Isaiah 9:3
Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
Original Language Analysis
הַגּ֔וֹי
the nation
H1471
הַגּ֔וֹי
the nation
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
2 of 13
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
ל֖אֹ
H3808
ל֖אֹ
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הִגְדַּ֣לְתָּ
and not increased
H1431
הִגְדַּ֣לְתָּ
and not increased
Strong's:
H1431
Word #:
4 of 13
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
כְּשִׂמְחַ֣ת
the joy
H8057
כְּשִׂמְחַ֣ת
the joy
Strong's:
H8057
Word #:
5 of 13
blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)
שָׂמְח֤וּ
they joy
H8055
שָׂמְח֤וּ
they joy
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
6 of 13
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
לְפָנֶ֙יךָ֙
before
H6440
לְפָנֶ֙יךָ֙
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
7 of 13
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
כְּשִׂמְחַ֣ת
the joy
H8057
כְּשִׂמְחַ֣ת
the joy
Strong's:
H8057
Word #:
8 of 13
blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)
בַּקָּצִ֔יר
in harvest
H7105
בַּקָּצִ֔יר
in harvest
Strong's:
H7105
Word #:
9 of 13
severed, a limb (of a tree, or simply foliage)
כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יָגִ֖ילוּ
and as men rejoice
H1523
יָגִ֖ילוּ
and as men rejoice
Strong's:
H1523
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear
Cross References
Psalms 119:162I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.Isaiah 26:15Thou hast increased the nation, O LORD, thou hast increased the nation: thou art glorified: thou hadst removed it far unto all the ends of the earth.1 Peter 1:8Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:Isaiah 66:10Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her: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.Isaiah 35:10And 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.1 Samuel 30:16And when he had brought him down, behold, they were spread abroad upon all the earth, eating and drinking, and dancing, because of all the great spoil that they had taken out of the land of the Philistines, and out of the land of Judah.Psalms 4:7Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.Luke 11:22But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
Historical Context
Partially fulfilled when Galilee became the launching point for Christianity's spread to the nations. Jesus's disciples from this region carried the gospel throughout the Roman Empire. The multiplication of the nation (spiritual Israel, the church) continues through history as the gospel creates 'one new man' from Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 2:15). The joy before God represents the gladness of salvation experienced by those transferred from darkness to light.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the church's growth from a Galilean start to worldwide presence fulfill this multiplication?
- What is the relationship between genuine salvation and the joy described here?
- How do we cultivate the joy of harvest and victory in our Christian lives and communities?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The multiplication of the nation and increase of joy describes Messianic kingdom blessings. The corrected reading 'thou hast multiplied the nation, thou hast increased their joy' (some manuscripts say 'not increased') emphasizes expansion and blessing. The joy is compared to harvest celebration and dividing spoils after victory—complete, exuberant gladness. This prophesies the gospel's spread to all nations (Gentiles) and the joy of salvation. The Reformed vision of Christ's kingdom encompasses all peoples, fulfilling Abrahamic promises.