King James Version

What Does Isaiah 65:19 Mean?

Isaiah 65:19 in the King James Version says “And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the v...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 65 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.”

Isaiah 65:19 · KJV

Joy

Context

17

For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. come: Heb. come upon the heart

18

But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.

19

And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.

20

There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.

21

And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.

Read Isaiah 65 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's response to His new creation: "And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people." The mutual joy is profound—God rejoices in His people, and they in Him. The Hebrew gil (rejoice) and sus (joy) show God's delight in His work. Then comes the glorious promise: "and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying." The Hebrew bechi (weeping) and za'aqah (crying/outcry) encompass all sorrow. This directly parallels Revelation 21:4: "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying." From a Reformed perspective, this reveals God's ultimate purpose: His own joy in His people and their complete freedom from all suffering. The final state is characterized not just by absence of negative (no weeping) but presence of positive (mutual joy). God's delight in His redeemed people—the joy He has over them (Zephaniah 3:17)—consummates in eternal fellowship unmarred by any sorrow or pain.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The exile brought overwhelming weeping—Psalm 137:1, "By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept." Even after return, sorrow persisted due to diminished circumstances (Ezra 3:12, Nehemiah 1:4). Jesus wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41) and His people continue experiencing sorrow in this age (John 16:20-22). However, He promised their sorrow would turn to joy. Complete fulfillment awaits the consummated kingdom where God personally removes all tears and sources of sorrow (Revelation 7:17, 21:4). The transition from weeping to joy parallels believers' experience—present suffering preparing eternal glory (Romans 8:18, 2 Corinthians 4:17).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's rejoicing in His people shape our understanding of our value and purpose?
  2. What comfort does the promise of no more weeping provide in present sorrow?
  3. How should anticipation of God wiping away all tears shape our response to current suffering?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְגַלְתִּ֥י1 of 12

“And I will rejoice”

H1523

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

בִירוּשָׁלִַ֖ם2 of 12

“in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וְשַׂשְׂתִּ֣י3 of 12

“and joy”

H7797

to be bright, i.e., cheerful

בְעַמִּ֑י4 of 12

“in my people”

H5971

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

וְלֹֽא5 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִשָּׁמַ֥ע6 of 12

“shall be no more heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

בָּהּ֙7 of 12
H0
ע֔וֹד8 of 12
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

וְק֥וֹל9 of 12

“and the voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

בְּכִ֖י10 of 12

“of weeping”

H1065

a weeping; by analogy, a dripping

וְק֥וֹל11 of 12

“and the voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

זְעָקָֽה׃12 of 12

“of crying”

H2201

a shriek or outcry

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 65:19 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 65:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 21:4Revelation 7:17Isaiah 25:8Jeremiah 32:41Isaiah 35:10Isaiah 51:11

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Isaiah 65 →

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