Isaiah 61 in plain modern English. New Ground English Translation.

The Breath of the Lord Yahweh is on me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the shattered in heart, to announce freedom to the captives and release to those locked in darkness.

to announce the year of Yahweh's favor and the day of payback from our God, to comfort everyone who grieves,

to give to those who grieve in Zion — to give them a crown instead of ashes, the oil of celebration instead of grief, clothing of praise instead of a fading breath — so they will be called oaks of justice, planted by Yahweh to display his beauty.

They will rebuild the ancient ruins, raise up the places long destroyed. They will restore the ruined cities, places left desolate for generations.

Strangers will stand and tend your flocks, foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.

But you — you will be called priests of Yahweh, named servants of our God. You will feast on the wealth of nations and walk proudly in their riches.

Instead of your shame — a double portion. Instead of disgrace — shouts of joy over their share. So in their land they will inherit double, and their joy will never end.

Because I, Yahweh, love justice. I hate robbery and wrongdoing. I will faithfully give them what they're owed and make an everlasting agreement with them.

Their descendants will be known among the nations, their offspring among the peoples. Everyone who sees them will recognize that they are a people Yahweh has cared for deeply.

I will overflow with joy in Yahweh! My whole being will celebrate in my God! Because he has dressed me in rescue, wrapped me in a robe of justice — like a groom wearing a priestly crown, like a bride adorned with her jewels.

Because as the earth pushes up its growth, and as a garden makes its seeds sprout, so the Lord Yahweh will make justice and praise sprout up in front of every nation.