Isaiah 61 (KJV)

Read Isaiah chapter 61 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

Isaiah 61

Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

Isaiah 61:1

"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath…"

Isaiah 61:3

"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them b…"

Popular Verses in Isaiah 61

Most searched verses from this chapter, with KJV text and context.

Isaiah 61:1 KJV

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Isaiah 61:3 KJV

Trials & Suffering

Isaiah 61:1 KJV

Major Prophets

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Isaiah 61 Summary

Isaiah 61 is the Servant's mission statement — the very passage Jesus read in the synagogue at Nazareth to announce His ministry (Luke 4:18-19). The Spirit of the Lord anoints the Servant to preach good tidings to the meek, bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to captives, and declare the acceptable year of the Lord.

The chapter promises beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. God's people will be called 'trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD.' They will rebuild ancient ruins and restore desolate cities. The chapter overflows with imagery of reversal — every loss exchanged for something greater.

Key Themes

Anointed MissionHealing the BrokenheartedBeauty for AshesRestoration

Key Verses in Isaiah 61

"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."

— Isaiah 61:1

Jesus applied this verse directly to Himself — it defines the Messiah's mission.

"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."

— Isaiah 61:3

One of Scripture's most beautiful exchange promises — God trades your devastation for His beauty.

Life Application

Whatever ashes you're holding — broken relationships, shattered dreams, deep grief — God promises an exchange. Beauty for ashes is not a cliché; it's a covenant promise. Bring your mourning to Him and receive the oil of joy. Wear praise instead of heaviness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jesus read Isaiah 61 in the synagogue?

In Luke 4:18-21, Jesus read this passage in Nazareth and declared, 'This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.' He identified Himself as the anointed Servant of Isaiah 61 — the Messiah sent to heal, deliver, and proclaim God's favor.

What does 'beauty for ashes' mean?

Ashes symbolized mourning and devastation in ancient Israel. God promises to replace grief with beauty — a priestly headdress (beauty) in place of ashes. It means God transforms life's worst losses into testimonies of His redemptive power.

Read the full summary of Isaiah