King James Version

What Does Isaiah 35:10 Mean?

Isaiah 35:10 in the King James Version says “And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Isaiah 35:10 · KJV


Context

8

And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. but: or, for he shall be with them

9

No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there:

10

And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The "ransomed of the LORD" returning to Zion with singing depicts triumphant homecoming. "Everlasting joy" and sorrow fleeing away describe permanent transformation from mourning to gladness. Revelation 21:4 echoes this promise in the new creation. The "ransomed" (Hebrew "paduwy") emphasizes payment of redemption price, pointing to Christ's atoning work. This glorious procession anticipates believers' entry into heaven's rest, welcomed with joy unspeakable.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy encouraged exiles with promise of return from Babylon, but its ultimate fulfillment awaits Christ's gathering of all the redeemed.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's ransom price secure our eternal joy and banish sorrow?
  2. What does everlasting joy look like compared to temporary earthly pleasures?
  3. How should the certainty of this future joy affect our present perspective on suffering?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וּפְדוּיֵ֨י1 of 16

And the ransomed

H6299

to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve

יְהוָ֜ה2 of 16

of the LORD

H3068

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

יְשֻׁב֗וּן3 of 16

shall return

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וּבָ֤אוּ4 of 16

and come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

צִיּוֹן֙5 of 16

to Zion

H6726

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

בְּרִנָּ֔ה6 of 16

with songs

H7440

properly, a creaking (or shrill sound), i.e., shout (of joy or grief)

וְשִׂמְחָה֙7 of 16

joy

H8057

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

עוֹלָ֖ם8 of 16

and everlasting

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

עַל9 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רֹאשָׁ֑ם10 of 16

upon their heads

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

שָׂשׂ֤וֹן11 of 16

and gladness

H8342

cheerfulness; specifically, welcome

וְשִׂמְחָה֙12 of 16

joy

H8057

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

יַשִּׂ֔יגוּ13 of 16

they shall obtain

H5381

to reach (literally or figuratively)

וְנָ֖סוּ14 of 16

shall flee away

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

יָג֥וֹן15 of 16

and sorrow

H3015

affliction

וַאֲנָחָֽה׃16 of 16

and sighing

H585

sighing


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 35:10 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 35:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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