Isaiah
“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
Isaiah 61:3 (KJV) speaks to mourning, comfort from God, and grief — words set in Isaiah, the prophet's book of judgment and deep comfort. Read it aloud, and notice which words settle deepest.
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Verses that sit beside this one
“I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.”
Isaiah 57:18“For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”
Psalms 30:5“He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”
Psalms 126:6“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”
Psalms 147:3“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
Revelation 21:4
Common questions
What does Isaiah 61:3 mean?
In the King James Version, Isaiah 61:3 reads: "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." The verse speaks to mourning, comfort from God, and grief. To read it well, take it in the flow of Isaiah 61 rather than on its own, and let the words settle slowly — reading it aloud, or turning it into a short prayer, is often what makes its meaning land.
Is Isaiah 61:3 in the King James Version?
Yes. "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." is Isaiah 61:3 in the King James Version (KJV), found in Isaiah chapter 61.
What are some related Bible verses to Isaiah 61:3?
Verses that sit beside Isaiah 61:3 include Isaiah 57:18, Psalms 30:5, and Psalms 126:6. Reading them alongside Isaiah 61:3 deepens the theme of mourning.
How can I pray with Isaiah 61:3?
Read Isaiah 61:3 slowly, take a breath, and turn it into a short prayer in your own words — thanking God for what it promises, or asking for what it points to. Keep it somewhere you will see it today, and let it be a companion rather than a task to finish.