Isaiah Chapter 65 · Verse 18
But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
2 of 17
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
וְגִ֙ילוּ֙
and rejoice
H1523
וְגִ֙ילוּ֙
and rejoice
Strong's:
H1523
Word #:
4 of 17
properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear
עֲדֵי
for ever
H5703
עֲדֵי
for ever
Strong's:
H5703
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit
עַ֔ד
H5704
עַ֔ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
6 of 17
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בוֹרֵ֧א
for behold I create
H1254
בוֹרֵ֧א
for behold I create
Strong's:
H1254
Word #:
9 of 17
(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)
כִּי֩
H3588
כִּי֩
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
10 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בוֹרֵ֧א
for behold I create
H1254
בוֹרֵ֧א
for behold I create
Strong's:
H1254
Word #:
12 of 17
(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֛ם
Jerusalem
H3389
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֛ם
Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
14 of 17
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
Historical Context
The post-exilic community rebuilt physical Jerusalem, but it remained vulnerable and diminished. This prophecy looked beyond earthly restoration to the ultimate new creation. Jesus announced the kingdom's presence (Luke 17:21) and promised His return to consummate it (John 14:1-3). The church is presently new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 6:15), experiencing foretastes of the coming glory. Complete fulfillment awaits the new heaven and new earth where God dwells with His people forever (Revelation 21:1-4).
Questions for Reflection
- How should believers practice rejoicing 'forever' in what God is creating?
- What does it mean that God creates His people as 'joy'—not just joyful but embodying joy itself?
- How do we experience foretastes of the new creation while living in the present age?
Analysis & Commentary
God commands transformed response: "But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy." The imperative sisu (be glad) and gilu (rejoice) call for active celebration. The duration is ad-ad (forever and ever)—perpetual gladness. The reason: God creates (bore—the same verb as Genesis 1:1) something new. He creates Jerusalem as gilah (rejoicing) and her people as mesos (joy)—not just experiencing joy but embodying it. This anticipates Revelation 21:1-2's new heaven and new earth with the New Jerusalem. From a Reformed perspective, this describes the consummated kingdom where God's creative work reaches culmination. Just as He created the first heavens and earth, He creates new ones. Believers don't merely enter a improved version of the old but participate in genuinely new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17, Revelation 21:5). The transformation is so complete that the people themselves become joy—their very existence is joyful praise to God.