The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

ISAIAH 61:1KJV
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Isaiah 61:1 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 61:1 mean?

Isaiah 61:1 describes someone speaking about being chosen and empowered by God’s Spirit to bring good news to humble people, heal those with broken hearts, announce freedom for captives, and open the way for those who are imprisoned. The verse highlights a mission of comfort, hope, and liberation for people who are suffering or oppressed.

In this verse, the speaker is traditionally understood to be a prophet—Isaiah himself or a future anointed figure—declaring God’s purpose for him. The setting is one of hardship, where God’s people need encouragement and restoration. The verse sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, which continues with promises of renewal and justice.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 61:1

  • "Spirit" (רוּחַ, ruach): This word means breath, wind, or spirit. Here, it emphasizes that the speaker’s authority and power come from God’s own presence, not from personal strength.
  • "Anointed" (מָשַׁח, mashach): To anoint means to pour oil on someone as a sign of being set apart for a special role. In ancient Israel, kings, priests, and prophets were anointed, marking them as chosen by God for a task.
  • "Tidings" (בָּשַׂר, basar): This word means to bring good news. It is often used for joyful announcements, especially those that change someone’s situation for the better.
  • "Meek" (עָנָו, anav): This term refers to people who are humble, lowly, or oppressed. The focus is on those who are not powerful or proud, but who are in need of help.

Why Isaiah 61:1 matters

  • Isaiah 61:1 clarifies that the message is directed especially to those who are suffering or overlooked, not just to the powerful or privileged.
  • The verse shows that God’s chosen servant is sent to meet real needs—spiritual, emotional, and physical—rather than just offering words.
  • This verse is later quoted in the New Testament (Luke 4:18) as being fulfilled in Jesus, making it a key link between the Old and New Testaments for many readers.

Where else these words appear

“liberty” Hebrew H1865 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 30:23 Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels,
  • Jeremiah 34:8 This is the word that came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, after that the king Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people which were at Jerusalem, to proclaim liberty unto them;
  • Jeremiah 34:17 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Ye have not hearkened unto me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbour: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the LORD, to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

“tidings” Hebrew H1319 · used in 21 verses

  • 1 Samuel 4:17 And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken.
  • 2 Samuel 18:26 And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.
  • Psalms 96:2 Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.

“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.

“up” Hebrew H2280 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 22:3 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.
  • 1 Kings 13:13 And he said unto his sons, Saddle me the ass. So they saddled him the ass: and he rode thereon,
  • Isaiah 3:7 In that day shall he swear, saying, I will not be an healer; for in my house is neither bread nor clothing: make me not a ruler of the people.