King James Version

What Does Isaiah 61:1 Mean?

Isaiah 61:1 in the King James Version says “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath s...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 61 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted , to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;”

Isaiah 61:1 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

1

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted , to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

2

To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

3

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Read Isaiah 61 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This prophetic passage, which Jesus read in the Nazareth synagogue and declared fulfilled (Luke 4:17-21), describes the Spirit-anointed Messiah's mission. 'The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me'—divine empowerment for ministry. 'Anointed me'—mashach, the root of Messiah (anointed one), designating Him for prophetic, priestly, and kingly service. His mission includes: 'preach good tidings unto the meek'—announcing the gospel (euangelion) to the humble and poor; 'bind up the brokenhearted'—healing emotional and spiritual wounds; 'proclaim liberty to the captives'—spiritual freedom from sin's bondage; 'the opening of the prison to them that are bound'—releasing those imprisoned by sin, Satan, and death. This is Christ's job description—bringing holistic salvation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah likely spoke initially of his own prophetic ministry, but Jesus's application showed it pointed ultimately to Himself. The concepts of jubilee (liberty, release) rooted in Levitical law found ultimate fulfillment in Christ's spiritual liberation. When Jesus read this passage in Luke 4:18-19, He stopped mid-sentence (before 'the day of vengeance'), indicating His first coming focused on salvation; His second coming will bring judgment. The early church understood their mission continued Christ's work: preaching the gospel, healing broken hearts, liberating captives from sin through the Spirit's power.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's mission described here address your specific needs—whether brokenness, captivity to sin, or spiritual poverty?
  2. In what ways are you called to participate in Christ's continuing mission of preaching good news, healing hearts, and proclaiming liberty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
ר֛וּחַ1 of 20

“The Spirit”

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

אֲדֹנָ֥י2 of 20

“of the Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִ֖ה3 of 20

“GOD”

H3069

god

עָלָ֑י4 of 20
H5921

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

יַ֡עַן5 of 20
H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

מָשַׁח֩6 of 20

“hath anointed”

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

יְהוָ֨ה7 of 20

“is upon me because the LORD”

H3068

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

אֹתִ֜י8 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לְבַשֵּׂ֣ר9 of 20

“me to preach good tidings”

H1319

properly, to be fresh, i.e., full (rosy, figuratively cheerful); to announce (glad news)

עֲנָוִ֗ים10 of 20

“unto the meek”

H6035

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

שְׁלָחַ֙נִי֙11 of 20

“he hath sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

לַחֲבֹ֣שׁ12 of 20

“me to bind up”

H2280

to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule

לְנִשְׁבְּרֵי13 of 20

“the brokenhearted”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

לֵ֔ב14 of 20
H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

לִקְרֹ֤א15 of 20

“to proclaim”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לִשְׁבוּיִם֙16 of 20

“to the captives”

H7617

to transport into captivity

דְּר֔וֹר17 of 20

“liberty”

H1865

freedom; hence, spontaneity of outflow, and so clear

וְלַאֲסוּרִ֖ים18 of 20

“to them that are bound”

H631

to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle

פְּקַח19 of 20
H0
קֽוֹחַ׃20 of 20

“and the opening of the prison”

H6495

opening (of a dungeon), i.e., jail-delivery (figuratively, salvation for sin)

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 61:1 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 61:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 4:18-19Luke 7:22Isaiah 42:7Matthew 11:5Psalms 147:3Isaiah 42:1

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