Isaiah 61:1
New International Version
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,

New Living Translation
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.

English Standard Version
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

Berean Standard Bible
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,

King James Bible
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

New King James Version
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

New American Standard Bible
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD anointed me To bring good news to the humble; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim release to captives And freedom to prisoners;

NASB 1995
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners;

NASB 1977
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives, And freedom to prisoners;

Legacy Standard Bible
The Spirit of Lord Yahweh is upon me Because Yahweh has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim release to captives And freedom to prisoners,

Amplified Bible
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed and commissioned me To bring good news to the humble and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up [the wounds of] the brokenhearted, To proclaim release [from confinement and condemnation] to the [physical and spiritual] captives And freedom to prisoners,

Christian Standard Bible
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners;

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners;

American Standard Version
The Spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon me; because Jehovah hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

Contemporary English Version
The Spirit of the LORD God has taken control of me! The LORD has chosen and sent me to tell the oppressed the good news, to heal the brokenhearted, and to announce freedom for prisoners and captives.

English Revised Version
The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The Spirit of the Almighty LORD is with me because the LORD has anointed me to deliver good news to humble people. He has sent me to heal those who are brokenhearted, to announce that captives will be set free and prisoners will be released.

Good News Translation
The Sovereign LORD has filled me with his Spirit. He has chosen me and sent me To bring good news to the poor, To heal the broken-hearted, To announce release to captives And freedom to those in prison.

International Standard Version
"The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed and to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners;

Majority Standard Bible
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,

NET Bible
The spirit of the sovereign LORD is upon me, because the LORD has chosen me. He has commissioned me to encourage the poor, to help the brokenhearted, to decree the release of captives, and the freeing of prisoners,

New Heart English Bible
The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and an opening of the eyes to the blind;

Webster's Bible Translation
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to publish good tidings to the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

World English Bible
The Lord Yahweh’s Spirit is on me, because Yahweh has anointed me to preach good news to the humble. He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to those who are bound,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“[The] Spirit of Lord YHWH [is] on Me, "" Because YHWH anointed Me "" To proclaim tidings to the humble, "" He sent Me to bind the broken of heart, "" To proclaim liberty to the captives, "" And an opening of bands to [those] bound.

Young's Literal Translation
The Spirit of the Lord Jehovah is on me, Because Jehovah did anoint me To proclaim tidings to the humble, He sent me to bind the broken of heart, To proclaim to captives liberty, And to bound ones an opening of bands.

Smith's Literal Translation
The spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon me; because Jehovah anointed me to announce good news to the afflicted, he sent me to bind up to the broken of heart, to call freedom to the captives, and the opening of the prison to the bound.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
THE spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord hath anointed me: he hath sent me to preach to the meek, to heal the contrite of heart, and to preach a release to the captives, and deliverance to them that are shut up.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me. He has sent me to bring good news to the meek, so as to heal the contrite of heart, to preach leniency to captives and release to the confined,

New American Bible
The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; He has sent me to bring good news to the afflicted, to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, release to the prisoners,

New Revised Standard Version
The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
THE Spirit of the LORD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me and sent me to preach good tidings to the meek; to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and release to prisoners;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The Spirit of LORD JEHOVAH God is upon me because LORD JEHOVAH anointed me, and he has sent me that I shall proclaim good news to the lowly ones, and I shall bind up the broken hearts, and I shall proclaim freedom to the captives and release to the prisoners
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The spirit of the Lord God is upon me; Because the LORD hath anointed me To bring good tidings unto the humble; He hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the eyes to them that are bound;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me; he has sent me to preach glad tidings to the poor, to heal the broken in heart, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Year of the LORD's Favor
1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, 2to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of our God’s vengeance, to comfort all who mourn,…

Cross References
Luke 4:18-19
“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, / to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Matthew 11:5
The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.

Acts 10:38
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.

John 3:34
For the One whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.

Luke 7:22
So He replied, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.

Matthew 3:16-17
As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him. / And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!”

Acts 4:27
In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed.

John 1:32-34
Then John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove and resting on Him. / I myself did not know Him, but the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is He who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ / I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”

Romans 10:15
And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

2 Corinthians 1:21-22
Now it is God who establishes both us and you in Christ. He anointed us, / placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come.

Psalm 45:7
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you above your companions with the oil of joy.

Isaiah 42:1
“Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations.

Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.

Isaiah 48:16
Come near to Me and listen to this: From the beginning I have not spoken in secret; from the time it happened, I was there.” And now the Lord GOD has sent me, accompanied by His Spirit.

Isaiah 49:8-9
This is what the LORD says: “In the time of favor I will answer You, and in the day of salvation I will help You; I will keep You and appoint You to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land, to apportion its desolate inheritances, / to say to the prisoners, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.’ They will feed along the pathways, and find pasture on every barren hill.


Treasury of Scripture

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on me; because the LORD has anointed me to preach good tidings to the meek; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

spirit

Isaiah 11:2-5
And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; …

Isaiah 42:1
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

Isaiah 59:21
As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.

anointed

Psalm 2:6
Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

Psalm 45:7
Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

Daniel 9:24
Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

to preach

Isaiah 52:9
Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.

Psalm 22:26
The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.

Psalm 25:9
The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

to bind

Isaiah 57:15
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Isaiah 66:2
For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

Psalm 34:18
The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

to proclaim.

Isaiah 42:7
To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

Isaiah 49:9,24,25
That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places…

Psalm 102:20
To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death;

Jump to Previous
Anointed Bind Bound Brokenhearted Broken-Hearted Captives Eyes Good Humble Liberty Meek News Opening Preach Prison Proclaim Publish Spirit Tidings
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Anointed Bind Bound Brokenhearted Broken-Hearted Captives Eyes Good Humble Liberty Meek News Opening Preach Prison Proclaim Publish Spirit Tidings
Isaiah 61
1. The office of Christ
4. The forwardness
7. And blessing of the faithful














The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me
This phrase begins with a profound declaration of divine empowerment. The Hebrew word for "Spirit" is "Ruach," which signifies breath, wind, or spirit, indicating a life-giving force. In the context of Isaiah, this Spirit is not just any spirit but the "Spirit of the Lord GOD," emphasizing the divine origin and authority. The phrase "is upon me" suggests an anointing or commissioning, a common practice in ancient Israel where prophets, priests, and kings were anointed with oil as a symbol of being set apart for God's service. This anointing signifies that the speaker is chosen and equipped by God for a specific mission.

because the LORD has anointed me
The term "anointed" comes from the Hebrew word "mashach," which means to smear or consecrate with oil. In the Old Testament, anointing was a physical act that symbolized a spiritual reality, marking someone as chosen by God for a particular purpose. This anointing is not self-appointed but is initiated by "the LORD," underscoring the divine authority and purpose behind the mission. Historically, this reflects the practice of anointing kings and priests, setting them apart for leadership and service. In a messianic context, this points to Jesus Christ, the Anointed One, who fulfills this prophecy as the ultimate prophet, priest, and king.

to bring good news to the poor
The phrase "good news" is translated from the Hebrew "basar," which means to proclaim glad tidings. This is the same root from which the term "gospel" is derived in the New Testament. The "poor" here can be understood both literally and spiritually, referring to those who are economically disadvantaged as well as those who are humble and contrite in spirit. In the historical context of Isaiah, this message of hope and restoration would have been particularly poignant for the Israelites, who faced oppression and exile. Theologically, this anticipates the ministry of Jesus, who proclaimed the gospel to the marginalized and downtrodden, offering salvation and hope.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted
"To bind up" translates the Hebrew "chabash," meaning to bandage or heal. This phrase conveys a message of comfort and restoration. The "brokenhearted" are those who are crushed in spirit, experiencing deep sorrow or distress. In the ancient Near Eastern context, this would resonate with those who had suffered loss, exile, or defeat. Theologically, this reflects God's compassion and desire to heal and restore His people. In the New Testament, Jesus embodies this mission, offering healing and wholeness to those who are spiritually and emotionally wounded.

to proclaim liberty to the captives
The word "proclaim" is from the Hebrew "qara," meaning to call out or announce. "Liberty" translates "deror," which signifies freedom or release. "Captives" refers to those who are imprisoned or enslaved. Historically, this would have been a powerful message for the Israelites, who experienced captivity and exile. Spiritually, it speaks to the liberation from sin and bondage that God offers. In the New Testament, Jesus fulfills this prophecy by offering spiritual freedom through His death and resurrection, breaking the chains of sin and death.

and release from darkness to the prisoners
"Release" is from the Hebrew "pĕqach-qowach," meaning opening or deliverance. "Darkness" symbolizes ignorance, sin, or despair, while "prisoners" refers to those who are bound or confined. This phrase conveys a message of hope and deliverance, promising light and freedom to those trapped in darkness. In the historical context, it would have been a message of hope for those in exile or oppression. Theologically, it points to the spiritual liberation that Christ brings, illuminating the darkness of sin and offering the light of salvation.

LXI.

(1) The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me . . .--We have obviously a new poem in the form of a soliloquy, and we ask, "Who is the speaker.?" The Jewish Targum and many modern critics hear only the voice of Isaiah. Guided by Isaiah 41:1; Isaiah 1:4-9, we recognise here, as there, the utterance of the ideal Servant of Jehovah. That view, it needs scarcely be said, is the one suggested to all Christian minds by our Lord's application of the passage to His own work in Luke 4:16-22. The opening words repeat what had been said by Jehovah of the Servant in Isaiah 42:1. The "anointing," as it stands, might be that of king (1Samuel 9:16; 1Samuel 10:1), or priest (Exodus 29:2; Leviticus 7:36), or prophet (1Kings 19:16). As interpreted by its fulfilment, it may be held to include all three. . . .

Verses 1-3. - THE MISSION OF THE SERVANT OF THE LORD. The words of our Lord in Luke 4:21, "This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears," preclude the application of this passage to any other than the Lord himself. It is simply astonishing that some Christian commentators (Ewald, Hitzig, Knobel) have not seen the force of this argument, but, with the Jews, imagine the prophet to be speaking of his own ministry. It is contrary to the entire spirit of Isaiah's writings so to glorify himself, and specially unsuitable that, after having brought forward with such emphasis the Person of "the Servant" (Isaiah 42:1-8; Isaiah 49:1-12; Isaiah 1:4-9; Isaiah 52:13-15; Isaiah 53:1-12), he should proceed to take his place, and to "ascribe to himself those very same official attributes which he has already set forth as characteristic features in his portrait of the predicted One" (Delitzsch). Hence most recent commentators, whatever their school of thought, have acquiesced in the patristic interpretation, which regarded the Servant of Jehovah as here speaking of himself. Verse 1. - The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; literally, the Spirit of the Lord Jehovah (Adonai Jehovah) is upon me. The Septuagint, the Vulgate, and one manuscript omit adonai. In the original announcement of "the Servant" it was stated that God had "put his Spirit upon him" (Isaiah 42:1). The sanctification of our Lord's human nature by the Holy Spirit is very explicitly taught in the Gospels (Matthew 1:20; Matthew 3:16; Matthew 4:1, etc.; Mark 1:10, 12; Luke 1:35; Luke 2:40; Luke 3:22; Luke 4:1, 14, 18-21, etc.; John 1:32, 33; John 3:34, etc.). The Lord hath anointed me. The "anointing" of Jesus was that sanctification of his human nature by the Holy Spirit, which commenced in the womb of the blessed Virgin (Luke 1:35), which continued as he grew to manhood (Luke 2:40, 52), which was openly manifested at his baptism, and never ceased till he took his body and soul with him into heaven. Of this spiritual anointing, all material unction, whether under the Law (Leviticus 8:10-12, 30; 1 Samuel 10:1; 1 Samuel 16:13; 1 Kings 1:39; 1 Kings 19:15, 16, etc.) or under the gospel (Mark 6:13; James 5:14), was symbolical or typical. To preach good tidings (comp. Isaiah 40:9; Isaiah 41:27; Isaiah 52:7; and Nahum 1:15). Unto the meek (see Matthew 5:5; Matthew 11:29; and comp. Isaiah 11:4; Isaiah 29:19). To bind up the broken-hearted (comp. Psalm 147:3, where this is declared to be the office of Jehovah himself). "Binding up" is an ordinary expression in Isaiah's writings for "healing" (see Isaiah 1:6; Isaiah 3:7; Isaiah 30:26). To proclaim liberty to the captives. This was one of the special offices of "the Servant" (see Isaiah 42:7). The "captivity" intended is doubtless that of sin. And the opening of the prison to them that are bound. St. Luke, following the Septuagint, has, "and recovering of sight to the blind." It is thought by some that the original Hebrew text has been corrupted. Others regard the Septuagint rendering as a paraphrase.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The Spirit
ר֛וּחַ (rū·aḥ)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit

of the Lord
אֲדֹנָ֥י (’ă·ḏō·nāy)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 136: The Lord

GOD
יְהוִ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH

is on Me,
עָלָ֑י (‘ā·lāy)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

because
יַ֡עַן (ya·‘an)
Adverb
Strong's 3282: Heed, purpose, to indicate the reason, cause

the LORD
יְהוָ֨ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

has anointed Me
מָשַׁח֩ (mā·šaḥ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4886: To rub with oil, to anoint, to consecrate, to paint

to preach good news
לְבַשֵּׂ֣ר (lə·ḇaś·śêr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1319: To be fresh, full, cheerful), to announce

to the poor.
עֲנָוִ֗ים (‘ă·nā·wîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 6035: Poor, afflicted, humble, meek

He has sent Me
שְׁלָחַ֙נִי֙ (šə·lā·ḥa·nî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

to bind up
לַחֲבֹ֣שׁ (la·ḥă·ḇōš)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 2280: To wrap firmly, to stop, to rule

the brokenhearted,
לְנִשְׁבְּרֵי־ (lə·niš·bə·rê-)
Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7665: To break, break in pieces

to proclaim
לִקְרֹ֤א (liq·rō)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

liberty
דְּר֔וֹר (də·rō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1865: Freedom, spontaneity of outflow, clear

to the captives
לִשְׁבוּיִם֙ (liš·ḇū·yim)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural
Strong's 7617: To transport into captivity

and release from darkness
קֽוֹחַ׃ (qō·w·aḥ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6495: Opening, jail-delivery

to the prisoners,
וְלַאֲסוּרִ֖ים (wə·la·’ă·sū·rîm)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural
Strong's 631: To yoke, hitch, to fasten, to join battle


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord Yahweh (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 60:22
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