Old Testament
Isaiah 61:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
To proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;
Compare translations
To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
What Isaiah 61:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 61:2, the prophet speaks about a time of divine favor and justice. The 'year of the LORD's favor' signifies a period when God offers grace, mercy, and blessings to His people. This is contrasted with the 'day of vengeance,' which indicates a time when God will bring justice against wrongdoing. The verse emphasizes God's compassion, as it also mentions comforting those who mourn. This dual message of hope and judgment reflects God's character—He desires to uplift the brokenhearted while also addressing injustice. The proclamation of this message is significant, as it heralds a time of restoration and healing for those who are suffering. This passage is often seen as a foreshadowing of the coming Messiah, who would fulfill these promises of comfort and deliverance. Overall, it encapsulates the hope of redemption and the assurance that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, bringing both comfort and justice.
How to apply Isaiah 61:2 to your life
In our lives, we can find comfort in knowing that God cares for those who are hurting. We should also be advocates for justice, standing up for those who are oppressed. By sharing hope and support with others, we reflect God's love and compassion.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Isaiah 61:2
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Isaiah 61:2
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 61:2 mean?
Isaiah 61:2 speaks about a time when God offers grace and mercy to His people, referred to as the 'year of the LORD's favor.' It also mentions a 'day of vengeance,' indicating a time of divine justice against wrongdoing, highlighting God's compassion for those who mourn.
What is the meaning of the 'year of the LORD's favor' in Isaiah 61:2?
The 'year of the LORD's favor' in Isaiah 61:2 represents a period of grace and blessings from God, where He extends mercy and restoration to His people, offering hope and healing.
What does the 'day of vengeance' refer to in Isaiah 61:2?
The 'day of vengeance' in Isaiah 61:2 refers to a time when God will enact justice against wrongdoing, contrasting with the grace offered during the 'year of the LORD's favor.' It signifies God's commitment to address injustice.
How does Isaiah 61:2 provide comfort to those who mourn?
Isaiah 61:2 emphasizes God's desire to comfort those who mourn, assuring them that He cares for their pain and suffering. This verse highlights the dual message of hope and healing amidst grief.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.