Isaiah 35:10
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 page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It's easy to focus on the outward joy, but notice how the verse highlights how that joy manifests: "everlasting joy shall be upon their heads." This isn't just internal happiness, but a visible, crowning glory, like an anointing or a victor's wreath, signifying complete restoration and a joy so profound it shines from within.
This verse marks the triumphant conclusion of a prophecy that vividly describes a transformed, joyful land after divine judgment. It follows the vivid imagery of the desert blooming and the blind seeing, portraying a complete restoration. The passage culminates in the ultimate redemption and return of God's people, promising an end to all sorrow and an everlasting reign of joy.
Who are these 'ransomed' people, and what does their 'return' signify beyond a simple journey?
This verse speaks of God's people, specifically those He has 'ransomed' – a powerful word suggesting they were bought back from bondage. While it echoes the historical return from Babylonian exile, its ultimate meaning points to a far greater liberation.
What's so special about joy being 'upon their heads'?
The description of returning 'with singing' and having 'everlasting joy upon their heads' paints a vivid picture of outward celebration.
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 this verse vividly describes the joy of the return from Babylonian exile, the language is so grand and the joy so complete that it points even more powerfully to the ultimate redemption found in Christ, when all sorrow will truly cease.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah and besieges Jerusalem. Though Jerusalem is miraculously spared, much of the land is devastated.
597 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon captures Jerusalem and deports King Jehoiachin and many skilled people to Babylon, beginning the exile.
586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling most of the remaining population to Babylon. This marks a period of deep sorrow and loss.
539 BC
Fall of Babylon to Persia
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon, creating a new empire and enabling the return of exiled peoples.
This passage echoes Isaiah 35:10 almost verbatim, reinforcing the theme of redeemed people returning to Zion with everlasting joy and the banishment of sorrow.
Jeremiah 31:13This verse describes a future restoration where mourning is turned into joy and comfort, mirroring the ultimate end of sorrow and sighing promised in Isaiah 35:10.
Revelation 7:17This New Testament passage presents a future state where God Himself wipes away every tear, directly fulfilling the prophecy that sorrow and sighing shall flee away for the redeemed.
Psalm 126:2This psalm speaks of a time when mouths were filled with laughter and tongues with songs upon the return from exile, aligning with the 'singing' and 'joy' described for the ransomed in Isaiah 35:10.
Romans 8:18-23This passage speaks of the groaning of creation and believers in the present suffering, contrasting it with the future glory that will be revealed, a future that echoes the complete absence of sorrow and the presence of everlasting joy promised in Isaiah 35:10.
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.).
It's easy to focus on the outward joy, but notice how the verse highlights how that joy manifests: "everlasting joy shall be upon their heads." This isn't just internal happiness, but a visible, crowning glory, like an anointing or a victor's wreath, signifying complete restoration and a joy so profound it shines from within.
This verse marks the triumphant conclusion of a prophecy that vividly describes a transformed, joyful land after divine judgment. It follows the vivid imagery of the desert blooming and the blind seeing, portraying a complete restoration. The passage culminates in the ultimate redemption and return of God's people, promising an end to all sorrow and an everlasting reign of joy.
This verse marks the triumphant conclusion of a prophecy that vividly describes a transformed, joyful land after divine judgment. It follows the vivid imagery of the desert blooming and the blind seeing, portraying a complete restoration. The passage culminates in the ultimate redemption and return of God's people, promising an end to all sorrow and an everlasting reign of joy.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Isaiah 35:10 is available in the Sola app.
What does it truly mean for sorrow and sighing to 'flee away' forever?
This final clause offers a profound promise of complete and permanent relief from all suffering.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus and Return Begins
Cyrus issues a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Judah and rebuild their Temple, initiating the return journey.
c. 516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
The rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem is completed and dedicated, symbolizing a restored, though diminished, national and religious life.
"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." — It's easy to focus on the outward joy, but notice how the verse highlights how that joy manifests: "everlasting joy shall be upon their heads." This isn't just internal happiness, but a visible, cr…
