Isaiah 29:19
The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
וְיָסְפ֧וּ
also shall increase
H3254
וְיָסְפ֧וּ
also shall increase
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
1 of 9
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
עֲנָוִ֛ים
The meek
H6035
עֲנָוִ֛ים
The meek
Strong's:
H6035
Word #:
2 of 9
depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances (needy, especially saintly)
בַּֽיהוָ֖ה
in the LORD
H3068
בַּֽיהוָ֖ה
in the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אָדָ֔ם
among men
H120
אָדָ֔ם
among men
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
6 of 9
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
בִּקְד֥וֹשׁ
in the Holy One
H6918
בִּקְד֥וֹשׁ
in the Holy One
Strong's:
H6918
Word #:
7 of 9
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
Cross References
James 2:5Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?Isaiah 61:1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;Matthew 11:29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.Psalms 25:9The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.Matthew 11:5The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.Matthew 5:5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.Psalms 37:11But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.Matthew 5:3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their's is the kingdom of heaven.James 1:9Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:Isaiah 61:10I 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.
Historical Context
First-century Judaism divided between wealthy Sadducees (political collaborators) and poor masses. Jesus's ministry focused on the latter—'the poor have the gospel preached to them' (Matthew 11:5). James writes: 'Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith?' (James 2:5). The early church was predominantly poor and enslaved people (1 Corinthians 1:26-28), yet they possessed joy unspeakable.
Questions for Reflection
- Why do the meek and poor often experience deeper joy in the LORD than the self-sufficient?
- How does material poverty sometimes (not always) position people to receive spiritual riches?
- In what areas do you need to become 'poor in spirit' to increase in joy?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD (וְיָסְפוּ עֲנָוִים בַּיהוָה שִׂמְחָה, veyasfu anavim baYHWH simchah)—the עֲנָוִים (anavim, meek, humble, afflicted) will יָסַף (yasaf, increase, add, multiply) in שִׂמְחָה (simchah, joy). And the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel (וְאֶבְיוֹנֵי אָדָם בִּקְדוֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל יָגִילוּ, ve'evyoney adam biQdosh Yisrael yagilu)—the אֶבְיוֹנִים (evyonim, poor, needy) will גִּיל (gil, rejoice, exult) in the קְדוֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל (Qedosh Yisrael, Holy One of Israel).
Mary's Magnificat echoes this: 'He hath put down the mighty... exalted them of low degree' (Luke 1:52). Jesus's first Beatitude: 'Blessed are the poor in spirit' (Matthew 5:3). The Kingdom inverts worldly hierarchies—the meek inherit earth, the mourning are comforted, the hungry are filled. This isn't romanticizing poverty but recognizing that those without human resources most readily depend on God. The 'poor' Isaiah references are covenant faithful who trust Yahweh despite material lack. Their joy isn't circumstantial but rooted in the Holy One's character.