Isaiah 61

Good News for the Oppressed

1. The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, 1 for the Lord has anointed me 1 to bring good news to the poor. 1 He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted 1 and to proclaim that captives will be released 1 and prisoners will be freed.[a]

2. He has sent me to tell those who mourn 2 that the time of the Lord’s favor has come,[b] 2 and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.

3. To all who mourn in Israel,[c] 3 he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, 3 a joyous blessing instead of mourning, 3 festive praise instead of despair. 3 In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks 3 that the Lord has planted for his own glory.

4. They will rebuild the ancient ruins, 4 repairing cities destroyed long ago. 4 They will revive them, 4 though they have been deserted for many generations.

5. Foreigners will be your servants. 5 They will feed your flocks 5 and plow your fields 5 and tend your vineyards.

6. You will be called priests of the Lord, 6 ministers of our God. 6 You will feed on the treasures of the nations 6 and boast in their riches.

7. Instead of shame and dishonor, 7 you will enjoy a double share of honor. 7 You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, 7 and everlasting joy will be yours.

8. “For I, the Lord, love justice. 8 I hate robbery and wrongdoing. 8 I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering 8 and make an everlasting covenant with them.

9. Their descendants will be recognized 9 and honored among the nations. 9 Everyone will realize that they are a people 9 the Lord has blessed.”

10. I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! 10 For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation 10 and draped me in a robe of righteousness. 10 I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding 10 or a bride with her jewels.

11. The Sovereign Lord will show his justice to the nations of the world. 11 Everyone will praise him! 11 His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring, 11 with plants springing up everywhere.

Footnotes:
a. 61:1: Greek version reads and the blind will see. Compare Luke 4:18.
b. 61:2: Or to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.
c. 61:3: Hebrew in Zion.