King James Version

What Does Isaiah 35:2 Mean?

Isaiah 35:2 in the King James Version says “It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the exc... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.

Isaiah 35:2 · KJV


Context

1

The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.

2

It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.

3

Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.

4

Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. fearful: Heb. hasty


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The abundant blossoming and joyful singing demonstrate complete transformation. Lebanon's glory, Carmel's excellence, and Sharon's beauty represent the pinnacle of natural splendor. The promise that "they shall see the glory of the LORD" connects natural restoration to theophany—seeing God Himself is the ultimate blessing. This anticipates the new creation where God's glory illuminates everything (Revelation 21:23). The "excellency of our God" emphasizes covenant relationship ("our God") as the source of all blessing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Lebanon (cedars), Carmel (vineyards), and Sharon (flowers) were regions famous for natural beauty in ancient Israel. Isaiah uses them to depict abundant restoration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does seeing God's glory bring greater joy than any earthly blessing?
  2. What does the promise of transformation teach about God's power over seemingly impossible situations?
  3. How should future glory shape our present worship and service?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
תִּפְרַ֜ח1 of 19

It shall blossom

H6524

to break forth as a bud, i.e., bloom; generally, to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the wings); figuratively, to flourish

תִּפְרַ֜ח2 of 19

It shall blossom

H6524

to break forth as a bud, i.e., bloom; generally, to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the wings); figuratively, to flourish

וְתָגֵ֗ל3 of 19

and rejoice

H1523

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

אַ֚ף4 of 19
H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

גִּילַ֣ת5 of 19

even with joy

H1525

joy

וְרַנֵּ֔ן6 of 19
H7442

properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)

כְבוֹד7 of 19

the glory

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

הַלְּבָנוֹן֙8 of 19

of Lebanon

H3844

lebanon, a mountain range in palestine

נִתַּן9 of 19

shall be given

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָ֔הּ10 of 19
H0
הֲדַ֥ר11 of 19

and the excellency

H1926

magnificence, i.e., ornament or splendor

הַכַּרְמֶ֖ל12 of 19

of Carmel

H3760

karmel, the name of a hill and of a town in palestine

וְהַשָּׁר֑וֹן13 of 19

and Sharon

H8289

sharon, the name of a place in palestine

הֵ֛מָּה14 of 19
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

יִרְא֥וּ15 of 19

they shall see

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כְבוֹד16 of 19

the glory

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

יְהוָ֖ה17 of 19

of the LORD

H3068

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

הֲדַ֥ר18 of 19

and the excellency

H1926

magnificence, i.e., ornament or splendor

אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃19 of 19

of our God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of


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 35:2 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 35:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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