Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.

ISAIAH 49:13KJV
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Isaiah 49:13 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 49:13 mean?

Isaiah 49:13 calls on the heavens, the earth, and the mountains to rejoice because the LORD has brought comfort and mercy to His people, especially those who are suffering. The verse pictures all creation celebrating God's compassion and care for those who are afflicted.

In this part of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking to the people of Israel, who have experienced hardship and exile. The verse uses poetic language to show that God's comfort is so great that even the natural world is invited to join in the celebration. This moment comes after promises of restoration and hope for people who have felt abandoned or oppressed.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 49:13

  • "Comforted" (נִחַם, nicham) means to bring relief or consolation, often after a time of sorrow or loss. Here, it highlights that God's response to His people's suffering is not distant, but deeply caring and restorative.
  • "Afflicted" (עָנִי, ani) refers to those who are poor, humble, or suffering. The verse singles out these people as special recipients of God's mercy, emphasizing that divine compassion is directed especially toward the vulnerable.
  • "Mercy" (רִחַם, richam) carries the sense of tender compassion, similar to the care a parent shows a child. This word underlines the warmth and depth of God's response to His people's pain.

Why Isaiah 49:13 matters

  • Isaiah 49:13 clarifies that God's comfort is not just for the nation as a whole, but especially for those who are most afflicted or downtrodden, correcting any idea that divine care is only for the strong or prominent.
  • The verse connects the restoration of Israel to a cosmic scale, inviting all creation to witness and celebrate God's mercy, which shows the far-reaching impact of His compassion.
  • By placing this call to rejoice after promises of restoration, Isaiah 49:13 helps readers see that hope and comfort are central to God's message, even in the midst of suffering.

Where else these words appear

“forth” Hebrew H6476 · used in 8 verses

  • Psalms 98:4 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
  • Isaiah 44:23 Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.
  • Isaiah 54:1 Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.

“singing” Hebrew H7440 · used in 33 verses

  • 1 Kings 8:28 Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day:
  • Psalms 105:43 And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness:
  • Isaiah 35:10 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

“mercy” Hebrew H7355 · used in 43 verses

  • Exodus 33:19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.
  • Isaiah 30:18 And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.
  • Jeremiah 42:12 And I will shew mercies unto you, that he may have mercy upon you, and cause you to return to your own land.

“joyful” 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 35:1 The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.