To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, and to give unto them beauty for [a]ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of gladness for the spirit of heaviness, that they might be called [b]trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

And they shall build the old waste places, and raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the cities that were desolate and waste through many [c]generations.

And the strangers shall [d]stand and feed your sheep, and the sons of the strangers shall be your plowmen, and dressers of your vines.

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Footnotes

  1. Isaiah 61:3 Which was the sign of mourning.
  2. Isaiah 61:3 Trees that bring forth good fruits, as Matt. 3:8.
  3. Isaiah 61:4 That is, for a long time.
  4. Isaiah 61:5 They shall be ready to serve you in all your necessities.

    and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown(A) of beauty
    instead of ashes,(B)
the oil(C) of joy
    instead of mourning,(D)
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting(E) of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.(F)

They will rebuild the ancient ruins(G)
    and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
    that have been devastated for generations.
Strangers(H) will shepherd your flocks;
    foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.

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