Isaiah Chapter 66 · Verse 10
Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her:
Original Language Analysis
שִׂמְח֧וּ
Rejoice
H8055
שִׂמְח֧וּ
Rejoice
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
1 of 13
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֛ם
ye with Jerusalem
H3389
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֛ם
ye with Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
3 of 13
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
וְגִ֥ילוּ
and be glad
H1523
וְגִ֥ילוּ
and be glad
Strong's:
H1523
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֹהֲבֶ֑יהָ
with her all ye that love
H157
אֹהֲבֶ֑יהָ
with her all ye that love
Strong's:
H157
Word #:
7 of 13
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
אִתָּהּ֙
H854
אִתָּהּ֙
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
מָשׂ֔וֹשׂ
for joy
H4885
מָשׂ֔וֹשׂ
for joy
Strong's:
H4885
Word #:
10 of 13
delight, concretely (the cause or object) or abstractly (the feeling)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Psalms 26:8LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.Psalms 137:6If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.Deuteronomy 32:43Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people.Isaiah 65:18But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.
Historical Context
The prophecy addressed those who had mourned Jerusalem's destruction during the 70-year exile (Psalm 137:1-6). Their mourning was turning to joy as restoration began (Nehemiah 8:9-12). Greater fulfillment came at Pentecost when Jerusalem became the birthplace of the church (Acts 2). The pattern continues: the church experiences foretastes of ultimate joy when the gospel advances and the kingdom grows. Complete fulfillment comes at Christ's return when the New Jerusalem descends and God dwells with His people forever (Revelation 21:2-4). Then mourning becomes perpetual rejoicing.
Questions for Reflection
- How should love for Christ's church motivate corporate rejoicing over God's work?
- What relationship exists between mourning over sin and capacity for rejoicing in redemption?
- In what ways can we practice shared celebration of God's redemptive work in our communities?
Analysis & Commentary
The call to rejoice: "Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her." Three imperatives—rejoice (simchu), be glad (gilu), rejoice for joy (sisu mesos)—emphasize exuberant celebration. Those addressed are lovers of Jerusalem and mourners for her—the faithful who grieved over her destruction and longed for restoration. The call is to shared joy—corporate celebration, not isolated gladness. The repetition and intensity reflect the magnitude of what God has accomplished. From a Reformed perspective, this describes the church's celebration of God's redemptive work. Those who love Christ's body and mourn over sin's damage are called to rejoice in restoration and growth. The church's victories are occasions for mutual rejoicing (Luke 15:6-7, Acts 11:18, 15:3). Individual salvation brings corporate celebration. This anticipates the final great celebration when the bride is prepared for the bridegroom (Revelation 19:7-9, 21:2-4).