Isaiah 52:9 Meaning and Explanation
“Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Even the desolate ruins of Jerusalem are summoned to rejoice because God has redeemed and comforted His people.
The Context of Isaiah 52:9
A call for universal rejoicing at God's comprehensive restoration of His people and land.
What Does Isaiah 52:9 Mean?
The waste places of Jerusalem—the ruins left by invasion and exile—are addressed as if capable of hearing and responding. This poetic address personifies the land itself to show that redemption affects not just the people but the entire created order they inhabit.
The dual emphasis on comfort and redemption shows both God's tender mercy and His powerful action. He soothes the wounded hearts of His people while also effecting their actual liberation. Both dimensions of salvation are necessary and connected.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 52:9
What does Isaiah 52:9 mean?
Even the desolate ruins of Jerusalem are summoned to rejoice because God has redeemed and comforted His people.
What is the context of Isaiah 52:9?
A call for universal rejoicing at God's comprehensive restoration of His people and land.