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
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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.

Where else these words appear

“rejoicing” Hebrew H1525 · used in 2 verses

  • 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.

“joy” 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!

“glad” 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.

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