This verse occurs again in 51.11 (also following a reference to “the redeemed”), providing another connection between this chapter and the rest of the book. Here it concludes the vision of the glorious future for God’s people.

And the ransomed of the LORD shall return is parallel to the last line of the previous verse. The ransomed and “the redeemed” are very close in meaning. The Hebrew verb rendered ransomed comes from a context of trading in which money changes hands (see the comments on 1.27, where it is translated “redeemed”). In this context it has the sense of rescue from slavery and oppression. The ransomed of the LORD are those whom Yahweh has rescued. The location from which they shall return is not identified, but it is probably Babylonia and the other places where they were scattered.

And come to Zion with singing: Their destination is Zion, the holy city of Jerusalem. For Zion see 1.8. This is the first time in the book that the prophet links the return of the God’s people with Zion. They will be delighted to come home, so they will return with singing. The Hebrew noun rendered singing comes from the same root translated “singing” in verse 2 (see the comments there) and “sing for joy” in verse 6.

Everlasting joy shall be upon their heads: The theme of happiness dominates this verse. The Hebrew noun rendered joy also occurs in the next line, where it is translated “gladness.” Here it is described as everlasting joy or unending happiness. Revised Standard Version translates this line literally, but it may not be meaningful. A better figurative model may be “they will be crowned with everlasting joy” (similarly Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh). Possible nonfigurative examples are “everlasting joy will be theirs” and “they will always be filled with joy.”

They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away: These two lines add emphasis to the previous one, promising nothing but joy for those who return to Zion. The Hebrew root for joy occurred earlier in verse 1, where it was rendered “shall be glad,” so it forms an inclusio for this section. Gladness is synonymous with joy in this context. Translators will need to find a stylistically pleasing way to convey the sense of overwhelming joy that this verse promises. Good News Translation provides an example for English.

Sorrow and sighing shall flee away contrasts with the previous line. Sorrow and sighing are associated with mourning a person’s death. There will be no reason for the people to be sad, since they will be overwhelmed by joy as they return to Zion. Bible en français courant translates the last three lines as follows: “An eternal joy will brighten their faces. An overwhelming joy will flood them, while sadness and sighing will have vanished.”

Translation examples for this verse are:

• Those rescued by Yahweh will return,
they will come to Zion with songs;
endless joy will be theirs;
they will have joy and gladness,
as sorrow and mourning disappear.

• Those Yahweh rescues will return,
singing as they come to Zion;
they will have an unending joy;
they will know joy and gladness,
while sorrow and weeping will be no more.

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .