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Selected Verse: Isaiah 61:3 - Strong Concordance
| Verse |
Translation |
Text |
| Isa 61:3 |
Strong Concordance |
To appoint [07760] unto them that mourn [057] in Zion [06726], to give [05414] unto them beauty [06287] for ashes [0665], the oil [08081] of joy [08342] for mourning [060], the garment [04594] of praise [08416] for the spirit [07307] of heaviness [03544]; that they might be called [07121] trees [0352] of righteousness [06664], the planting [04302] of the LORD [03068], that he might be glorified [06286]. |
| |
King James |
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. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
| A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
To appoint . . . to give--The double verb, with the one and the same accusative, imparts glowing vehemence to the style.
beauty for ashes--There is a play on the sound and meaning of the Hebrew words, peer, epher, literally, "ornamental headdress" or tiara (Eze 24:17), worn in times of joy, instead of a headdress of "ashes," cast on the head in mourning (Sa2 13:19).
oil of joy--Perfumed ointment was poured on the guests at joyous feasts (Psa 23:5; Psa 45:7-8; Amo 6:6). On occasions of grief its use was laid aside (Sa2 14:2).
garment of praise--bright-colored garments, indicative of thankfulness, instead of those that indicate despondency, as sackcloth (Joh 16:20).
trees of righteousness--Hebrew, terebinth trees; symbolical of men strong in righteousness, instead of being, as heretofore, bowed down as a reed with sin and calamity (Isa 1:29-30; Isa 42:3; Kg1 14:15; Psa 1:3; Psa 92:12-14; Jer 17:8).
planting of . . . Lord--(See on Isa 60:21).
that he might be glorified-- (Joh 15:8). |
| Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
To appoint unto them - Hebrew, 'To place;' that is, to place happiness before them; to give them joy arid consolation.
That mourn in Zion - (See the notes at Isa 1:8). The mourners in Zion mean those who dwelt in Jerusalem; then all those who are connected with the church of God - his poor and afflicted people.
To give unto them beauty for ashes - In the Hebrew there is here a beautiful paronomasia, which cannot be transferred to our language - אפר תחת פאר pe'ēr tachath 'êpher. The word rendered 'beauty' (פאר pe'ēr) means properly a head-dress, turban, tiara, or diadem; and the idea is, that the Redeemer would impart to his mourning people such an ornament instead of the ashes which in their grief they were accustomed to easy on their heads. For the use of the word, see Isa 3:20; Isa 61:10; Exo 39:29; Eze 24:17-23. It was common among the Orientals to east dust and ashes upon their heads in time of mourning, and as expressive of their grief (compare the notes at Isa 57:5; Sa2 13:19).
The oil of joy - The oil of joy denotes that which was symbolic or expressive of joy. Oil or ointment was employed on occasions of festivity and joy (see the notes at Isa 57:9); but its use was abstained from in times of public calamity or grief (see Sa2 14:2).
The garment of praise - That is, the garment or clothing which shall be expresive of praise or gratitude instead of that which shall indicate grief.
For the spirit of heaviness. - Instead of a heavy, burdened, and oppressed spirit. The word used here (כהה kēhâh), usually means faint, feeble, weak (see the notes at Isa 42:3). It is applied to a lamp about to go out Isa 42:3; to eyes bedimmed, or dull Sa1 3:2; to a faint or pale color Lev 13:39. Here it denotes those of a faint and desponding heart. These expressions are figurative, and are taken from the custom which prevailed more in Oriental countries than elsewhere - and which is founded in nature - of expressing the emotions of the mind by the manner of apparel. These customs are stated in the book of Judith. She 'pulled off the sackcloth which she had on, and pus off the garments of her widowhood, and washed her body all over with water, and anointed herself with precious ointment, and braided the hair of her head, and put on a tire upon it (Greek, μιτρε mitre), and put on her garments of gladness wherewith she was clad during the life of Manasses her husband. And she took sandals upon her feet, and put about her her bracelets, and her chains, and her rings, and her ear-rings, and all her ornaments, and decked herself bravely to allure the eyes of all men that should see her' Isa 10:3-4.
That they might be called - That is, those who had mourned in Zion.
Trees of righteousness - In the Hebrew, 'Oaks,' or terebinth trees. By their being oaks of righteousness is meant people distinguished for righteousness or justice. The Septuagint renders it, Γενεαὶ Geneai - 'Generations;' Jerome, Fortes - 'Strong;' the Chaldee, 'Princes;' the Syriac, 'Rams;' but the word properly denotes the oak, or the terebinth tree - a lofty, strong, and magnificent tree. It is not uncommon to represent people by trees (see Isa 1:29-30; Psa 92:12-14):
The righteous shall flourish like the palm-tree;
He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon,
Those that be planted in the house of the Lord,
Shall flourish in the courts of our God.
They shall still bring forth fruit in old age;
They shall be fat and flourishing.
See also the beautiful description in Psa 1:3, and in Jer 17:8. The idea here is, that they who had been oppressed and borne down by calamity and by a sense of sin, would become vigorous and strong; and would be such as aptly to be compared to majestic trees with far-spreading branches - an image everywhere of that which is truly beautiful.
The planting of the Lord - Those whom Yahweh had truly planted; that is, those who were under his care and culture (see the notes at Isa 60:21). The same figure is used by the Saviour. 'Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up' Mat 15:13.
That he might be glorified - (See the notes at Isa 60:21). |
| Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
| Ashes - By ashes understand whatever is proper for days of mourning, as by beauty whatever may become times of rejoicing. Oil of joy - He calls it oil of joy in allusion to those anointings they were wont to use in times of joy, gladness for heaviness; and it is called a garment in allusion to their festival ornaments, for they had garments appropriated to their conditions, some suitable to times of rejoicing, and some to times of mourning. Called - That they may be so. Trees - That they shall be firm, solid, and well rooted, being by faith engrafted into Christ, and bringing forth fruit suitable to the soil wherein they are planted. |
| Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion "To impart gladness to the mourners of Zion" - A word necessary to the sense is certainly lost in this place, of which the ancient Versions have preserved no traces. Houbigant, by conjecture, inserts the word ששון sason, gladness, taken from the line next but one below, where it stands opposed to אבל ebel, sorrow or mourning, as the word lost here was to אבלי abeley, mourners: I follow him. - L.
Beauty for ashes "A beautiful crown instead of ashes" - In times of mourning the Jews put on sackcloth, or coarse and sordid raiment, and spread dust and ashes on their heads; on the contrary, splendid clothing and ointment poured on the head were the signs of joy. "Feign thyself to be a mourner," says Joab to the woman of Tekoah, "and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil," Sa2 14:2. These customs are at large expressed in the Book of Judith: "She pulled off the sackcloth which she had on, and put off the garments of her widowhood, and washed her body all over with water and anointed herself with precious ointment, and braided the hair of her head, and put on a tire [mitre, marg.] upon it; and put on her garments of gladness;" chap. 10:3. - L.
פאר תחת אפר peer tachath ephar, glory for ashes; a paronomasia which the prophet often uses: a chaplet, crown, or other ornament of the head (for so the Vulgate renders the word here and in the both verse; in which last place the Septuagint agree in the same rendering), instead of dust and ashes, which before covered it; and the costly ointments used on occasions of festivity, instead of the ensigns of sorrow. - L.
Trees of righteousness "Trees approved" - Hebrews oaks of righteousness or truth; that is, such as by their flourishing condition should show that they were indeed "the scion of God's planting, and the work of his hands;" under which images, in the preceding chapter, Isa 60:21, the true servants of God, in a highly improved state of the Church, were represented; that is, says Vitringa on that place, "commendable for the strength of their faith, their durability, and firmness." |
8 Herein [1722] [5129] is [1392] my [3450] Father [3962] glorified [1392], that [2443] ye bear [5342] much [4183] fruit [2590]; so [2532] shall ye be [1096] my [1699] disciples [3101].
21 Thy people [05971] also shall be all righteous [06662]: they shall inherit [03423] the land [0776] for ever [05769], the branch [05342] of my planting [04302], the work [04639] of my hands [03027], that I may be glorified [06286].
8 For he shall be as a tree [06086] planted [08362] by the waters [04325], and that spreadeth out [07971] her roots [08328] by the river [03105], and shall not see [07200] when heat [02527] cometh [0935], but her leaf [05929] shall be green [07488]; and shall not be careful [01672] in the year [08141] of drought [01226], neither shall cease [04185] from yielding [06213] fruit [06529].
12 The righteous [06662] shall flourish [06524] like the palm tree [08558]: he shall grow [07685] like a cedar [0730] in Lebanon [03844].
13 Those that be planted [08362] in the house [01004] of the LORD [03068] shall flourish [06524] in the courts [02691] of our God [0430].
14 They shall still bring forth fruit [05107] in old age [07872]; they shall be fat [01879] and flourishing [07488];
3 And he shall be like a tree [06086] planted [08362] by the rivers [06388] of water [04325], that bringeth forth [05414] his fruit [06529] in his season [06256]; his leaf [05929] also shall not wither [05034]; and whatsoever he doeth [06213] shall prosper [06743].
15 For the LORD [03068] shall smite [05221] Israel [03478], as a reed [07070] is shaken [05110] in the water [04325], and he shall root up [05428] Israel [03478] out of this good [02896] land [0127], which he gave [05414] to their fathers [01], and shall scatter [02219] them beyond [05676] the river [05104], because they have made [06213] their groves [0842], provoking the LORD [03068] to anger [03707].
3 A bruised [07533] reed [07070] shall he not break [07665], and the smoking [03544] flax [06594] shall he not quench [03518]: he shall bring forth [03318] judgment [04941] unto truth [0571].
29 For they shall be ashamed [0954] of the oaks [0352] which ye have desired [02530], and ye shall be confounded [02659] for the gardens [01593] that ye have chosen [0977].
30 For ye shall be as an oak [0424] whose leaf [05929] fadeth [05034], and as a garden [01593] that hath no water [04325].
20 Verily [281], verily [281], I say [3004] unto you [5213], That [3754] ye [5210] shall weep [2799] and [2532] lament [2354], but [1161] the world [2889] shall rejoice [5463]: and [1161] ye [5210] shall be sorrowful [3076], but [235] your [5216] sorrow [3077] shall be turned [1096] into [1519] joy [5479].
2 And Joab [03097] sent [07971] to Tekoah [08620], and fetched [03947] thence a wise [02450] woman [0802], and said [0559] unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner [056], and put on [03847] now mourning [060] apparel [0899], and anoint [05480] not thyself with oil [08081], but be as a woman [0802] that had a long [07227] time [03117] mourned [056] for the dead [04191]:
6 That drink [08354] wine [03196] in bowls [04219], and anoint [04886] themselves with the chief [07225] ointments [08081]: but they are not grieved [02470] for the affliction [07667] of Joseph [03130].
7 Thou lovest [0157] righteousness [06664], and hatest [08130] wickedness [07562]: therefore God [0430], thy God [0430], hath anointed [04886] thee with the oil [08081] of gladness [08342] above thy fellows [02270].
8 All thy garments [0899] smell of myrrh [04753], and aloes [0174], and cassia [07102], out of the ivory [08127] palaces [01964], whereby [04482] they have made thee glad [08055].
5 Thou preparest [06186] a table [07979] before [06440] me in the presence of mine enemies [06887]: thou anointest [01878] my head [07218] with oil [08081]; my cup [03563] runneth over [07310].
19 And Tamar [08559] put [03947] ashes [0665] on her head [07218], and rent [07167] her garment [03801] of divers colours [06446] that was on her, and laid [07760] her hand [03027] on her head [07218], and went [03212] on [01980] crying [02199].
17 Forbear [01826] to cry [0602], make [06213] no mourning [060] for the dead [04191], bind [02280] the tire of thine head [06287] upon thee, and put on [07760] thy shoes [05275] upon thy feet [07272], and cover [05844] not thy lips [08222], and eat [0398] not the bread [03899] of men [0582].
21 Thy people [05971] also shall be all righteous [06662]: they shall inherit [03423] the land [0776] for ever [05769], the branch [05342] of my planting [04302], the work [04639] of my hands [03027], that I may be glorified [06286].
13 But [1161] he answered [611] and said [2036], Every [3956] plant [5451], which [3739] my [3450] heavenly [3770] Father [3962] hath [5452] not [3756] planted [5452], shall be rooted up [1610].
21 Thy people [05971] also shall be all righteous [06662]: they shall inherit [03423] the land [0776] for ever [05769], the branch [05342] of my planting [04302], the work [04639] of my hands [03027], that I may be glorified [06286].
8 For he shall be as a tree [06086] planted [08362] by the waters [04325], and that spreadeth out [07971] her roots [08328] by the river [03105], and shall not see [07200] when heat [02527] cometh [0935], but her leaf [05929] shall be green [07488]; and shall not be careful [01672] in the year [08141] of drought [01226], neither shall cease [04185] from yielding [06213] fruit [06529].
3 And he shall be like a tree [06086] planted [08362] by the rivers [06388] of water [04325], that bringeth forth [05414] his fruit [06529] in his season [06256]; his leaf [05929] also shall not wither [05034]; and whatsoever he doeth [06213] shall prosper [06743].
12 The righteous [06662] shall flourish [06524] like the palm tree [08558]: he shall grow [07685] like a cedar [0730] in Lebanon [03844].
13 Those that be planted [08362] in the house [01004] of the LORD [03068] shall flourish [06524] in the courts [02691] of our God [0430].
14 They shall still bring forth fruit [05107] in old age [07872]; they shall be fat [01879] and flourishing [07488];
29 For they shall be ashamed [0954] of the oaks [0352] which ye have desired [02530], and ye shall be confounded [02659] for the gardens [01593] that ye have chosen [0977].
30 For ye shall be as an oak [0424] whose leaf [05929] fadeth [05034], and as a garden [01593] that hath no water [04325].
3 And what will ye do [06213] in the day [03117] of visitation [06486], and in the desolation [07722] which shall come [0935] from far [04801]? to whom will ye flee [05127] for help [05833]? and where will ye leave [05800] your glory [03519]?
4 Without me they shall [01115] bow down [03766] under the prisoners [0616], and they shall fall [05307] under the slain [02026]. For all this his anger [0639] is not turned away [07725], but his hand [03027] is stretched out still [05186].
39 Then the priest [03548] shall look [07200]: and, behold, if the bright spots [0934] in the skin [05785] of their flesh [01320] be darkish [03544] white [03836]; it is a freckled spot [0933] that groweth [06524] in the skin [05785]; he is clean [02889].
2 And it came to pass at that time [03117], when Eli [05941] was laid down [07901] in his place [04725], and his eyes [05869] began [02490] to wax dim [03544], that he could [03201] not see [07200];
3 A bruised [07533] reed [07070] shall he not break [07665], and the smoking [03544] flax [06594] shall he not quench [03518]: he shall bring forth [03318] judgment [04941] unto truth [0571].
3 A bruised [07533] reed [07070] shall he not break [07665], and the smoking [03544] flax [06594] shall he not quench [03518]: he shall bring forth [03318] judgment [04941] unto truth [0571].
2 And Joab [03097] sent [07971] to Tekoah [08620], and fetched [03947] thence a wise [02450] woman [0802], and said [0559] unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner [056], and put on [03847] now mourning [060] apparel [0899], and anoint [05480] not thyself with oil [08081], but be as a woman [0802] that had a long [07227] time [03117] mourned [056] for the dead [04191]:
9 And thou wentest [07788] to the king [04428] with ointment [08081], and didst increase [07235] thy perfumes [07547], and didst send [07971] thy messengers [06735] far off [07350], and didst debase [08213] thyself even unto hell [07585].
19 And Tamar [08559] put [03947] ashes [0665] on her head [07218], and rent [07167] her garment [03801] of divers colours [06446] that was on her, and laid [07760] her hand [03027] on her head [07218], and went [03212] on [01980] crying [02199].
5 Enflaming [02552] yourselves with idols [0410] under every green [07488] tree [06086], slaying [07819] the children [03206] in the valleys [05158] under the clifts [05585] of the rocks [05553]?
17 Forbear [01826] to cry [0602], make [06213] no mourning [060] for the dead [04191], bind [02280] the tire of thine head [06287] upon thee, and put on [07760] thy shoes [05275] upon thy feet [07272], and cover [05844] not thy lips [08222], and eat [0398] not the bread [03899] of men [0582].
18 So I spake [01696] unto the people [05971] in the morning [01242]: and at even [06153] my wife [0802] died [04191]; and I did [06213] in the morning [01242] as I was commanded [06680].
19 And the people [05971] said [0559] unto me, Wilt thou not tell [05046] us what these things are to us, that thou doest [06213] so?
20 Then I answered [0559] them, The word [01697] of the LORD [03068] came unto me, saying [0559],
21 Speak [0559] unto the house [01004] of Israel [03478], Thus saith [0559] the Lord [0136] GOD [03069]; Behold, I will profane [02490] my sanctuary [04720], the excellency [01347] of your strength [05797], the desire [04261] of your eyes [05869], and that which your soul [05315] pitieth [04263]; and your sons [01121] and your daughters [01323] whom ye have left [05800] shall fall [05307] by the sword [02719].
22 And ye shall do [06213] as I have done [06213]: ye shall not cover [05844] your lips [08222], nor eat [0398] the bread [03899] of men [0582].
23 And your tires [06287] shall be upon your heads [07218], and your shoes [05275] upon your feet [07272]: ye shall not mourn [05594] nor weep [01058]; but ye shall pine away [04743] for your iniquities [05771], and mourn [05098] one [0376] toward another [0251].
29 And a girdle [073] of fine twined [07806] linen [08336], and blue [08504], and purple [0713], and scarlet [08144] [08438], of needlework [07551] [04639]; as the LORD [03068] commanded [06680] Moses [04872].
10 I will greatly [07797] rejoice [07797] in the LORD [03068], my soul [05315] shall be joyful [01523] in my God [0430]; for he hath clothed [03847] me with the garments [0899] of salvation [03468], he hath covered [03271] me with the robe [04598] of righteousness [06666], as a bridegroom [02860] decketh [03547] himself with ornaments [06287], and as a bride [03618] adorneth [05710] herself with her jewels [03627].
20 The bonnets [06287], and the ornaments of the legs [06807], and the headbands [07196], and the tablets [05315] [01004], and the earrings [03908],
8 And the daughter [01323] of Zion [06726] is left [03498] as a cottage [05521] in a vineyard [03754], as a lodge [04412] in a garden of cucumbers [04750], as a besieged [05341] city [05892].
21 Thy people [05971] also shall be all righteous [06662]: they shall inherit [03423] the land [0776] for ever [05769], the branch [05342] of my planting [04302], the work [04639] of my hands [03027], that I may be glorified [06286].
2 And Joab [03097] sent [07971] to Tekoah [08620], and fetched [03947] thence a wise [02450] woman [0802], and said [0559] unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner [056], and put on [03847] now mourning [060] apparel [0899], and anoint [05480] not thyself with oil [08081], but be as a woman [0802] that had a long [07227] time [03117] mourned [056] for the dead [04191]: