Old Testament
Isaiah 65:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Instead, be glad and rejoice forever in what I'm creating! I am making Jerusalem a place of delight and her people a source of joy.
Compare translations
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.
What Isaiah 65:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 65:18, God expresses His intention to create a new and joyful reality for Jerusalem and its people. This verse emphasizes the transformation that God is bringing about, where Jerusalem will be a place of delight, and its inhabitants will experience true joy. The call to rejoice forever highlights the importance of celebrating God's creative work and the hope that comes with it. This promise of joy is not just for the physical city but also for the spiritual renewal of its people. The verse encourages believers to look forward to the future God is shaping, filled with happiness and fulfillment. It serves as a reminder that despite current struggles, God is actively working to bring about a joyful existence for His people, inviting them to participate in this joy and to rejoice in His plans.
How to apply Isaiah 65:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to find joy in God's ongoing work in our lives and communities. We can actively participate in creating a positive environment by celebrating the good around us and fostering joy in our relationships. Embrace the hope that God brings through His creations.
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 Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. 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.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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 65:18
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 65:18
Related Bible verses
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 65:18 mean?
Isaiah 65:18 expresses God's promise to create a joyful and transformed Jerusalem, where its people will experience true delight and happiness. It emphasizes the hope and renewal that God brings to His people.
What is the significance of joy in Isaiah 65:18?
Joy in Isaiah 65:18 signifies the positive change God is bringing about in Jerusalem and its inhabitants. It highlights the importance of celebrating God's creative work and the fulfillment that comes with it.
How does Isaiah 65:18 relate to hope?
Isaiah 65:18 relates to hope by assuring that God is actively working to bring joy and transformation to His people. It invites believers to look forward to a future filled with happiness and fulfillment.
What does 'create Jerusalem a rejoicing' mean in Isaiah 65:18?
'Create Jerusalem a rejoicing' means that God will transform the city into a place of joy and delight, reflecting His intention to renew both the city and its people spiritually and emotionally.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.