Isa 61:3 | TNotes | STEP | 61:3 Putting ashes on one’s head was a sign of mourning (note the reversal of the judgment stated in 3:16-25 ). Mourning would be replaced by joy. The words translated crown of beauty and ashes form a wordplay in Hebrew. • joyous blessing (literally oil of gladness ): A face covered with oil was a sign of blessing and well-being (see Pss 45:8 ; 133:2 ). • The remnant would start out as small offshoots but would grow into great oaks (see Isa 60:21 ).

b3:16-25►

cPss 45:8►

eIsa 60:21►

‏ Isaiah 61:3

61:3 ^a Putting ashes on one’s head was a sign of mourning (note the reversal of the judgment stated in 3:16-25 ^b). Mourning would be replaced by joy. The words translated crown of beauty and ashes form a wordplay in Hebrew.

• joyous blessing (literally oil of gladness): A face covered with oil was a sign of blessing and well-being (see Pss 45:8 ^c; 133:2 ^d).

• The remnant would start out as small offshoots but would grow into great oaks (see Isa 60:21 ^e).