Isaiah 61:3
New International Version
and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

New Living Translation
To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.

English Standard Version
to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.

Berean Standard Bible
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 Bible
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.

New King James Version
To console those who mourn in Zion, To give 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.”

New American Standard Bible
To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The cloak of praise instead of a disheartened spirit. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.

NASB 1995
To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.

NASB 1977
To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.

Legacy Standard Bible
To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a headdress instead of ashes, The oil of rejoicing instead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of Yahweh, that He may show forth His beautiful glory.

Amplified Bible
To grant to those who mourn in Zion the following: To give them a turban instead of dust [on their heads, a sign of mourning], The oil of joy instead of mourning, The garment [expressive] of praise instead of a disheartened spirit. So they will be called the trees of righteousness [strong and magnificent, distinguished for integrity, justice, and right standing with God], The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.

Christian Standard Bible
to provide for those who mourn in Zion; to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, festive oil instead of mourning, and splendid clothes instead of despair. And they will be called righteous trees, planted by the LORD to glorify him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
to provide for those who mourn in Zion; to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, festive oil instead of mourning, and splendid clothes instead of despair. And they will be called righteous trees, planted by the LORD to glorify Him.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
especially in Jerusalem. He sent me to give them flowers in place of their sorrow, olive oil in place of tears, and joyous praise in place of broken hearts. They will be called "Trees of Justice," planted by the LORD to honor his name.

English Revised Version
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 might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
[He has sent me] to provide for all those who grieve in Zion, to give them crowns instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of [tears of] grief, and clothes of praise instead of a spirit of weakness. They will be called Oaks of Righteousness, the Plantings of the LORD, so that he might display his glory.

Good News Translation
To give to those who mourn in Zion Joy and gladness instead of grief, A song of praise instead of sorrow. They will be like trees That the LORD himself has planted. They will all do what is right, And God will be praised for what he has done.

International Standard Version
to provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, a mantle of praise instead of a spirit of despair." "Then people will call them "Oaks of Righteousness", "The Planting of the LORD", in order to display his splendor.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
to strengthen those who mourn in Zion, by giving them a turban, instead of ashes, oil symbolizing joy, instead of mourning, a garment symbolizing praise, instead of discouragement. They will be called oaks of righteousness, trees planted by the LORD to reveal his splendor.

New Heart English Bible
to appoint to 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.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
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 Yahweh, that he may be glorified.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
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 faded spirit, "" And He is calling to them, Trees of righteousness, "" The planting of YHWH—to be beautified.”

Young's Literal Translation
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.'

Smith's Literal Translation
To set to those mourning in Zion, to give to them adorning instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the vestment of praise for the spirit of faintness; and it shall be called to them, The mighty trees of justice of the planting of Jehovah, to be honored.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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 him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
to take up the mourners of Zion and to give them a crown in place of ashes, an oil of joy in place of mourning, a cloak of praise in place of a spirit of grief. And there, they shall be called the strong ones of justice, the planting of the Lord, unto glorification.

New American Bible
to place on those who mourn in Zion a diadem instead of ashes, To give them oil of gladness instead of mourning, a glorious mantle instead of a faint spirit.

New Revised Standard Version
to provide for those who mourn in Zion— to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, to display his glory.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
To give to the mourners of Zion beauty instead of ashes, perfume instead of mourning, a cloak of beauty instead of the spirit of heaviness; they shall be called men of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, which is glorious.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
To give to the mourners of Zion glory in exchange for ashes, sweet ointment in exchange for grief, a cloak of glory in exchange for the suffering spirit. They shall be called males of righteousness, the glorious planting of LORD JEHOVAH
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, To give unto them a garland for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The mantle of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they might be called terebinths of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, wherein He might glory.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
that there should be given to them that mourn in Sion glory instead of ashes, the oil of joy to the mourners, the garment of glory for the spirit of heaviness: and they shall be called generations of righteousness, the planting of the Lord for glory.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Year of the LORD's Favor
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.…

Cross References
Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, / who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Psalm 30:11
You turned my mourning into dancing; You peeled off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

Revelation 21:4
‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.”

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

Jeremiah 31:13
Then the maidens will rejoice with dancing, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, and give them comfort and joy for their sorrow.

1 Peter 1:6-7
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials / so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Psalm 126:5-6
Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. / He who goes out weeping, bearing a trail of seed, will surely return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves of grain.

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.

Zechariah 9:12
Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; even today I declare that I will restore to you double.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice at all times. / Pray without ceasing. / Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Joel 2:25-26
I will repay you for the years eaten by locusts—the swarming locust, the young locust, the destroying locust, and the devouring locust—My great army that I sent against you. / You will have plenty to eat, until you are satisfied. You will praise the name of the LORD your God, who has worked wonders for you. My people will never again be put to shame.

Romans 15:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.


Treasury of Scripture

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 might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

beauty

Isaiah 12:1
And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.

Esther 4:1-3
When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry; …

Esther 8:15
And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.

the oil

Psalm 23:5
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Psalm 45:7
Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

Psalm 104:15
And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart.

the garment

Isaiah 61:10
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

Zechariah 3:5
And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD stood by.

Luke 15:22
But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

called

Isaiah 60:21
Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.

Psalm 92:12-15
The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon…

Jeremiah 17:7,8
Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is…

that he

Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

John 15:8
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

1 Corinthians 6:20
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Jump to Previous
Appoint Ashes Beauty Garland Garment Glorified Heaviness Joy Mantle Mourn Mourning Oil Planting Praise Righteousness Spirit Terebinths Trees Wherein Zion
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Appoint Ashes Beauty Garland Garment Glorified Heaviness Joy Mantle Mourn Mourning Oil Planting Praise Righteousness Spirit Terebinths Trees Wherein Zion
Isaiah 61
1. The office of Christ
4. The forwardness
7. And blessing of the faithful














to console the mourners in Zion
The Hebrew word for "console" is "נחם" (nacham), which conveys a deep sense of comfort and compassion. In the context of Zion, which represents the people of God and the city of Jerusalem, this phrase speaks to God's promise to bring solace to those who are grieving. Historically, Zion has been a place of both divine presence and human suffering. The mourners here are those who have experienced loss and devastation, yet God promises to bring them comfort, reflecting His enduring faithfulness and mercy.

to give them a crown of beauty for ashes
The "crown of beauty" is a translation of the Hebrew "פְּאֵר" (pe'er), which signifies a headdress or a garland, symbolizing honor and joy. In contrast, "ashes" were traditionally a sign of mourning and repentance. This exchange signifies a profound transformation from a state of grief to one of dignity and celebration. It reflects the redemptive power of God, who turns our deepest sorrows into occasions for His glory and our restoration.

the oil of joy for mourning
Oil in the ancient Near East was often used for anointing and as a symbol of joy and festivity. The Hebrew word "שָׂשׂוֹן" (sason) for "joy" indicates a deep, exuberant happiness. Mourning, on the other hand, is a period of lamentation and sorrow. This phrase highlights the divine exchange where God replaces our grief with His joy, anointing us with His presence and favor, reminiscent of the anointing of kings and priests.

and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair
The "garment of praise" suggests being clothed in worship and thanksgiving, contrasting with a "spirit of despair," which implies heaviness and discouragement. The Hebrew word "תְּהִלָּה" (tehillah) for "praise" denotes a song or hymn of adoration. This transformation signifies a shift from inward sorrow to outward expression of gratitude, emphasizing the power of worship to lift the human spirit and align it with God's purposes.

So they will be called oaks of righteousness
"Oaks" are strong, enduring trees, and in Hebrew, "אֵילִים" (elim) conveys strength and stability. "Righteousness" (צֶדֶק, tzedek) refers to living in accordance with God's standards. This metaphor suggests that those who experience God's transformative work will become steadfast and upright, deeply rooted in His truth and justice, serving as living testimonies of His grace.

the planting of the LORD
This phrase underscores the divine origin and purpose of the transformation. The Hebrew "מַטָּע" (mattah) for "planting" indicates intentionality and care. It is God Himself who plants and nurtures these "oaks of righteousness," ensuring their growth and fruitfulness. This imagery reflects the biblical theme of God as the gardener, cultivating His people for His glory.

that He may be glorified
The ultimate purpose of this transformation is the glorification of God. The Hebrew "פָּאֵר" (pa'ar) for "glorified" means to beautify or adorn. Through the renewal and restoration of His people, God's splendor and majesty are displayed to the world. This phrase encapsulates the heart of the gospel message: that through redemption and transformation, God's glory is revealed and His name is exalted among the nations.

(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 (2Samuel 1:2; 2Samuel 13:19; Joshua 7:6). The assonance of the two Hebrew words, 'epher, paer, deserves notice.

Oil of joy.--Same phrase as in Psalm 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. . . .

Verse 3. - To appoint... to give. The latter expression is a correction of the former, which was not wide enough. Messiah is sent to give to the godly mourners

(1) beauty for ashes; or "a crown for ashes," i.e. a crown of glory in lieu of the ashes of repentance which it was customary to sprinkle upon the head;

(2) the oil of joy for mourning; or the anointing of the Spirit in lieu of that plenteousness of tears which naturally belonged to mourners; and

(3) the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, or a glad heart inclined to praise God, in lieu of a heavy one inclined to despair. Christian experience witnesses to the abundant accomplishment of all these purposes. That they might be called trees of righteousness; literally, oaks of righteousness, or strong and enduring plants in the garden of God, planted by him, in order that through them he might be glorified. Nothing gives so much glory to God as the proved righteousness of his saints. The planting of the Lord; i.e. "which he has planted" and caused to grow, and rendered righteous. The righteousness, though it is their own, an indwelling quality, has nevertheless come from him (comp. Isaiah 60:21).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
to provide
לָשׂ֣וּם ׀ (lā·śūm)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

for those who grieve
לַאֲבֵלֵ֣י (la·’ă·ḇê·lê)
Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine plural construct
Strong's 57: Lamenting

in Zion—
צִיּ֗וֹן (ṣî·yō·wn)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6726: Zion -- a mountain in Jerusalem, also a name for Jerusalem

to give
לָתֵת֩ (lā·ṯêṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

them
לָהֶ֨ם (lā·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

a crown of beauty
פְּאֵ֜ר (pə·’êr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6287: An embellishment, fancy head-dress

for
תַּ֣חַת (ta·ḥaṯ)
Preposition
Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of

ashes,
אֵ֗פֶר (’ê·p̄er)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 665: Ashes

the oil
שֶׁ֤מֶן (še·men)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8081: Grease, liquid, richness

of joy
שָׂשׂוֹן֙ (śā·śō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8342: Cheerfulness, welcome

for
תַּ֣חַת (ta·ḥaṯ)
Preposition
Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of

mourning,
אֵ֔בֶל (’ê·ḇel)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 60: Lamentation

and a garment
מַעֲטֵ֣ה (ma·‘ă·ṭêh)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4594: A wrap, mantle

of praise
תְהִלָּ֔ה (ṯə·hil·lāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8416: Praise, song of praise

in place
תַּ֖חַת (ta·ḥaṯ)
Preposition
Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of

of a spirit
ר֣וּחַ (rū·aḥ)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit

of despair.
כֵּהָ֑ה (kê·hāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 3544: Dim, dull, faint

So they will be called
וְקֹרָ֤א (wə·qō·rā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Pual - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

oaks
אֵילֵ֣י (’ê·lê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 352: Strength, strong, a chief, a ram, a pilaster, an oak, strong tree

of righteousness,
הַצֶּ֔דֶק (haṣ·ṣe·ḏeq)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6664: The right, equity, prosperity

the planting
מַטַּ֥ע (maṭ·ṭa‘)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4302: Something planted, the place, the thing, the act, planting

of the LORD,
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

that He may be glorified.
לְהִתְפָּאֵֽר׃ (lə·hiṯ·pā·’êr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hitpael - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6286: To gleam, embellish, to boast, to explain, oneself, to shake a, tree


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 61:3 To appoint to those who mourn (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 61:2
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