What Isaiah 61:3 Means

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.”Isaiah 61:3 (KJV)

What Isaiah 61:3 means

To give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. God is in the business of exchange, taking the ruins of our grief and handing back beauty, joy, and praise. He does not merely tidy the ashes; he transforms them, so that what mourning left behind becomes the very place his glory grows.

Isaiah 61:3 in different translations

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.
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 Yahweh, that he may 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.

Isaiah 61:3 in context

2To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 3To 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. 4And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.

A prayer

Father, thank You for Isaiah 61:3. Let this word be more than ink to me; write it on my heart, and help me to believe it and live it today. In Jesus' name, amen.

Let this verse become part of your life

Read it in the app, keep it, and let it lead you to Christ.

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