Bible Strands
Isaiah 29:19
The humble will increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The prophet addresses Judah during a period of impending judgment, positioned between promises of physical restoration for the deaf and blind (29:18) and the removal of the ruthless and mockers (29:20).
The words — עֲנָוִים ('a.na.Vim) translates literally as "humble ones," and אֶבְיוֹנֵי ('ev.yo.Nei) means "needy ones," both describing those who lack social or economic standing.
The thread — This theme of divine attention to the marginalized appears in James 2:5, which notes God chooses the poor of this world to be rich in faith, and Isaiah 61:1, where the Spirit anoints the Messiah to preach good news to the poor. Matthew 11:29 is cited alongside these passages to highlight the contrast between worldly power and the gentle, rest-giving character of the Lord.
Why it lands — The text demands that readers recognize their own spiritual need rather than relying on status or self-sufficiency. It requires a shift from seeking vindication through power to finding joy exclusively in the character of God.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
Cross-references
- James 2:5 Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?
- Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,
- Matthew 11:29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
- Psalms 25:9 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.
- Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
- Matthew 11:5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.
- Psalms 37:11 But the meek will inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity.
- Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- James 1:9 The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position.
- Psalms 12:5 “For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will bring safety to him who yearns.”