And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse beautifully highlights a profound shift: the focus isn't just on repairing what's broken, but on founding something new that will last for generations to come. It speaks to a restoration so deep that it lays the groundwork for the future, not just mending the past.
And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage comes after God rebukes his people for a superficial fast, emphasizing that true worship involves justice and compassion. The preceding verses contrast their outward religious acts with their inward injustice and oppression. The prophecy then shifts to the blessings that will follow genuine repentance and obedience, painting a picture of restoration and renewal.
Imagine a city in ruins, silent and overgrown. God promises not just to rebuild, but to restore places so life can flourish again.
This verse paints a vivid picture of restoration.
Beyond Physical Rebuilding:
Isaiah speaks of 'old waste places' and 'foundations of many generations' being rebuilt. While this certainly refers to the physical restoration of Jerusalem and its surrounding areas after exile, the promise goes deeper. It's about bringing back what has been lost to time, neglect, or destruction – not just buildings, but the very possibility of community and life.
The Name of the Restorer:
God's people are given a new identity: 'the repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in.' This isn't just a job title; it's a calling. It means being actively involved in mending what's broken in society, in relationships, and in the spiritual lives of people. It's about making a way for people to live again, safely and with purpose, in places that were once desolate.
What does it take to build something that lasts, not just for today, but for generations to come?
The promise to 'raise up the foundations of many generations' speaks to the enduring nature of God's work through His people.
Laying Deep Roots:
This isn't about quick fixes or superficial repairs. It's about re-establishing the fundamental principles and structures that allow for long-term flourishing. These 'foundations' represent the core values, the spiritual truths, and the societal structures that were in place generations ago and that are meant to endure for generations yet to come.
Ask a follow-up
A Legacy of Repair:
When we engage in acts of restoration – whether it's mending broken relationships, rebuilding communities, or restoring truth in a deceptive world – we are participating in this generational work. Our efforts, empowered by God, lay down foundations that will support life and faith for those who come after us. It's a legacy built on faithfulness and obedience to God's call to mend the world.
This passage speaks powerfully to the post-exilic period, particularly the efforts to rebuild Jerusalem and its infrastructure under leaders like Nehemiah. It captures the profound restoration of a people and their land after devastating destruction, highlighting the community's role as 'repairers of the breach' and 'restorers of streets.'
722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many of its inhabitants and leaving its cities in ruin.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Southern Kingdom
The Babylonian Empire conquers the Kingdom of Judah, destroys Jerusalem and the Temple, and deports a significant portion of the population.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great's Edict of Return
The Persian Empire, under Cyrus, conquers Babylon and issues an edict allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples.
c. 516 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
Under leaders like Zerubbabel, the returned exiles complete the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem, a significant step in restoring their spiritual and national life.
c. 444 BC— this verse
Nehemiah Rebuilds Jerusalem's Walls
Nehemiah leads the effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, overcoming significant opposition and restoring the city's defenses and habitable areas.
This passage describes Nehemiah's call to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, echoing Isaiah's vision of restoring ruined places and making them habitable again.
Ezra 1:1-4This shows the initial decree for the exiles to return and rebuild the temple, a foundational step in the restoration of what had been laid waste for generations.
Jeremiah 29:5-7This prophecy to the exiles in Babylon instructs them to seek the welfare of the city where they are, indirectly supporting the idea of rebuilding and settling, even in a foreign land, which points to a future restoration.
Luke 4:18-19Quoting Isaiah 61, Jesus proclaims good news to the poor, release to the captives, and restoration, aligning with the theme of rebuilding and making paths accessible, but on a spiritual level.
1 Corinthians 12:12-27This passage speaks of the church as one body with many parts, highlighting the unity and interdependence needed to 'repair breaches' and function as a restored community.
pooleIsaiah 58:12: "And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in."
They that shall be of thee, i.e. either, 1. A remnant of thee among the captivity, that shall be as persons raised from the dead; or, 2. Thy posterity, expressed thus, because they sprang or proceeded from them. The old waste places, Heb. wastes of eternity , i.e. which h…
barnesIsaiah 58:12: "And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in."
And they that shall be of thee - They that spring from thee; or thy people. Shall build the old waste places - Shall repair the old ruins, and restore the desolate cities and fields to their former beauty. This language is taken from the condition of Judea during the long…
This verse beautifully highlights a profound shift: the focus isn't just on repairing what's broken, but on founding something new that will last for generations to come. It speaks to a restoration so deep that it lays the groundwork for the future, not just mending the past.
This passage comes after God rebukes his people for a superficial fast, emphasizing that true worship involves justice and compassion. The preceding verses contrast their outward religious acts with their inward injustice and oppression. The prophecy then shifts to the blessings that will follow genuine repentance and obedience, painting a picture of restoration and renewal.
This passage comes after God rebukes his people for a superficial fast, emphasizing that true worship involves justice and compassion. The preceding verses contrast their outward religious acts with their inward injustice and oppression. The prophecy then shifts to the blessings that will follow genuine repentance and obedience, painting a picture of restoration and renewal.
"And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in." — This verse beautifully highlights a profound shift: the focus isn't just on repairing what's broken, but on founding something new that will last for generations to come. It speaks to a restorati…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026