To preach the [a]acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of [b]vengeance of our God, to comfort all that mourn,

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, and to give unto them beauty for [c]ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of gladness for the spirit of heaviness, that they might be called [d]trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

And they shall build the old waste places, and raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the cities that were desolate and waste through many [e]generations.

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Footnotes

  1. Isaiah 61:2 The time when it pleased God to show his good favor to man, which S. Paul calleth the fullness of time, Gal. 4:4.
  2. Isaiah 61:2 For when God delivereth his Church, he punisheth his enemies.
  3. Isaiah 61:3 Which was the sign of mourning.
  4. Isaiah 61:3 Trees that bring forth good fruits, as Matt. 3:8.
  5. Isaiah 61:4 That is, for a long time.

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor(A)
    and the day of vengeance(B) of our God,
to comfort(C) all who mourn,(D)
    and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown(E) of beauty
    instead of ashes,(F)
the oil(G) of joy
    instead of mourning,(H)
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting(I) of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.(J)

They will rebuild the ancient ruins(K)
    and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
    that have been devastated for generations.

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