Isaiah 61:10

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Isaiah 61:10 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “I will greatly rejoice in Jehovah, 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 a garland, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

I will greatly rejoice in Jehovah, 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 a garland, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
Isaiah 61:10 — American Standard Version

Context — Isaiah 61

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
10I will greatly rejoice in Jehovah, 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 a garland, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, &c.] These are not the words of the prophet spoken in his own person, rejoicing in the goodness of the Lord to his people and countrymen; nor of Christ; but of the church, especially the Jewish church, expressing her joy for benefits received, as declared in the preceding verses. The Targum is, “Jerusalem said, rejoicing I will rejoice in the Word of the Lord;” not in his word of promise, but in his essential Word, his Son the Messiah; in his person, offices, fulness, righteousness, and salvation: my soul shall be joyful in my God; in Christ, in that he is God, and so able to save to the uttermost, and keep from a final and total falling, and to preserve…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Zion (Isa 61:3) gives thanks for God's returning favor (compare Luk 1:46-47; Hab 3:18). salvation . . . righteousness--inseparably connected together. The "robe" is a loose mantle thrown over the other parts of the dress (Psa 132:9, Psa 132:16; Psa 149:4; Rev 21:2; Rev 19:8). decketh himself with ornaments--rather "maketh himself a priestly headdress," that is, a magnificent headdress, such as was worn by the high priest, namely, a miter and a plate, or crown of gold worn in front of it [AQUILA, &c.]; appropriate to the "kingdom of priests," dedicated to the offering of spiritual sacrifices to God continually (Exo 19:6; Rev 5:10; Rev 20:6). jewels--rather, "ornaments" in general [BARNES].”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I wilt greatly rejoice in the Lord - This is the language of the prophet in the name of the church; or, as Vitringa supposes, the language of a chorus introduced here by the prophet. The Chaldee regards it as the language of Jerusalem, and renders it, ‘Jerusalem said, I will surely rejoice in the Lord.’ The sentiment is, that the prosperity and enlargement of Zion is an occasion of joy, and should lead to thanksgiving and praise. The phrase, ‘I will rejoice in the Lord,’ means that the joy would arise from the view of the faithfulness and perfections of Yahweh manifested in the redemption of his people. See similar expressions of joy in the song of Mary Luke 1:46-47. For he hath clothed me…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“I will - This is spoken in the person of the church. Garments, &c. - With salvation as with a garment, and with righteousness as with a robe. Isaiah 61:11”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“61:10 clothing of salvation . . . robe of righteousness: With great joy God will clothe his people with the benefits of his salvation and righteousness (see 51:5; 56:1), like a bridegroom . . . or a bride (see 49:18; 62:5; Jer 2:32; 7:34; 16:9; 25:10; 33:11).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“will greatly: Isa 35:10, Isa 51:11; Sa1 2:1; Neh 8:10; Psa 28:7; Hab 3:18; Zac 10:7; Luk 1:46, Luk 1:47; Rom 5:11; Phi 3:1-3, Phi 4:4; Pe1 1:8; Rev 19:7, Rev 19:8 for: Isa 61:3, Isa 52:1; Ch2 6:41; Psa 132:9, Psa 132:16; Luk 15:22; Rom 3:22, Rom 13:14, Rom 14:17; Gal 3:27; Phi 3:9; Rev 4:4, Rev 7:9-14, Rev 21:2 as a: Isa 49:18; Psa 45:8, Psa 45:9, Psa 45:13, Psa 45:14; Jer 2:32; Eze 16:8-16; Rev 19:7, Rev 19:8, Rev 21:2, Rev 21:9 decketh himself: Heb. decketh as a priest, Exod. 28:2-43 with her: Gen 24:53 Isaiah 61:11”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“This is the joyful calling of the Servant of Jehovah to be the messenger of such promises of God to His people. "Joyfully I rejoice in Jehovah; my soul shall be joyful in my God, that He hath given me garments of salvation to put on, hath wrapped me in the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom who wears the turban like a priest, and as a bride who puts on her jewellery. For like the land which brings forth its sprouts, and as a garde which causes the things sown in it to sprout up; so the Lord Jehovah bringeth righteousness to sprouting, and renown before all nations." The Targum precedes this last turn with "Thus saith Jerusalem." But as Isa 61:4-9 are a development of the glorious…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification