will stand and feed your flocks, and foreigners will be your plowmen and vinedressers.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 30:11	You turned my mourning into dancing; You peeled off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
2	Jeremiah 17:7–8	But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. He is like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor does it cease to produce fruit.
3	John 16:20	Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
4	Isaiah 61:10	I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
5	Psalms 45:7	You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you above your companions with the oil of joy.
6	Ecclesiastes 9:8	Let your garments always be white, and never spare the oil for your head.
7	1 Peter 2:9	But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
8	Psalms 23:5	You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
9	Isaiah 60:20–21	Your sun will no longer set, and your moon will not wane; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and the days of your sorrow will cease. Then all your people will be righteous; they will possess the land forever; they are the branch of My planting, the work of My hands, so that I may be glorified.
10	Ezekiel 16:8–13	Then I passed by and saw you, and you were indeed old enough for love. So I spread My cloak over you and covered your nakedness. I pledged Myself to you, entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine, declares the Lord GOD. Then I bathed you with water, rinsed off your blood, and anointed you with oil. I clothed you in embroidered cloth and gave you sandals of fine leather. I wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with silk. I adorned you with jewelry, and I put bracelets on your wrists and a chain around your neck. I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown upon your head. So you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was made of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth. You ate fine flour, honey, and oil. You became very beautiful and rose to be queen.

Isaiah 61:3 Summary

[Isaiah 61:3 tells us that God wants to comfort those who are hurting and give them something beautiful in place of their pain. He promises to give us a 'crown of beauty for ashes', which means He will take our sorrow and turn it into joy, just like He promises to turn our mourning into dancing in Psalm 30:11. This verse reminds us that God is our comforter and that He wants to give us a new song to sing, a song of praise, even in the midst of struggles, as seen in Psalm 40:3.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be given a 'crown of beauty for ashes' in Isaiah 61:3?

This phrase symbolizes the exchange of sorrow and pain for joy and glory, as seen in Isaiah 61:3, where God promises to console the mourners and give them beauty for ashes, just as He promises to turn mourning into dancing in Psalm 30:11.

How can we be called 'oaks of righteousness' as stated in Isaiah 61:3?

This title signifies strength, stability, and righteousness, which comes from being planted by the Lord, as mentioned in Isaiah 61:3, and is also reflected in Jeremiah 17:7-8, where blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord.

What is the purpose of God giving us 'a garment of praise for a spirit of despair' in Isaiah 61:3?

The purpose is to replace our despair with praise, just as God promises to give us a new song in Psalm 40:3, and to turn our mourning into joy, as seen in Isaiah 61:3, so that we may glorify Him.

How does this verse relate to our daily lives as Christians?

This verse reminds us that as Christians, we are called to trust in God's power to transform our lives, just as Romans 8:28 states that all things work together for our good, and to live a life of praise and worship, even in the midst of struggles, as seen in Isaiah 61:3 and Psalm 34:1.

Reflection Questions

What areas of my life are filled with 'ashes' and how can I trust God to exchange them for 'beauty'?
How can I be a source of comfort and consolation to those around me who are mourning?
What are some ways I can 'praise' God in the midst of difficult circumstances, and how can I trust that He will turn my 'mourning' into 'joy'?
In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God's power to transform my life, and how can I live a life that reflects His 'righteousness'?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 61:3

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion,.... Or, "to the mourners of Zion" (u); such who are of Zion, belong to the church of God, and mourn for the corruptions in Zion's doctrines; for the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 61:3

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 61:3

To appoint; supply it, viz. comfort or joy; or else it may refer to those accusative cases following, beauty, oil, garments. In Zion; put by a metonymy for the Jews; q.d. among the Jews; and they for the church of God, or, according to the Hebrew, for Zion. Beauty for ashes: by ashes understand whatever is most proper for days of mourning, as sackcloth sprinkled with ashes; and these ashes, which were sprinkled on their heads, mixing themselves with their tears, would render them of a woeful aspect, which was wont to be the habit of mourners; as by beauty whatever may be beautiful or become times of rejoicing. The oil of joy for mourning: the sense is the same with the former; he calls it oil of joy, in allusion to those anointings they were wont to use in times of joy, Psalms 104 15: and also the same with what follows, viz. gladness for heaviness; gladness brings forth praise to God: and it is called a garment in allusion to their festival ornaments, for they had garments appropriated to their conditions, some suitable to times of rejoicing, and some to times of mourning; or else an allusion to comely garments; and the spirit of heaviness, because heaviness doth oppress and debase the spirits. It is all but an elegant description of the same thing by a threefold antithesis. That they might be called; that is, that they may be so, as it is usually expressed, 60:18; they shall be acknowledged so, . Trees of righteousness: he ascribes righteousness to trees, understanding thereby persons by a metaphor, by which he means that they shall be firm, solid, and well-rooted, being by faith ingrafted into Christ, and bringing forth fruit suitable to the soil wherein they are planted, that had been as dry trees; see on ; viz. the church, the vineyard of God, and the hand by which they are planted, as in the next words. The planting of the Lord; planted by the holy Lord, who’ being himself holy and righteous, would plant none but such; which notes also their soundness and stability, an allusion to that passage in Moses’ s song, . That he might be glorified, either in that glory which he should confer upon them, or that glory he may expect and receive from them, that so it may be evident whose handiwork it was. See Isaiah 60 21.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 61:3

Isaiah 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.Ver. 3. To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion.] Here is showed how it is that Christ comforteth his people, sc., by clearing up their consciences from the stain and sting of sin, and by healing their natures, causing them to grow in grace as trees of righteousness, well rooted and well fruited. To appoint unto them,] sc., Comfort. To give unto them beauty for ashes.] Cidarim pro cinere, lusum pro luctu, risum pro rictu, &c., to turn all their sighing into singing, all their musing into music, all their sadness into gladness, all their tears into triumphs. But then those that would rejoice with "joy unspeakable," must stir up sighs that are unutterable, for even Christ himself favos post fella gustavit, tasted first of the sour, and then of the sweet. That they may be culled.] Have the comfort and the credit of growing Christians, full of goodness, and filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another, as were those Romans, to their eternal commendation. See John 15:5-8 Philippians 1:11. That he might be glorified.] As indeed he is by one gracious action performed by a fruitful Christian, more than by all his works of creation and providence. Apud Hebraeos ornatus est in verbis. among the Hebrews, it was furnished in the words, πχν and πην. (Original had final ο not π for second Hebrew word. Editor.) τΰψ for ΰτψ.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 61:3

(3) To appoint unto them that mourn . . .—The verb (literally, to set) has no object either in the Hebrew or English, and it would seem as if the prophet corrected himself in the act of writing or dictating, and substituted for a word which would have applied only to the coronet one which was better fitted for the whole context. Beauty for ashes.—Literally, a diadem, or coronet, which is to take the place of the ashes that had been sprinkled on the head of the mourners or penitents (2 Samuel 1:2; 2 Samuel 13:19; Joshua 7:6). The assonance of the two Hebrew words, ’epher, paer, deserves notice. Oil of joy.—Same phrase as in Psalms 45:7. The spirit of heaviness . . .—The second noun is that used for the “smoking” or “dimly burning” flax in Isaiah 42:3, and in its figurative sense in Isaiah 42:4; Ezekiel 21:7. That they might be called trees of righteousness . . .—Strictly, terebinths, or oaks, as the symbols of perennial verdure—the “righteousness” being thought of as the gift of the Spirit of Jehovah,. and, therefore, life-giving and enduring—and in their beauty and strength manifesting His glory.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 61:3

Verse 3. To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion - "To impart gladness to the mourners of Zion"] A word necessary to the sense is certainly lost in this place, of which the ancient Versions have preserved no traces. Houbigant, by conjecture, inserts the word ששון sason, gladness, taken from the line next but one below, where it stands opposed to אבל ebel, sorrow or mourning, as the word lost here was to אבלי abeley, mourners: I follow him. - L. Beauty for ashes - "A beautiful crown instead of ashes"] In times of mourning the Jews put on sackcloth, or coarse and sordid raiment, and spread dust and ashes on their heads; on the contrary, splendid clothing and ointment poured on the head were the signs of joy. "Feign thyself to be a mourner," says Joab to the woman of Tekoah, "and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil," 2 Samuel 14:2. These customs are at large expressed in the Book of Judith: "She pulled off the sackcloth which she had on, and put off the garments of her widowhood, and washed her body all over with water and anointed herself with precious ointment, and braided the hair of her head, and put on a tire [mitre, marg.] upon it; and put on her garments of gladness;" Judith 10:3. - L. פאר תחת אפר peer tachath ephar, glory for ashes; a paronomasia which the prophet often uses: a chaplet, crown, or other ornament of the head (for so the Vulgate renders the word here and in the both verse; in which last place the Septuagint agree in the same rendering,) instead of dust and ashes, which before covered it; and the costly ointments used on occasions of festivity, instead of the ensigns of sorrow. - L. Trees of righteousness - "Trees approved"] Heb. oaks of righteousness or truth; that is, such as by their flourishing condition should show that they were indeed "the scion of God's planting, and the work of his hands;" under which images, in the preceding chapter, Isaiah 60:21, the true servants of God, in a highly improved state of the Church, were represented; that is, says Vitringa on that place, "commendable for the strength of their faith, their durability, and firmness."

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 61:3

3. them that mourn in Zion] Lit. “the mourners of Zion,” which may mean either “those that mourn for Zion” (as Isaiah 66:10) or those who mourn in her. beauty for ashes] R.V. a garland (but it. “a turban”) for ashes. Ashes sprinkled on the head were a sign of mourning (2 Samuel 13:19); these shall be replaced by the headdress which betokened dignity or festivity (see on Isaiah 61:10). There is a paronomasia in the Hebrew which cannot be imitated in English; Germans render “Putz statt Schmutz.” oil of joy for mourning] (Omit the art.) As anointing with oil was a mark of joy or honour (Psalms 45:7; Psalms 23:5; Luke 7:46) so its omission was one of the tokens of mourning (2 Samuel 14:2). the spirit of heaviness] a failing spirit; the same word as “dimly burning” in ch. Isaiah 42:3. that they might be called] Strictly: and they shall be called. trees of righteousness] lit. “oaks” or “terebinths.” The evergreen tree is a favourite emblem of the life of the righteous: Jeremiah 17:8; Psalms 1:3; Psalms 92:14. the planting … glorified] see ch. Isaiah 60:21.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 61:3

To appoint unto them - Hebrew, ‘To place;’ that is, to place happiness before them; to give them joy arid consolation. That mourn in Zion - (See the notes at Isaiah 1:8).

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 61:3

1-3. The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me — Upon whom? The use which our Lord Jesus Christ at Nazareth (Luke 4:16-22) made of these words must decide that he made himself the person meant.

Sermons on Isaiah 61:3

	Sermon	Description
	God Will Resore All Your Wasted Years by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of two verses from the book of Joel in the Bible. These verses describe the destructive power of worms and insects that devou
	Jude #6 - Cain, Balaam and Korah by Chuck Missler	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the downward degeneration of individuals who profess to be Christians but do not bear fruit. He uses poetic language to describe this degenera
	Garments of Praise by Ben Crandall	This sermon emphasizes the importance of praising God and being clothed with the 'garments of praise' instead of the 'spirit of heaviness.' It highlights how praise lifts faith, re
	Going Weeping- Coming Rejoicing by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is all energy, life, and power. Christ is described as being everything to believers - wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and r
	Martha and Mary by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a strong inner life and a deep connection with God. He uses the example of Mary and Martha to illustrate this point
	The Resurrection of Christ by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker begins by reviewing a chorus from the previous week called "Tell out my soul the greatness of the Lord." The congregation sings the first verse of the c
	Finn-05 the Mystery of Israel & the Church by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the urgency of preaching the word of God and its impact on both time and eternity. He prays for a righteous community that is willing to sacr