Isaiah 35:10
And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Original Language Analysis
וּפְדוּיֵ֨י
And the ransomed
H6299
וּפְדוּיֵ֨י
And the ransomed
Strong's:
H6299
Word #:
1 of 16
to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve
יְהוָ֜ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֜ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יְשֻׁב֗וּן
shall return
H7725
יְשֻׁב֗וּן
shall return
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
3 of 16
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
צִיּוֹן֙
to Zion
H6726
צִיּוֹן֙
to Zion
Strong's:
H6726
Word #:
5 of 16
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
בְּרִנָּ֔ה
with songs
H7440
בְּרִנָּ֔ה
with songs
Strong's:
H7440
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, a creaking (or shrill sound), i.e., shout (of joy or grief)
עוֹלָ֖ם
and everlasting
H5769
עוֹלָ֖ם
and everlasting
Strong's:
H5769
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
רֹאשָׁ֑ם
upon their heads
H7218
רֹאשָׁ֑ם
upon their heads
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
10 of 16
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
Cross References
Revelation 21:4And 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.Isaiah 30:19For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.Isaiah 25:8He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.Jude 1:21Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Historical Context
This prophecy encouraged exiles with promise of return from Babylon, but its ultimate fulfillment awaits Christ's gathering of all the redeemed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's ransom price secure our eternal joy and banish sorrow?
- What does everlasting joy look like compared to temporary earthly pleasures?
- How should the certainty of this future joy affect our present perspective on suffering?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The "ransomed of the LORD" returning to Zion with singing depicts triumphant homecoming. "Everlasting joy" and sorrow fleeing away describe permanent transformation from mourning to gladness. Revelation 21:4 echoes this promise in the new creation. The "ransomed" (Hebrew "paduwy") emphasizes payment of redemption price, pointing to Christ's atoning work. This glorious procession anticipates believers' entry into heaven's rest, welcomed with joy unspeakable.