Isaiah 61:4 web — They shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, th…

World English Bible

"They shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations."

— Isaiah 61:4, World English Bible

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Isaiah 61:4 in Other Translations

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Isaiah 61 — Context

1

The Spirit of the Lord Yahweh is on me; because Yahweh has anointed me to preach good news to the humble. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to those who are bound;

2

to proclaim the year of Yahweh's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;

3

to appoint to those who mourn in Zion, to give to them a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of Yahweh, that he may be glorified.

4

They shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.

5

Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and foreigners shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.

6

But you shall be named the priests of Yahweh; men will call you the ministers of our God: you will eat the wealth of the nations, and you will boast in their glory.

7

Instead of your shame [you shall have] double; and instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess double; everlasting joy shall be to them.

Isaiah 61:4 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Isaiah 61:4 say?
Isaiah 61:4 in the World English Bible reads: “They shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.”
Where is Isaiah 61:4 in the Bible?
Isaiah 61:4 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Isaiah, chapter 61, verse 4.
Who wrote Isaiah?
Isaiah is traditionally attributed to Isaiah son of Amoz. Many critical scholars propose multiple authors ("Deutero-" and "Trito-Isaiah") for chapters 40–66; conservative scholarship holds to single Isaianic authorship. It was written c. 740–680 BC.
What is the book of Isaiah about?
Isaiah is the most quoted prophet in the New Testament — a sweeping vision of God's holiness, Judah's sin, coming judgment, and a promised Servant who would bear the iniquity of many. From "Holy, holy, holy" to "by his stripes we are healed," Isaiah speaks the gospel before the gospel.
What are the major themes of Isaiah?
Isaiah explores themes including Holiness, Judgment, Servant of the LORD, Hope, Salvation, Restoration. These themes shape the meaning and context of Isaiah 61:4.
What translation should I read Isaiah 61:4 in?
Isaiah 61:4 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Isaiah 61:4?
Isaiah 61:4 reads (WEB): “They shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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