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.

ISAIAH 65:18KJV
truelightbible.com

Isaiah 65:18 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 65:18 mean?

Isaiah 65:18 calls people to be glad and rejoice forever in what God is creating, specifically pointing to Jerusalem being made a place of rejoicing and its people a source of joy. The verse promises a future transformation where God’s creative work brings lasting happiness and celebration to Jerusalem and its inhabitants.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking God’s words to the people of Israel, offering hope after warnings of judgment. In this part of the book, God describes a new beginning for Jerusalem, assuring the people that the city and its community will be remade into something joyful. This is part of a larger vision of restoration and comfort for those who have suffered.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 65:18

  • "Glad" (שָׂשׂוּן, sason) means to be joyful or to exult. Here, it is a call for deep, heartfelt happiness, not just a passing feeling.
  • "Rejoice" (גִּיל, gil) carries the sense of outward, enthusiastic celebration. The word often suggests a visible, even exuberant, expression of joy.
  • "Create" (בָּרָא, bara) is used twice in this verse and means to bring something entirely new into existence, often with God as the only one who can do this kind of creating. This emphasizes that the joy and transformation come directly from God’s unique creative power.
  • "Jerusalem" (יְרוּשָׁלַםִ, Yerushalayim) is not just a city but represents the heart of the people’s identity and hope. Its transformation into "rejoicing" (גִּילָּה, gilah) shows a complete change in its character and reputation.

Why Isaiah 65:18 matters

  • Isaiah 65:18 clarifies that the joy and celebration are not based on current circumstances but on what God is actively creating for the future.
  • The verse shifts the focus from past sorrow and judgment to future hope, showing that God’s plans for Jerusalem are filled with renewal and happiness.
  • This verse connects to the broader theme in Isaiah of God’s ability to restore and transform, assuring the people that their story is not over and that joy is part of God’s promise.