King James Version

What Does Isaiah 29:19 Mean?

Isaiah 29:19 in the King James Version says “The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. incr...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. increase: Heb. add”

Isaiah 29:19 · KJV

Joy

Context

17

Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest?

18

And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.

19

The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. increase: Heb. add

20

For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:

21

That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought.

Read Isaiah 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD (וְיָסְפוּ עֲנָוִים בַּיהוָה שִׂמְחָה, veyasfu anavim baYHWH simchah)—the עֲנָוִים (anavim, meek, humble, afflicted) will יָסַף (yasaf, increase, add, multiply) in שִׂמְחָה (simchah, joy). And the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel (וְאֶבְיוֹנֵי אָדָם בִּקְדוֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל יָגִילוּ, ve'evyoney adam biQdosh Yisrael yagilu)—the אֶבְיוֹנִים (evyonim, poor, needy) will גִּיל (gil, rejoice, exult) in the קְדוֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל (Qedosh Yisrael, Holy One of Israel).

Mary's Magnificat echoes this: 'He hath put down the mighty... exalted them of low degree' (Luke 1:52). Jesus's first Beatitude: 'Blessed are the poor in spirit' (Matthew 5:3). The Kingdom inverts worldly hierarchies—the meek inherit earth, the mourning are comforted, the hungry are filled. This isn't romanticizing poverty but recognizing that those without human resources most readily depend on God. The 'poor' Isaiah references are covenant faithful who trust Yahweh despite material lack. Their joy isn't circumstantial but rooted in the Holy One's character.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Judaism divided between wealthy Sadducees (political collaborators) and poor masses. Jesus's ministry focused on the latter—'the poor have the gospel preached to them' (Matthew 11:5). James writes: 'Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith?' (James 2:5). The early church was predominantly poor and enslaved people (1 Corinthians 1:26-28), yet they possessed joy unspeakable.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why do the meek and poor often experience deeper joy in the LORD than the self-sufficient?
  2. How does material poverty sometimes (not always) position people to receive spiritual riches?
  3. In what areas do you need to become 'poor in spirit' to increase in joy?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְיָסְפ֧וּ1 of 9

“also shall increase”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

עֲנָוִ֛ים2 of 9

“The meek”

H6035

depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances (needy, especially saintly)

בַּֽיהוָ֖ה3 of 9

“in the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

שִׂמְחָ֑ה4 of 9

“their joy”

H8057

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

וְאֶבְיוֹנֵ֣י5 of 9

“and the poor”

H34

destitute

אָדָ֔ם6 of 9

“among men”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

בִּקְד֥וֹשׁ7 of 9

“in the Holy One”

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל8 of 9

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

יָגִֽילוּ׃9 of 9

“shall rejoice”

H1523

properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 29:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 29:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 2:5Isaiah 61:1Matthew 11:29Psalms 25:9Matthew 11:5Matthew 5:5

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