King James Version

What Does Isaiah 30:19 Mean?

Isaiah 30:19 in the King James Version says “For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voic...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.”

Isaiah 30:19 · KJV

Context

17

One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill. a beacon: or, a tree bereft of branches, or, boughs: or, a mast

18

And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.

19

For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.

20

And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers: affliction: or, oppression

21

And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

Read Isaiah 30 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem—After exile threats, restoration is promised. The Hebrew emphasizes permanence: shall dwell (יָשַׁב/yashav), not merely visit but settle and abide. Thou shalt weep no more (בָּכֹה לֹא־תִבְכֶּה/bakho lo-tivkeh)—emphatic Hebrew construction: "weeping you shall not weep," absolutely no more tears. This anticipates Revelation 21:4, "God shall wipe away all tears."

He will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry—Chanan (gracious) appears again with intensive force. The moment you cry out (זְעָקָה/ze'aqah), the desperate shriek of anguish, he will answer thee (יַעֲנֶךָּ/ya'anekka). God's response is immediate and personal. This is covenant faithfulness: God hears his people's cries (Exodus 3:7).

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Historical & Cultural Context

For exiles in Babylon, this promise of dwelling again in Jerusalem was precious hope. The return under Ezra and Nehemiah partially fulfilled this, but the ultimate fulfillment awaits the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2-3) where God dwells with his people forever. Early Christians understood this as the church age expansion to all nations and final consummation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'Zion'—place of God's dwelling—are you longing to reach in your spiritual journey?
  2. How does God's promise to answer your cry immediately encourage you in current struggles?
  3. In what ways does this verse point you toward the hope of the New Jerusalem?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
כִּי1 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עַ֛ם2 of 14

“For the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

בְּצִיּ֥וֹן3 of 14

“in Zion”

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

יֵשֵׁ֖ב4 of 14

“shall dwell”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם5 of 14

“at Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

תִבְכֶּ֗ה6 of 14

“no more”

H1058

to weep; generally to bemoan

לֹֽא7 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִבְכֶּ֗ה8 of 14

“no more”

H1058

to weep; generally to bemoan

יָחְנְךָ֙9 of 14

“gracious”

H2603

properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)

יָחְנְךָ֙10 of 14

“gracious”

H2603

properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)

לְק֣וֹל11 of 14

“unto thee at the voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

זַעֲקֶ֔ךָ12 of 14

“of thy cry”

H2199

to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly

כְּשָׁמְעָת֖וֹ13 of 14

“when he shall hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

עָנָֽךְ׃14 of 14

“it he will answer”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

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 30:19 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 30:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 60:20Psalms 50:15Isaiah 65:24Isaiah 58:9Matthew 7:7-111 John 5:14-15

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
ZionSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E148 verses across 19 books
View all places in Isaiah 30 →

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