Isaiah 61:3
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.
Original Language Analysis
לָשׂ֣וּם׀
To appoint
H7760
לָשׂ֣וּם׀
To appoint
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
1 of 24
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
צִיּ֗וֹן
in Zion
H6726
צִיּ֗וֹן
in Zion
Strong's:
H6726
Word #:
3 of 24
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
לָתֵת֩
to give
H5414
לָתֵת֩
to give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
4 of 24
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
תַּ֣חַת
H8478
תַּ֣חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
7 of 24
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
שֶׁ֤מֶן
the oil
H8081
שֶׁ֤מֶן
the oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
9 of 24
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
תַּ֣חַת
H8478
תַּ֣חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
11 of 24
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
תַּ֖חַת
H8478
תַּ֖חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
15 of 24
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
ר֣וּחַ
for the spirit
H7307
ר֣וּחַ
for the spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
16 of 24
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
וְקֹרָ֤א
that they might be called
H7121
וְקֹרָ֤א
that they might be called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
18 of 24
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
אֵילֵ֣י
trees
H352
אֵילֵ֣י
trees
Strong's:
H352
Word #:
20 of 24
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
הַצֶּ֔דֶק
of righteousness
H6664
הַצֶּ֔דֶק
of righteousness
Strong's:
H6664
Word #:
21 of 24
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
מַטַּ֥ע
the planting
H4302
מַטַּ֥ע
the planting
Strong's:
H4302
Word #:
22 of 24
something planted, i.e., the place (a garden or vineyard), or the thing (a plant, figuratively or men); by implication, the act, planting
Cross References
Psalms 30:11Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;John 16:20Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.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.Psalms 45:7Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.Ecclesiastes 9:8Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.1 Peter 2:9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:Psalms 23:5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.Matthew 5:16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.1 Corinthians 6:20For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.Zechariah 3:5And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD stood by.
Historical Context
The post-exilic community mourned their diminished circumstances—the modest temple, foreign domination, economic hardship. God promised transformation beyond their imagination. Jesus' ministry began fulfilling this—turning water to wine (John 2:1-11, symbolic of transformation), healing the sick, comforting the mourning. The church experiences ongoing fulfillment as the gospel transforms broken lives into fruitful believers. Complete fulfillment awaits the consummated kingdom where all mourning ends forever (Revelation 21:4) and we stand perfected for God's glory (Jude 24-25).
Questions for Reflection
- How have you personally experienced Christ's exchange of beauty for ashes in your life?
- What does it mean to be 'trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD'?
- How does your transformation serve the purpose of glorifying God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Continuing Christ's mission statement, God promises to provide specific remedies: "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." Three exchanges demonstrate complete transformation. "Beauty for ashes" (peer tachat epher)—the Hebrew peer means a headdress or turban, replacing the ashes of mourning (Job 42:6, Daniel 9:3). "Oil of joy for mourning"—anointing oil symbolized gladness and festivity (Psalm 23:5, 45:7), replacing grief. "Garment of praise for spirit of heaviness"—clothing represents one's outward expression, replacing despair (ruach kehah—dimmed, faint spirit) with praise. The result: "that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified." The Hebrew elei hatsedek (oaks/trees of righteousness) pictures strength, stability, and flourishing (Psalm 1:3, 92:12-14). From a Reformed perspective, this describes the regenerate believer's transformation. Christ exchanges our sin for His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21), our sorrow for His joy (John 15:11, 16:22), our despair for praise. We become living monuments to God's transforming grace, planted by Him, rooted in righteousness, existing for His glory.