Isaiah 61:4
Isaiah 61:4 in Multiple Translations
They will rebuild the ancient ruins; they will restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations.
¶ And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.
And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.
And they will be building again the old broken walls, and will make new the old waste places, and will put up again the towns which have been waste for long generations.
They will rebuild the old ruins; they will restore places abandoned long ago; they will restore towns that were destroyed, places left desolate for generation after generation.
And they shall builde the olde waste places, and raise vp the former desolations, and they shall repaire the cities that were desolate and waste through many generations.
And they have built the wastes of old, The desolations of the ancients they raise up, And they have renewed waste cities, The desolations of generation and generation.
They will rebuild the old ruins. They will raise up the former devastated places. They will repair the ruined cities that have been devastated for many generations.
And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.
And they shall build the places that have been waste from of old, and shall raise up ancient ruins, and shall repair the desolate cities, that were destroyed for generation and generation.
Those who return from Babylon will rebuild the cities that the soldiers from Babylon tore down. Even though those cities have been destroyed and abandoned for many years, they will be restored/rebuilt.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 61:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 61:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/בָנוּ֙
חָרְב֣וֹת
עוֹלָ֔ם
שֹׁמְמ֥וֹת
רִֽאשֹׁנִ֖ים
יְקוֹמֵ֑מוּ
וְ/חִדְּשׁוּ֙
עָ֣רֵי
חֹ֔רֶב
שֹׁמְמ֖וֹת
דּ֥וֹר
וָ/דֽוֹר
וּ/בָנוּ֙
bânâh
H1129
to build
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
חָרְב֣וֹת
chorbâh
H2723
desolation
N-fp
עוֹלָ֔ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
N-ms
שֹׁמְמ֥וֹת
shâmêm
H8074
be desolate
V-Qal
רִֽאשֹׁנִ֖ים
riʼshôwn
H7223
first
Adj
יְקוֹמֵ֑מוּ
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-o-Imperf-3mp
וְ/חִדְּשׁוּ֙
châdash
H2318
to renew
Conj | V-Piel-3cp
עָ֣רֵי
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fp
חֹ֔רֶב
chôreb
H2721
drought
N-ms
שֹׁמְמ֖וֹת
shâmêm
H8074
be desolate
V-Qal
דּ֥וֹר
dôwr
H1755
generation
N-ms
וָ/דֽוֹר
dôwr
H1755
generation
Conj | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 61:4
וּ/בָנוּ֙
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
חָרְב֣וֹת
chorbâh
H2723
"desolation"
N-fp
This word refers to a place that has been laid waste or destroyed, often due to war or disaster. In the Bible, it is used to describe the consequences of sin and disobedience. The prophet Ezekiel used this word to describe a desolate city.
Definition: a place laid waste, ruin, waste, desolation
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: decayed place, desolate (place, -tion), destruction, (laid) waste (place). See also: Leviticus 26:31; Jeremiah 27:17; Psalms 9:7.
עוֹלָ֔ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
שֹׁמְמ֥וֹת
shâmêm
H8074
"be desolate"
V-Qal
The word 'shamem' means to be desolate or devastated, like a place left empty and destroyed, often used to describe the aftermath of war or disaster.
Definition: : destroyed/deserted 1) to be desolate, be appalled, stun, stupefy 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be desolated, be deflowered, be deserted, be appalled 1a2) to be appalled, be awestruck 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be desolated, be made desolate 1b2) to be appalled 1c) (Polel) 1c1) to be stunned 1c2) appalling, causing horror (participle) 1c2a) horror-causer, appaller (subst) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to devastate, ravage, make desolated 1d2) to appal, show horror 1e) (Hophal) to lay desolate, be desolated 1f) (Hithpolel) 1f1) to cause to be desolate 1f2) to be appalled, be astounded 1f3) to cause oneself desolation, cause oneself ruin
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: make amazed, be astonied, (be an) astonish(-ment), (be, bring into, unto, lay, lie, make) desolate(-ion, places), be destitute, destroy (self), (lay, lie, make) waste, wonder. See also: Leviticus 26:22; Jeremiah 50:13; Psalms 40:16.
רִֽאשֹׁנִ֖ים
riʼshôwn
H7223
"first"
Adj
This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.
Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.
יְקוֹמֵ֑מוּ
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-o-Imperf-3mp
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
וְ/חִדְּשׁוּ֙
châdash
H2318
"to renew"
Conj | V-Piel-3cp
This Hebrew word means to renew or repair something, making it new again. It is used in the Bible to describe rebuilding or restoring something, and can also mean to renew oneself. The KJV translates it as 'renew' or 'repair'.
Definition: 1) to be new, renew, repair 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to renew, make anew 1a2) to repair 1b) (Hithpael) to renew oneself
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: renew, repair. See also: 1 Samuel 11:14; Psalms 51:12; Psalms 103:5.
עָ֣רֵי
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
חֹ֔רֶב
chôreb
H2721
"drought"
N-ms
The Bible uses this word to describe a state of drought or desolation, often as a result of sin. In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses warned the Israelites of desolation if they disobeyed God. It is also used in the book of Jeremiah.
Definition: 1) dryness, drought, heat 1a) dryness 1b) drought 1c) parching heat
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: desolation, drought, dry, heat, [idiom] utterly, waste. See also: Genesis 31:40; Isaiah 25:5; Isaiah 4:6.
שֹׁמְמ֖וֹת
shâmêm
H8074
"be desolate"
V-Qal
The word 'shamem' means to be desolate or devastated, like a place left empty and destroyed, often used to describe the aftermath of war or disaster.
Definition: : destroyed/deserted 1) to be desolate, be appalled, stun, stupefy 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be desolated, be deflowered, be deserted, be appalled 1a2) to be appalled, be awestruck 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be desolated, be made desolate 1b2) to be appalled 1c) (Polel) 1c1) to be stunned 1c2) appalling, causing horror (participle) 1c2a) horror-causer, appaller (subst) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to devastate, ravage, make desolated 1d2) to appal, show horror 1e) (Hophal) to lay desolate, be desolated 1f) (Hithpolel) 1f1) to cause to be desolate 1f2) to be appalled, be astounded 1f3) to cause oneself desolation, cause oneself ruin
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: make amazed, be astonied, (be an) astonish(-ment), (be, bring into, unto, lay, lie, make) desolate(-ion, places), be destitute, destroy (self), (lay, lie, make) waste, wonder. See also: Leviticus 26:22; Jeremiah 50:13; Psalms 40:16.
דּ֥וֹר
dôwr
H1755
"generation"
N-ms
This word refers to a period of time or a generation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people living at the same time. In the book of Psalms, it describes a generation of people who follow God.
Definition: 1) period, generation, habitation, dwelling 1a) period, age, generation (period of time) 1b) generation (those living during a period) 1c) generation (characterised by quality, condition, class of men) 1d) dwelling-place, habitation Aramaic equivalent: dar (דָּר "generation" H1859)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity. See also: Genesis 6:9; Esther 9:28; Psalms 10:6.
וָ/דֽוֹר
dôwr
H1755
"generation"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to a period of time or a generation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people living at the same time. In the book of Psalms, it describes a generation of people who follow God.
Definition: 1) period, generation, habitation, dwelling 1a) period, age, generation (period of time) 1b) generation (those living during a period) 1c) generation (characterised by quality, condition, class of men) 1d) dwelling-place, habitation Aramaic equivalent: dar (דָּר "generation" H1859)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity. See also: Genesis 6:9; Esther 9:28; Psalms 10:6.
Study Notes — Isaiah 61:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 61:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 61:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 61:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 61:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 61:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 61:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 61:4
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 61:4
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 61:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 61:4
- Sermons on Isaiah 61:4
Context — The Year of the LORD’s Favor
2to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of our God’s vengeance, to comfort all who mourn,
3to console the mourners in Zion— to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.
4They will rebuild the ancient ruins; they will restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations.
5Strangers will stand and feed your flocks, and foreigners will be your plowmen and vinedressers. 6But you will be called the priests of the LORD; they will speak of you as ministers of our God; you will feed on the wealth of nations, and you will boast in their riches.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 58:12 | Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will restore the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of the Streets of Dwelling. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 36:33–36 | This is what the Lord GOD says: On the day I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will cause the cities to be resettled and the ruins to be rebuilt. The desolate land will be cultivated instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass through. Then they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden. The cities that were once ruined, desolate, and destroyed are now fortified and inhabited.’ Then the nations around you that remain will know that I, the LORD, have rebuilt what was destroyed, and I have replanted what was desolate. I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will do it. |
| 3 | Amos 9:14–15 | I will restore My people Israel from captivity; they will rebuild and inhabit the ruined cities. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit. I will firmly plant them in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land that I have given them,” says the LORD your God. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 36:23–26 | I will show the holiness of My great name, which has been profaned among the nations—the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Lord GOD, when I show My holiness in you before their eyes. For I will take you from among the nations and gather you out of all the countries, and I will bring you back into your own land. I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. |
| 5 | Isaiah 49:6–8 | He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.” Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel, to Him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the Servant of rulers: “Kings will see You and rise, and princes will bow down, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen You.” This is what the LORD says: “In the time of favor I will answer You, and in the day of salvation I will help You; I will keep You and appoint You to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land, to apportion its desolate inheritances, |
Isaiah 61:4 Summary
Isaiah 61:4 promises that God will rebuild and restore the ancient ruins, bringing new life and beauty to places that have been devastated. This verse reminds us that God is a God of restoration and renewal, and that He can bring new purpose and life to areas of our lives that have been broken. As we trust in God's power and faithfulness, we can see His restoration in our lives, just as He promises in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28. By trusting in God's plan, we can participate in His work of rebuilding and restoring the world, and experience the joy and beauty of His restoration in our own lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to rebuild the ancient ruins in Isaiah 61:4?
This verse refers to the restoration of places that have been devastated for many generations, and it is a promise that God will bring new life and beauty to these areas, as seen in Isaiah 58:12 and Ezekiel 36:33-36.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's favor mentioned in Isaiah 61:2?
The rebuilding of ancient ruins is a result of God's favor, which brings comfort and restoration to those who have been mourning, as mentioned in Isaiah 61:2-3, and is a fulfillment of God's promise to redeem and restore His people, as seen in Psalm 107:35-37.
What is the significance of renewing ruined cities in this verse?
The renewal of ruined cities symbolizes the restoration of God's people, both physically and spiritually, and is a testament to God's power and faithfulness, as seen in Jeremiah 31:38-40 and Revelation 21:4-5.
How does this verse apply to our lives today?
This verse reminds us that God is a God of restoration and renewal, and that He can bring new life and purpose to areas of our lives that have been devastated or broken, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Romans 8:28-30.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life that feel like ancient ruins, and how can I trust God to rebuild and restore them?
- How can I participate in God's work of rebuilding and restoring the lives of those around me, as mentioned in Matthew 25:31-46 and Galatians 6:2?
- What does it mean for me to be a part of God's plan to renew and restore the world, as seen in Isaiah 65:17-25 and Revelation 21:1-4?
- How can I balance the desire to see God's restoration in my life with the reality of living in a broken world, as seen in Romans 8:18-25 and 2 Peter 3:13?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 61:4
And they shall build the old wastes,.... The captives set at liberty, and who are called trees of righteousness, and the planting of the Lord; righteous and good men, who shall be employed in the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 61:4
And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 61:4
See . As it is applied to gospel times, the meaning may be, that Gentilism, which was as a wilderness overgrown with briers and thorns, shall be cultivated; and those cities and provinces of the Gentiles that lay as it were waste, void of all true religion, shall now by the ministry of the word be edified in the true worship of God.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 61:4
Isaiah 61:4 And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.Ver. 4. And they shall build the old wastes.] Desolationes saeculi, the Gentiles that have long lain forlorn and desolate, as ruined houses; or the wild waste, shall, by the apostles and other doctors of the Church, be brought to Christ, and built up in holiness. And they shall repair.] The same thing is four different times said over for better assurance, and to set forth the miracle.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 61:4
(4) They shall build the old wastes . . .—Literally the waste places of olden time: i.e., not merely the cities that had fallen into ruins during the exile, but those that had been lying waste for generations. The words are parallel with those of Isa 58:12. By some commentators strangers is supplied from Isaiah 61:5 as the implied subject, as in Isaiah 60:10. Here, however, it would seem as if the prophet looked on the rebuilding as being Israel’s own work, while service of another kind was assigned to the aliens.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 61:4
Verse 4. "And they that spring from thee"] A word is lost here likewise. After ובנו ubanu, "they shall build," add ממך mimmecha, they that spring from thee. Four MSS. have it so, (two of them ancient,) and one of mine has it in the margin, and it is confirmed by Isaiah 58:12, where the sentence is the very same, this word being here added. Kimchi makes the same remark: "the word ממך mimmecha is omitted here; but is found in Isaiah 58:12." The desolations of many generations] It seems that these words cannot refer to the Jews in the Babylonish captivity, for they were not there many generations; but it may refer to their dispersions and state of ruin since the advent of our Lord; and consequently this may be a promise of the restoration of the Jewish people.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 61:4
4. Comp. ch. Isaiah 49:8, Isaiah 58:12, Isaiah 60:10.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 61:4
And they shall build the old wastes - (See the notes at Isaiah 58:12).
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 61:4
4. And they — The strong flourishing “trees of righteousness,” of Isaiah 61:3; the sound and the efficient, whom the grace of the Gospel brought out and made grand workers in Messiah’s kingdom.
Sermons on Isaiah 61:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Pdf Book) Forty Mountain Peaks by Bakht Singh | Bakht Singh illustrates the journey of salvation as a series of mountain peaks, emphasizing that just as one must climb to see the full beauty of mountains, believers must ascend s |
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Revival in the Book of Ezra - Part 5 by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of the prophet Zachariah and the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the walls, which we |
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(Israel) Preaching Christ With Authority by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God with spiritual authority. He shares a personal experience of a young man who came seeking wisdom |
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Charlotte Seminar 5-25-00 Pm by George Warnock | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of God spreading a table and inviting people to partake in a feast. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God's burden and not t |
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What Is a Good Work by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the concept of pleasure and how it can lead people away from total obedience to God. The speaker shares a personal experience of being distr |
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What Will We Do When Jesus Knocks? by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following God's chosen fast, which involves helping those in need and showing compassion. He highlights the power of God t |
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(Apostolic Vision) the Healing Community by Dale Heisey | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the process of restoring someone who has fallen into sin within the church community. He shares a specific example of a young man who engaged |