Isaiah 61:1
The 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;
Original Language Analysis
ר֛וּחַ
The Spirit
H7307
ר֛וּחַ
The Spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
1 of 20
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
עָלָ֑י
H5921
עָלָ֑י
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יַ֡עַן
H3282
יַ֡עַן
Strong's:
H3282
Word #:
5 of 20
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
מָשַׁח֩
hath anointed
H4886
מָשַׁח֩
hath anointed
Strong's:
H4886
Word #:
6 of 20
to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint
יְהוָ֨ה
is upon me because the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֨ה
is upon me because the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֹתִ֜י
H853
אֹתִ֜י
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לְבַשֵּׂ֣ר
me to preach good tidings
H1319
לְבַשֵּׂ֣ר
me to preach good tidings
Strong's:
H1319
Word #:
9 of 20
properly, to be fresh, i.e., full (rosy, figuratively cheerful); to announce (glad news)
עֲנָוִ֗ים
unto the meek
H6035
עֲנָוִ֗ים
unto the meek
Strong's:
H6035
Word #:
10 of 20
depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances (needy, especially saintly)
שְׁלָחַ֙נִי֙
he hath sent
H7971
שְׁלָחַ֙נִי֙
he hath sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
11 of 20
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
לַחֲבֹ֣שׁ
me to bind up
H2280
לַחֲבֹ֣שׁ
me to bind up
Strong's:
H2280
Word #:
12 of 20
to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule
לְנִשְׁבְּרֵי
the brokenhearted
H7665
לְנִשְׁבְּרֵי
the brokenhearted
Strong's:
H7665
Word #:
13 of 20
to burst (literally or figuratively)
לֵ֔ב
H3820
לֵ֔ב
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
14 of 20
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
לִקְרֹ֤א
to proclaim
H7121
לִקְרֹ֤א
to proclaim
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
15 of 20
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
דְּר֔וֹר
liberty
H1865
דְּר֔וֹר
liberty
Strong's:
H1865
Word #:
17 of 20
freedom; hence, spontaneity of outflow, and so clear
Cross References
Luke 7:22Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.Isaiah 42:7To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.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.Psalms 147:3He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.Isaiah 42:1Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.Isaiah 57:15For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.Acts 10:38How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.Isaiah 49:9That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.Psalms 34:18The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.Isaiah 48:16Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me.
Historical Context
Isaiah likely spoke initially of his own prophetic ministry, but Jesus's application showed it pointed ultimately to Himself. The concepts of jubilee (liberty, release) rooted in Levitical law found ultimate fulfillment in Christ's spiritual liberation. When Jesus read this passage in Luke 4:18-19, He stopped mid-sentence (before 'the day of vengeance'), indicating His first coming focused on salvation; His second coming will bring judgment. The early church understood their mission continued Christ's work: preaching the gospel, healing broken hearts, liberating captives from sin through the Spirit's power.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's mission described here address your specific needs—whether brokenness, captivity to sin, or spiritual poverty?
- In what ways are you called to participate in Christ's continuing mission of preaching good news, healing hearts, and proclaiming liberty?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This prophetic passage, which Jesus read in the Nazareth synagogue and declared fulfilled (Luke 4:17-21), describes the Spirit-anointed Messiah's mission. 'The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me'—divine empowerment for ministry. 'Anointed me'—mashach, the root of Messiah (anointed one), designating Him for prophetic, priestly, and kingly service. His mission includes: 'preach good tidings unto the meek'—announcing the gospel (euangelion) to the humble and poor; 'bind up the brokenhearted'—healing emotional and spiritual wounds; 'proclaim liberty to the captives'—spiritual freedom from sin's bondage; 'the opening of the prison to them that are bound'—releasing those imprisoned by sin, Satan, and death. This is Christ's job description—bringing holistic salvation.