King James Version

What Does Isaiah 61:7 Mean?

Isaiah 61:7 in the King James Version says “For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 61 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.

Isaiah 61:7 · KJV


Context

5

And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.

6

But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.

7

For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.

8

For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.

9

And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath blessed.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God promises comprehensive restoration: "For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion." The double-for-single exchange reverses Job's experience—he received double restoration after suffering (Job 42:10). "Shame" (bosheth) and "confusion" (kelimah) describe humiliation and disgrace. Instead comes "double" blessing and rejoicing in their inheritance (cheleq). The verse continues: "therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them." Simchat olam (everlasting joy) emphasizes permanent, not temporary, gladness. The double possession likely means comprehensive blessing—temporal and eternal, material and spiritual. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates the principle of overwhelming grace—God doesn't merely balance accounts but lavishes super-abundant blessing on the redeemed (Ephesians 1:7-8, Romans 5:20). Christ endured ultimate shame (Hebrews 12:2) so believers receive ultimate glory (Romans 8:17-18, 2 Corinthians 4:17). The temporary suffering of this age is incomparable to the eternal weight of glory awaiting believers.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The exile brought profound shame—Jerusalem destroyed, temple burned, people mocked by nations (Psalm 137:1-3, Lamentations 5:1). The returned remnant still experienced diminished circumstances and ongoing humiliation. God promised not just restoration to previous status but double blessing. Partial fulfillment came through Christ's inauguration of the kingdom, but complete fulfillment awaits the consummated kingdom where all shame ends forever (Revelation 21:4) and believers reign eternally (Revelation 22:5). The suffering church experiences this principle—present afflictions preparing eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, Romans 8:18).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's promise of 'double for your shame' provide comfort in present humiliation or suffering?
  2. What does 'everlasting joy' mean, and how does it differ from temporary happiness?
  3. How does Christ's enduring of shame secure our eternal glory?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
תַּ֤חַת1 of 14
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

בָּשְׁתְּכֶם֙2 of 14

For your shame

H1322

shame (the feeling and the condition, as well as its cause); by implication (specifically) an idol

מִשְׁנֶ֣ה3 of 14

the double

H4932

properly, a repetition, i.e., a duplicate (copy of a document), or a double (in amount); by implication, a second (in order, rank, age, quality or loc

וּכְלִמָּ֖ה4 of 14

and for confusion

H3639

disgrace

יָרֹ֣נּוּ5 of 14

they shall rejoice

H7442

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

חֶלְקָ֑ם6 of 14

in their portion

H2506

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

לָכֵ֤ן7 of 14
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

בְּאַרְצָם֙8 of 14

therefore in their land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִשְׁנֶ֣ה9 of 14

the double

H4932

properly, a repetition, i.e., a duplicate (copy of a document), or a double (in amount); by implication, a second (in order, rank, age, quality or loc

יִירָ֔שׁוּ10 of 14

they shall possess

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

שִׂמְחַ֥ת11 of 14

joy

H8057

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

עוֹלָ֖ם12 of 14

everlasting

H5769

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

תִּהְיֶ֥ה13 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָהֶֽם׃14 of 14
H0

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 61:7 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 61:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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