King James Version

What Does Isaiah 49:13 Mean?

Isaiah 49:13 in the King James Version says “Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his peop...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 49 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.”

Isaiah 49:13 · KJV

Context

11

And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted.

12

Behold, these shall come from far: and, lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim.

13

Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.

14

But Zion said, The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me.

15

Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. that: Heb. from having compassion

Read Isaiah 49 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted. This cosmic summons to praise reflects the Hebrew concept that all creation participates in worshiping its Creator. The threefold address—heavens, earth, mountains—encompasses the entire created order in a liturgical call to celebrate God's redemptive work. The verb rannenu (רַנְּנוּ, "sing") conveys joyous shouting, not mere melodic singing.

The dual grounds for praise are God's comfort (nicham, נִחַם) and mercy (racham, רָחַם). The first term suggests consolation and relief from distress; the second derives from the word for "womb," indicating deep, motherly compassion. This reveals God's tender heart toward His afflicted people—a comfort rooted not in their merit but in His covenant faithfulness.

From a Reformed perspective, this anticipates the complete restoration accomplished through Christ's redemptive work. Paul echoes this cosmic rejoicing in Romans 8:19-22, where creation itself awaits liberation. The comforting of God's people finds ultimate expression in the new creation where God dwells with humanity and "wipe away all tears from their eyes" (Revelation 21:3-4). This verse demonstrates that redemption has cosmic implications—Christ came to reconcile "all things unto himself" (Colossians 1:20).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The call for creation to sing parallels ancient Near Eastern hymnic traditions where nature elements are personified. However, unlike pagan mythology where natural features were deified, Isaiah maintains strict monotheism—creation worships the one true God. This poetic device appears frequently in Hebrew poetry (Psalms 96:11-12, 98:7-8).

For exiled Israelites, this prophecy of divine comfort would have contrasted sharply with their circumstances of captivity and loss. The Babylonian conquest destroyed Jerusalem, the temple, and the Davidic monarchy—core elements of Israelite identity. Isaiah's promise that the LORD would comfort and show mercy despite their affliction pointed toward hope beyond immediate circumstances, trusting in God's unchanging covenant faithfulness regardless of present suffering.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the cosmic scope of redemption expand your understanding of salvation's significance?
  2. What specific afflictions in your life need God's motherly compassion today?
  3. How might you participate in creation's worship of God's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
רָנּ֤וּ1 of 13

“Sing”

H7442

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

שָׁמַ֙יִם֙2 of 13

“O heavens”

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וְגִ֣ילִי3 of 13

“and be joyful”

H1523

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

אָ֔רֶץ4 of 13

“O earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יּפִצְח֥וּ5 of 13

“and break forth”

H6476

to break out (in joyful sound)

הָרִ֖ים6 of 13

“O mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

רִנָּ֑ה7 of 13

“into singing”

H7440

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

כִּֽי8 of 13
H3588

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

נִחַ֤ם9 of 13

“hath comforted”

H5162

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

יְהוָה֙10 of 13

“for the LORD”

H3068

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

עַמּ֔וֹ11 of 13

“his people”

H5971

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

וַֽעֲנִיָּ֖ו12 of 13

“upon his afflicted”

H6041

depressed, in mind or circumstances

יְרַחֵֽם׃13 of 13

“and will have mercy”

H7355

to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate

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 49:13 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 49:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 44:23Isaiah 51:3Psalms 96:11-13Luke 2:13-14Isaiah 52:9Isaiah 40:1-2

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