Isaiah 61:3

them that mourn in Zion Lit. "the mourners of Zion," which may mean either "those that mourn forZion" (as Isaiah 66:10) or those who mourn in her.

beauty for ashes R.V. a garland (but it. "a turban") for ashes. Ashes sprinkled on the head were a sign of mourning (2 Samuel 13:19); these shall be replaced by the headdress which betokened dignity or festivity (see on Isaiah 61:10). There is a paronomasia in the Hebrew which cannot be imitated in English; Germans render "Putz statt Schmutz."

oil of joy for mourning (Omit the art.) As anointing with oil was a mark of joy or honour (Psalms 45:7; Psalms 23:5; Luke 7:46) so its omission was one of the tokens of mourning (2 Samuel 14:2).

the spirit of heaviness a failing spirit; the same word as "dimly burning" in ch. Isaiah 42:3.

that they might be called Strictly: and they shall be called.

trees of righteousness lit. "oaks" or "terebinths." The evergreen tree is a favourite emblem of the life of the righteous: Jeremiah 17:8; Psalms 1:3; Psalms 92:14.

the planting … glorified see ch. Isaiah 60:21.