to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor(A)
    and the day of vengeance(B) of our God,
to comfort(C) all who mourn,(D)
    and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown(E) of beauty
    instead of ashes,(F)
the oil(G) of joy
    instead of mourning,(H)
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting(I) of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.(J)

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He has sent me to tell those who mourn
    that the time of the Lord’s favor has come,[a]
    and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.
To all who mourn in Israel,[b]
    he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
    festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
    that the Lord has planted for his own glory.

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Footnotes

  1. 61:2 Or to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.
  2. 61:3 Hebrew in Zion.