And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about a future homecoming; it highlights that "everlasting joy" will be upon their heads, suggesting it will be visible, openly displayed, and perhaps even manifest like a festive anointing or crown, contrasting sharply with the ashes of mourning. This outward expression of joy is so complete that "sorrow and sighing shall flee away" entirely, emphasizing the total eradication of pain.
And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This powerful conclusion to Isaiah's vision of a restored world describes the ultimate homecoming for God's people, emphasizing a joy far greater than any earthly return, like the one from Babylonian exile. It paints a picture of complete and lasting happiness, where all traces of suffering disappear forever, looking forward to a future redemption that transcends all historical events. This verse serves as a final, radiant promise that brings the preceding prophetic section to a triumphant close.
What does it truly mean to be 'ransomed'? This isn't just about being rescued, but about a profound reclaiming by God.
The word translated 'ransomed' here speaks of a deep redemption, a reclaiming by God often involving a price paid.
A Price Paid for Freedom
While there might be subtle distinctions between 'ransomed' and 'redeemed' in the original languages, both point to a liberation secured through God’s decisive action. Think of it like this: someone held captive isn't just set free, but their freedom is purchased.
Beyond Babylon
Although the imagery likely draws from the people's return from exile in Babylon, the prophet pushes the meaning much further. This isn't just about a physical return to a land, but a spiritual restoration. It’s about being delivered from the bondage of sin and Satan, a far greater captivity than any earthly one.
Imagine a joy so deep it can be seen and felt by everyone. What does that look like?
This verse paints a vivid picture of the joy that comes from God's redemption, showing it's both internal and external.
A Visible Celebration
'Everlasting joy shall be upon their heads' suggests joy that is so profound it's evident on a person's very appearance – like a radiant glow or a triumphant crown. It might allude to ancient customs of anointing the head with oil or wearing festive garlands during times of great celebration.
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The End of Sorrow
This isn't just a fleeting happiness. The promise is that 'sorrow and sighing shall flee away.' All the pain, grief, and distress of the past are completely vanquished. This ultimate joy is permanent and complete, transforming the entire experience of God's people.
Understand the original words
peduyim · Hebrew Noun/Participle
The people of God who have been liberated from bondage (often captivity or slavery) by the payment of a price, pointing ultimately to the redemption through the Messiah.
Tsiyyon · Hebrew Proper Noun
The historical and theological site of Jerusalem; it serves as the earthly dwelling place of God and symbolizes the eternal dwelling of God with His people.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of the Creator and Redeemer God of Israel, indicating His self-existence, faithfulness, and personal relationship with His people.
While Isaiah's vision speaks powerfully to the joy of the exiles returning from Babylon to Zion, its ultimate fulfillment points to a future, perfect redemption where all sorrow is vanquished forever.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah, conquering many cities and besieging Jerusalem. This event likely influenced Isaiah's prophecies about deliverance and future restoration.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquers Judah, deporting some of the royal family and skilled workers, including the prophet Daniel. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Babylon deports more of Judah's population and treasures after a revolt, including the prophet Ezekiel. The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple is imminent.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
Babylon destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling the majority of the remaining population. This is the nadir of Judah's national and religious life.
c. 538 BC
Cyrus the Great's Edict
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon and issues a decree allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands.
516 BC
Rebuilding of the Second Temple
The Jewish exiles return to Jerusalem and complete the rebuilding of the Temple, marking a significant step in their restoration.
Post-Exilic Period— this verse
Return and Restoration of Exiles
Following the decree of Cyrus, various waves of Jewish exiles return to Jerusalem and begin to rebuild their lives and community, though the reality was often harsh and difficult.
This passage uses almost identical language to describe the ransomed returning to Zion with gladness, highlighting the enduring hope of restoration and joy.
Jeremiah 31:13It speaks of the sorrow being turned to joy and mourning to gladness for the redeemed people of Israel, echoing the promise that sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Luke 1:28The angel's greeting to Mary, calling her 'highly favored,' hints at the divine favor bestowed upon the ransomed, a precursor to the ultimate joy described in Isaiah.
Revelation 7:17This New Testament passage directly reflects Isaiah's promise, stating that God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, mourning, or pain.
Psalm 126:5-6This psalm beautifully illustrates the principle of sowing in tears and reaping with joy, mirroring the transition from sorrow to gladness for those who return to God.
barnesIsaiah 35:10: "And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away."
And the ransomed of the Lord - The word rendered here 'ransomed,' is different from the word rendered 'redeemed' in Isaiah 35:9 . This word is פדוּיי pedûyēy from פדה pâdâh; though it is not easy, perhaps not possible, to designate the difference in the sense. Doubtless there was a shade of…
cambridgeIsaiah 35:10: "And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away."
10 . The verse is found verbatim in ch. Isaiah 51:11 . Cf. also Isaiah 51:3 , Isaiah 61:7 . everlasting joy shall be upon their heads ] See ch. Isaiah 61:3 —“a garland for ashes” (R.V.).
This verse isn't just about a future homecoming; it highlights that "everlasting joy" will be upon their heads, suggesting it will be visible, openly displayed, and perhaps even manifest like a festive anointing or crown, contrasting sharply with the ashes of mourning. This outward expression of joy is so complete that "sorrow and sighing shall flee away" entirely, emphasizing the total eradication of pain.
This powerful conclusion to Isaiah's vision of a restored world describes the ultimate homecoming for God's people, emphasizing a joy far greater than any earthly return, like the one from Babylonian exile. It paints a picture of complete and lasting happiness, where all traces of suffering disappear forever, looking forward to a future redemption that transcends all historical events. This verse serves as a final, radiant promise that brings the preceding prophetic section to a triumphant close.
This powerful conclusion to Isaiah's vision of a restored world describes the ultimate homecoming for God's people, emphasizing a joy far greater than any earthly return, like the one from Babylonian exile. It paints a picture of complete and lasting happiness, where all traces of suffering disappear forever, looking forward to a future redemption that transcends all historical events. This verse serves as a final, radiant promise that brings the preceding prophetic section to a triumphant close.
"And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away." — This verse isn't just about a future homecoming; it highlights that "everlasting joy" will be upon their heads, suggesting it will be visible, openly displayed, and perhaps even manifest like a fes…
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Last reviewed October 2026