For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.

ISAIAH 62:5KJV
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Isaiah 62:5 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 62:5 mean?

Isaiah 62:5 uses the joyful image of a wedding to describe how God will delight in His people, saying that just as a young man marries a virgin and rejoices over her, so God will rejoice over Jerusalem. The verse promises a close, joyful relationship between God and His people, marked by love and celebration.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Jerusalem, offering hope after a time of hardship and exile. The language compares the restoration of Jerusalem to a marriage, with God as the bridegroom and the city as the bride. This picture emphasizes not only restoration but also deep affection and renewed commitment from God.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 62:5

  • The word for "marrieth" is בָּעַל (baʿal), which means to marry or to possess. In this context, it highlights the idea of a committed, covenant relationship, not just a legal arrangement.
  • "Bridegroom" is חָתָן (ḥatan), and "bride" is כַּלָּה (kallah). These words bring out the emotional joy and celebration of a wedding, showing that God's relationship with His people is meant to be full of happiness and delight.
  • The word for "rejoiceth" is מָשׂוֹשׂ (masos), which carries the sense of great joy or exultation. This emphasizes the intensity of God's delight over His people, not just a calm approval but a deep, joyful response.

Why Isaiah 62:5 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that God's relationship with His people is distant or purely formal; instead, it is pictured as intimate and joyful, like a loving marriage.
  • The wedding imagery connects to the wider theme in Isaiah 62 of Jerusalem's restoration and honor after shame, showing that God's promises include both renewal and deep affection.
  • The verse helps readers see that God's commitment is not only about duty but also about genuine delight and celebration, which can reshape how one understands God's character.

Where else these words appear

“marrieth” Hebrew H1166 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 20:3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife.
  • 1 Chronicles 4:22 And Jokim, and the men of Chozeba, and Joash, and Saraph, who had the dominion in Moab, and Jashubilehem. And these are ancient things.
  • Isaiah 54:5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

“rejoiceth” Hebrew H4885 · used in 16 verses

  • Job 8:19 Behold, this is the joy of his way, and out of the earth shall others grow.
  • Isaiah 32:13 Upon the land of my people shall come up thorns and briers; yea, upon all the houses of joy in the joyous city:
  • Jeremiah 49:25 How is the city of praise not left, the city of my joy!

“bridegroom” Hebrew H2860 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 19:12 And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place:
  • 1 Samuel 18:18 And David said unto Saul, Who am I? and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king?
  • Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

“rejoice” Hebrew H7797 · used in 24 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:63 And it shall come to pass, that as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it.
  • Psalms 68:3 But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.
  • Isaiah 65:19 And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.