As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God’s comfort is depicted as intensely tender and intimate, like a mother comforting not just a small child, but a grown son returning weary from a long journey. This image emphasizes the depth of His restorative love, which embraces the whole person, bringing solace and peace right where you are, in your "Jerusalem."
As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet Isaiah concludes his message with a vision of restoration and future glory, shifting from judgment to comfort for those who fear God and mourn with Jerusalem. Following the description of God's universal sovereignty and the rejection of empty rituals, the focus turns to the faithful who are contrasted with the rebellious. This transition culminates in a promise of immense comfort and blessing for Jerusalem and its people, signifying a new era of divine presence and peace.
What does it mean to be comforted by your mother? It's a feeling of deep security and unconditional love. God uses this powerful image to describe His own heart toward us.
The prophet Isaiah reaches for the most intimate and tender human relationship to describe God's comfort: the love of a mother for her child.
A Love Beyond Measure
This isn't just any comfort; it's the highest form of comfort. Think about how a mother soothes a child who has fallen, is hurt, or is scared. It's a gentle, all-encompassing embrace, a deep assurance that everything will be okay. God says, 'As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.' He’s not just offering a solution to a problem; He’s offering Himself, His presence, His overwhelming affection.
For the Weary and Wounded
Commentators highlight that this image often speaks of comfort for someone returning home after hardship – like a grown son coming back weary and wounded from exile. This shows God's comfort isn't just for the innocent or the perfect. It’s for those who have been through the wringer, who are hurting, and who need a safe harbor. God's comfort meets us in our deepest need, just as a mother's embrace meets her child’s.
God’s comfort isn't just an abstract feeling; it has a tangible place and promise. Where does this divine comfort find its ultimate expression?
The verse concludes with a specific location for this divine comfort: 'you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.' This is more than just a geographical marker; it points to God’s redemptive plan and His presence among His people.
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A Symbol of Restoration
Jerusalem, especially in the context of Isaiah's prophecy, represents God's dwelling place, the center of His covenant faithfulness, and the future hope of His people. For those in exile or suffering, the mention of Jerusalem signifies a return, a rebuilding, and a restoration of God's presence and favor. It's the place where God chooses to manifest His comfort most fully.
God's Presence IS Comfort
Ultimately, being comforted 'in Jerusalem' means being comforted in the presence of God. It’s a promise that God will be with His people, dwelling among them, and extending His peace and healing. This points forward to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who embodies God's presence and brings eternal comfort to His people, and ultimately to the new Jerusalem where God dwells with humanity forever.
Understand the original words
nacham · Hebrew Verb
A term describing the action of providing encouragement, relief, and strengthening in times of distress. It is deeply relational, mirroring the intimate care a mother provides for her child, and represents God's active ministry to the brokenhearted.
Yerushalayim · Hebrew Proper Noun
A central place in Israel’s theology symbolizing the dwelling place of God, the site of worship, and the ultimate focus of God’s redemptive purposes for His people. It represents the heart of God's kingdom and His presence among His covenant nation.
This verse's tender image of maternal comfort speaks profoundly into the context of exile and return, assuring a people who had experienced profound loss and destruction that God's ultimate purpose is restoration and deep, personal solace in their restored city.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians conquer Judah, destroy Jerusalem and its temple, and exile a significant portion of the population. This event marks a profound crisis for the Judean people and their faith.
539 BC
Cyrus's Decree and Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon and issues a decree allowing the exiled Judeans to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple.
c. 520-516 BC
Rebuilding of the Second Temple
Under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua the High Priest, the Judeans in Jerusalem begin and complete the rebuilding of the Temple, a significant step in restoring their community.
c. 445 BC
Nehemiah Rebuilds Jerusalem's Walls
Nehemiah leads a mission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, further restoring the city's infrastructure and security after the return from exile.
c. 200 BC
Maccabean Revolt Era
A period of tension and conflict between the Jewish people and the Seleucid Empire, culminating in the Maccabean Revolt and the rededication of the Temple.
c. AD 70
Destruction of the Second Temple
The Roman army under Titus destroys Jerusalem and its Second Temple during the First Jewish-Roman War, leading to another widespread diaspora.
Post-Exilic Period, likely during or after the Babylonian Exile— this verse
Restoration and Comfort Promised
Isaiah's prophecy offers profound comfort and hope, envisioning a future restoration of Jerusalem and its people. This promise speaks of God's enduring love and the eventual solace that will be found in His presence.
This passage uses the same powerful imagery of a mother's tender care, directly linking it to God's commitment to His people, echoing the comfort described in Isaiah 66:13.
Isaiah 40:1This verse speaks of 'comforting' God's people, setting the stage for the specific and intimate comfort God promises to give, much like a mother comforts her child.
Ruth 1:16Ruth's declaration to Naomi, 'where you go I will go,' expresses a deep, steadfast devotion and comfort in times of loss, paralleling the profound comfort God offers.
Psalm 131:2The Psalmist describes himself as being like a weaned child, finding rest and contentment in God, which reflects the secure and comforting embrace God offers His people.
Matthew 11:28-30Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him, promising rest and comfort, echoing the intimate and restorative solace found in Isaiah's prophecy.
jfbIsaiah 66:13: "As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem."
- mother—(Isa 49:15).comforteth—(Isa 40:1, 2).
ellicottIsaiah 66:13: "As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem."
(13) One whom his mother comforteth . . . —The image of maternal love, with which the prophet’s mind is full, is presented in yet another aspect. The love which Zion gives, the love which her children receive from the nations, are both but shadows of the infinite tenderness of Jehovah. In this instance the object of the mother’s love that comforts is not the child at the breast, but…
God’s comfort is depicted as intensely tender and intimate, like a mother comforting not just a small child, but a grown son returning weary from a long journey. This image emphasizes the depth of His restorative love, which embraces the whole person, bringing solace and peace right where you are, in your "Jerusalem."
The prophet Isaiah concludes his message with a vision of restoration and future glory, shifting from judgment to comfort for those who fear God and mourn with Jerusalem. Following the description of God's universal sovereignty and the rejection of empty rituals, the focus turns to the faithful who are contrasted with the rebellious. This transition culminates in a promise of immense comfort and blessing for Jerusalem and its people, signifying a new era of divine presence and peace.
The prophet Isaiah concludes his message with a vision of restoration and future glory, shifting from judgment to comfort for those who fear God and mourn with Jerusalem. Following the description of God's universal sovereignty and the rejection of empty rituals, the focus turns to the faithful who are contrasted with the rebellious. This transition culminates in a promise of immense comfort and blessing for Jerusalem and its people, signifying a new era of divine presence and peace.
"As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem." — God’s comfort is depicted as intensely tender and intimate, like a mother comforting not just a small child, but a grown son returning weary from a long journey. This image emphasizes the depth of Hi…
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Last reviewed October 2026