The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

ISAIAH 29:19KJV
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Isaiah 29:19 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 29:19 mean?

Isaiah 29:19 says that people who are humble and those who are poor will find greater joy in the LORD, and they will celebrate in the Holy One of Israel. The verse promises that those who have been lowly or overlooked will experience happiness and gladness because of their relationship with God.

Isaiah is speaking to the people of Jerusalem during a time of warning and hope. The verse comes in a section where God, through Isaiah, is describing both judgment and future restoration. Here, Isaiah highlights that God’s blessing and joy are especially for the meek and the poor, not just the powerful or wealthy, showing God’s care for those often left out.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 29:19

  • "meek" (עָנָו, ‘anav): This word refers to people who are humble, lowly, or gentle, often those who do not push themselves forward. In this context, it points to those who trust God rather than their own strength.
  • "increase" (יָסַף, yasaf): This word means to add or multiply. It shows that the joy of the humble will not just appear but will grow or become greater.
  • "joy" (שִׂמְחָה, simchah): This word means gladness or happiness. The verse emphasizes that true happiness comes from the LORD, not from circumstances.
  • "poor" (אֶבְיוֹן, ’evyon): This word describes those who are needy or lacking in material things. The verse assures that even those who have little will find reason to rejoice in God.

Why Isaiah 29:19 matters

  • Isaiah 29:19 corrects the idea that only the rich or powerful are favored by God, showing that God’s joy is especially for the humble and needy.
  • The verse connects to the larger message of Isaiah 29, where God promises to reverse the fortunes of those who have suffered or been overlooked.
  • This verse highlights a consistent theme in the Bible: God values humility and lifts up those who depend on Him, not those who rely on their own status or strength.

Where else these words appear

“meek” Hebrew H6035 · used in 24 verses

  • Numbers 12:3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)
  • Psalms 25:9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
  • Proverbs 14:21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

“rejoice” Hebrew H1523 · used in 44 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 16:31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.
  • Psalms 89:16 In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.
  • Isaiah 35:2 It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.

“poor” Hebrew H34 · used in 58 verses

  • Exodus 23:6 Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause.
  • Psalms 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
  • Proverbs 30:14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

“joy” Hebrew H8057 · used in 89 verses

  • Genesis 31:27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
  • Esther 9:17 On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:26 For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.