EGW → Biblical Foundation
Select an Ellen White book from the sidebar to see each passage mapped to the Bible verses it amplifies, cites, or echoes.
Scripture Index
Ellen White & Bible Cross-Reference
Isaiah 61:1
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;"
"The work that the Saviour was to do on the earth had been fully outlined: “The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; and shall make Him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord.” The One thus anointed was “to preach good tidings unto the meek; ... to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.” Isaiah 11:2, 3 ; 61:1-3 . AA 224.1"
EGW directly quotes Isaiah 61:1-3 and Isaiah 11:2-3. The connection is clear and intentional.
"To preach deliverance to the captives, And recovering of sight to the blind, To set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” DA 237.1"
EGW is quoting Isaiah 61:1, which is the passage Jesus reads in Luke 4.
"“Laborers Together With God” The ear of the Lord is open to the cries of those who are in His service. He has promised: “I will guide thee with Mine eye.” Psalm 32:8 . Walk humbly with God, and ask Him to make your course of duty plain. When He speaks to His representatives and asks them to be laborers together with Him, they will do the same kind of work that Jesus announced as His work when He stood up to read in the synagogue at Nazareth. He opened the book of the prophet Esaias and read: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me; because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” Isaiah 61:1 . 9T 202"
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 61:1 in this passage.
"***** The world's Redeemer did not come with outward display, or a show of worldly wisdom. Men could not see, beneath the guise of humanity, the glory of the Son of God. He was “despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” He was to them as “a root out of a dry ground,” with “no form nor comeliness,” [ Isaiah 53:3, 2 .] that they should desire Him. But He declared, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me; because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” [ Isaiah 61:1 .] GW 49.2"
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 61:1 in this passage.
"“To proclaim the year of Jehovah's favor; ... To comfort all that mourn.” Isaiah 61:1 , A.R.V., margin; Luke 4:18 ; Isaiah 61:2 , A.R.V. MH 423.1"
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 61:1 in this passage.
"Christ came into the world to “bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” Isaiah 61:1 . The Sun of Righteousness shall “arise with healing in His wings.” Malachi 4:2 . The world is full of men and women who are carrying a heavy burden of sorrow and suffering and sin. God sends His children to reveal to them Him who will take away the burden and give them rest. It is the mission of Christ's servants to help, to bless, and to heal. 6T 54.4"
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 61:1 in this passage.
"We are to labor both for the health of the body and for the saving of the soul. Our mission is the same as that of our Master, of whom it is written that He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by Satan. Acts 10:38 . Of His own work He says: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me; because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek.” “He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” Isaiah 61:1 ; Luke 4:18 . As we follow Christ's example of labor for the good of others we shall awaken their interest in the God whom we love and serve. 6T 225.2"
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 61:1 in this passage.
"I dreamed that the Spirit of the Lord came upon me, and I arose amid cries and prayers, and said: The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me. I feel urged to say to you that you must commence to work individually for yourselves. You are looking to God and desiring Him to do the work for you which He has left for you to do. If you will do the work for yourselves which you know that you ought to do, then God will help you when you need help. You have left undone the very things which God has left for you to do. You have been calling upon God to do your work. Had you followed the light which He has given you, then He would cause more light to shine upon you; but while you neglect the counsels, warnings, and reproofs that have been given, how can you expect God to give you more light and blessings to neglect and despise? God is not as man; He will not be trifled with. 2T 604.2"
EGW directly quotes Isaiah 61:1, indicating a clear and intentional allusion.
"There are many from whom hope has departed. Bring back the sunshine to them. Many have lost their courage. Speak to them words of cheer. Pray for them. There are those who need the bread of life. Read to them from the word of God. Upon many is a soul sickness which no earthly balm can reach nor physician heal. Pray for these souls. Bring them to Jesus. Tell them that there is a balm in Gilead and a Physician there. PK 719.2"
Both passages focus on bringing healing and hope to the afflicted. Isaiah 61:1 speaks of binding up the brokenhearted, while the EGW passage calls for comforting the discouraged and leading them to Jesus, the 'balm in Gilead'.
"But, thank God, His church is no longer in bondage. To spiritual Israel have been restored the privileges accorded the people of God at the time of their deliverance from Babylon. In every part of the earth, men and women are responding to the Heaven-sent message which John the revelator prophesied would be proclaimed prior to the second coming of Christ: “Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come.” Revelation 14:7 . PK 714.2"
Both passages discuss freedom and deliverance. Isaiah 61:1 speaks of proclaiming liberty to the captives, while EGW speaks of the church no longer being in bondage.
"In the regular service for the day, the elder read from the prophets, and exhorted the people still to hope for the Coming One, who would bring in a glorious reign, and banish all oppression. He sought to encourage his hearers by rehearsing the evidence that the Messiah's coming was near. He described the glory of His advent, keeping prominent the thought that He would appear at the head of armies to deliver Israel. DA 236.3"
Isaiah 61:1 describes the Messiah's mission to bring good news and liberation, which aligns with the elder's exhortation to hope for the Coming One who would bring a glorious reign and banish oppression. The elder's description of the Messiah's role echoes the themes found in Isaiah 61:1.
Isaiah 61:2
"To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;"
"“To proclaim the year of Jehovah's favor; ... To comfort all that mourn.” Isaiah 61:1 , A.R.V., margin; Luke 4:18 ; Isaiah 61:2 , A.R.V. MH 423.1"
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 61:2 in this passage.
Isaiah 61:3
"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified."
"Chapter 8—Growing Up Into Christ The change of heart by which we become children of God is in the Bible spoken of as birth. Again, it is compared to the germination of the good seed sown by the husbandman. In like manner those who are just converted to Christ are, “as new-born babes,” to “grow up” to the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. 1 Peter 2:2 ; Ephesians 4:15 . Or like the good seed sown in the field, they are to grow up and bring forth fruit. Isaiah says that they shall “be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.” Isaiah 61:3 . So from natural life, illustrations are drawn, to help us better to understand the mysterious truths of spiritual life. SC 67"
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 61:3 in this passage.
"“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; And every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is of Me, saith the Lord.” Isaiah 25:8 ; 62:12 ; Isaiah 61:3 ; 52:1, 2 ; Isaiah 54:11-17 . PK 725.1 Clad in the armor of Christ's righteousness, the church is to enter upon her final conflict. “Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners” ( Song of Solomon 6:10 ), she is to go forth into all the world, conquering and to conquer. PK 725.2"
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 61:3 in this passage.
"The worldling may pronounce this sorrow a weakness; but it is the strength which binds the penitent to the Infinite One with links that cannot be broken. It shows that the angels of God are bringing back to the soul the graces that were lost through hardness of heart and transgression. The tears of the penitent are only the raindrops that precede the sunshine of holiness. This sorrow heralds a joy which will be a living fountain in the soul. “Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God;” “and I will not cause Mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 3:13, 12 . “Unto them that mourn in Zion,” He has appointed to give “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” Isaiah 61:3 . DA 300.4"
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 61:3 in this passage.
"“The rebuke of His people shall He take away,” the prophet declared. “They shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the Lord.” He hath appointed “to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.” PK 724.1"
EGW directly quotes Isaiah 61:3.
Isaiah 61:4
"And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations."
"The spiritual restoration of which the work carried forward in Nehemiah's day was a symbol, is outlined in the words of Isaiah: “They shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities.” “They that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” Isaiah 61:4 ; 58:12 . PK 677.2"
The EGW passage directly quotes Isaiah 61:4 and explicitly connects it to the spiritual restoration symbolized by Nehemiah's work.
"“They shall build the old wastes, They shall raise up the former desolations, And they shall repair the waste cities, The desolations of many generations.” Men shall call them “the ministers of our God.... Everlasting joy shall be unto them. For I, Jehovah, love justice.” MH 406.3"
The passage directly quotes Isaiah 61:4, which speaks of rebuilding old wastes and repairing desolations.
"Section 3—Education “The Lord giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” Chapter 17—The N eed of Educational Reform 6T 126 “And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.” “And thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” Isaiah 61:4 ; 58:12 . These words of Inspiration present before believers in present truth the work that should now be done in the education of our children and youth. When the truth for these last days came to the world in the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels' messages, we were shown that in the education of our children a different order of things must be brought in; but it has taken much time to understand what changes should be made. 6T 126"
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 61:4 in this passage.
"The Waste Places of the Earth In humble dependence upon God, families are to settle in the waste places of His vineyard. Consecrated men and women are needed to stand as fruit-bearing trees of righteousness in the desert places of the earth. As the reward of their self-sacrificing efforts to sow the seeds of truth, they will reap a rich harvest. As they visit family after family, opening the Scriptures to those in spiritual darkness, many hearts will be touched. 7T 22"
Both passages speak to the idea of restoring desolate places, both physically and spiritually. Isaiah 61:4 refers to rebuilding ruined cities, while EGW speaks of families settling in 'waste places' to bring spiritual fruit. The theme of restoration and renewal is central to both.
Isaiah 61:6
"But ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves."
"“They shall build the old wastes, They shall raise up the former desolations, And they shall repair the waste cities, The desolations of many generations.” Men shall call them “the ministers of our God.... Everlasting joy shall be unto them. For I, Jehovah, love justice.” MH 406.3"
The passage directly quotes Isaiah 61:6, which speaks of being called the ministers of God.
"The Publishers. Section 1—Called With a Holy Calling “Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord: men shall call you the Ministers of our God.” In Christ's Stead GW 13 In every period of this earth's history, God has had His men of opportunity, to whom He has said, “Ye are My witnesses.” In every age there have been devout men, who gathered up the rays of light as they flashed upon their pathway, and who spoke to the people the words of God. Enoch, Noah, Moses, Daniel, and the long roll of patriarchs and prophets,—these were ministers of righteousness. They were not infallible; they were weak, erring men; but the Lord wrought through them as they gave themselves to His service. GW 13"
EGW directly quotes Isaiah 61:6, making it an explicit allusion.
Isaiah 61:7
"For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them."
"“They shall build the old wastes, They shall raise up the former desolations, And they shall repair the waste cities, The desolations of many generations.” Men shall call them “the ministers of our God.... Everlasting joy shall be unto them. For I, Jehovah, love justice.” MH 406.3"
The passage directly quotes Isaiah 61:7, which speaks of everlasting joy.
Isaiah 61:8
"For I the Lord love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them."
"It is a terrible injustice for an auditing committee to disappoint a worthy minister who is in need of every cent that he has been led to expect. The Lord declares, “I the Lord love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt- offering.” [ Isaiah 61:8 .] He would have His people reveal a liberal spirit in all their dealings with their fellows. The principle underlying His command to ancient Israel, “Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn,” [ 1 Corinthians 9:9 ; See Deuteronomy 25:4 .] is a principle that should never be set aside by any who have to do with the remuneration of those who have given themselves to advance God's cause in the world, and who spend their strength in lifting the minds of men from the contemplation of earthly things to the heavenly. God loves these workers, and He would have men respect their rights. GW 450.2"
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 61:8 in this passage.
Isaiah 61:10
"I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels."
"Page 373. Ascension Robes.—The story that the Adventists made robes with which to ascend “to meet the Lord in the air,” was invented by those who wished to reproach the Advent preaching. It was circulated so industriously that many believed it, but careful inquiry proved its falsity. For many years a substantial reward was offered for proof that one such instance ever occurred, but no proof has been produced. None who loved the appearing of the Saviour were so ignorant of the teachings of the Scriptures as to suppose that robes which they could make would be necessary for that occasion. The only robe which the saints will need to meet the Lord is the righteousness of Christ. See Isaiah 61:10 ; Revelation 19:8 . GC 692.2"
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 61:10 in this passage.
"Your heavenly Father will take from you the garments defiled by sin. In the beautiful parabolic prophecy of Zechariah, the high priest Joshua, standing clothed in filthy garments before the angel of the Lord, represents the sinner. And the word is spoken by the Lord, “Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him He said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.... So they set a fair miter upon his head, and clothed him with garments.” Zechariah 3:4, 5 . Even so God will clothe you with “the garments of salvation,” and cover you with “the robe of righteousness.” Isaiah 61:10 . “Though ye have lien among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.” Psalm 68:13 . COL 206.2"
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 61:10 in this passage.
"There is before the church the dawn of a bright, glorious day, if she will put on the robe of Christ's righteousness, withdrawing from all allegiance to the world. PK 260.1"
The EGW passage clearly echoes the imagery of Isaiah 61:10, particularly the 'robe of righteousness'. While not a direct quote, the thematic connection is strong and intentional.
"“The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me; And I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy. I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: My justice was as a robe and a diadem. I was eyes to the blind, And feet was I to the lame. I was a father to the needy: And the cause of him that I knew not I searched out.” Ed 142.4"
Both passages speak of being clothed in righteousness. While not a direct quote, the thematic similarity is strong.
"There is before the church the dawn of a bright, glorious day, if she will put on the robe of Christ's righteousness, withdrawing from all allegiance to the world. 8T 11.5"
The phrase 'robe of Christ's righteousness' is a clear allusion to Isaiah 61:10, which speaks of being clothed with the garments of salvation and covered with the robe of righteousness.
"robe of Christ's righteousness. This is our only opportunity to form characters for the home which Christ has made ready for those who obey His commandments. COL 319.1"
Both passages speak of being clothed in righteousness. Isaiah 61:10 speaks of being clothed with the 'robe of righteousness,' while the EGW passage refers to the 'robe of Christ's righteousness.' The connection is clear and meaningful.
Isaiah 61:11
"For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations."
"Zechariah 14:9 . Says the Scripture, “Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven.” “All His commandments are sure. They stand fast forever and ever.” Psalm 119:89 ; 111:7, 8 . The sacred statutes which Satan has hated and sought to destroy, will be honored throughout a sinless universe. And “as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all nations.” Isaiah 61:11 . PP 342.2"
EGW directly quotes Isaiah 61:11.
“As the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth.” Isaiah 61:11 . As in the natural, so in the spiritual sowing; the teacher of truth must seek to prepare the soil of the heart; he must sow the seed; but the power that alone can produce life is from God. There is a point beyond which human effort is in vain. While we are to preach the word, we can not impart the power that will quicken the soul, and cause righteousness and praise to spring forth. In the preaching of the word there must be the working of an agency beyond any human power. Only through the divine Spirit will the word be living and powerful to renew the soul unto eternal life. This is what Christ tried to impress upon His disciples. He taught that it was nothing they possessed in themselves which would give success to their labors, but that it is the miracle-working power of God which gives eff…
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 61:11 in this passage.
"“The seed is the word of God.” “As the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth.” Luke 8:11 ; Isaiah 61:11 . As in the natural, so in the spiritual sowing; the power that alone can produce life is from God. Ed 104.5"
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 61:11 in this passage.
"“The Lord shall comfort Zion: He will comfort all her waste places; and He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord.” “The glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon.” “Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called My Delight, and thy land Beulah.... As the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.” Isaiah 66:23 ; 40:5 ; Isaiah 61:11 ; 28:5 ; Isaiah 51:3 ; 35:2 ; Isaiah 62:4, 5 , margin. PK 733.2"
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 61:11 in this passage.
"It was still the Lord's purpose, as it had been from the beginning, that His people should be a praise in the earth, to the glory of His name. During the long years of their exile He had given them many opportunities to return to their allegiance to Him. Some had chosen to listen and to learn; some had found salvation in the midst of affliction. Many of these were to be numbered among the remnant that should return. They were likened by Inspiration to “the highest branch of the high cedar,” which was to be planted “upon an high mountain and eminent: in the mountain of the height of Israel.” Ezekiel 17:22, 23 . PK 599.2"
Both passages relate to God's people being a source of praise and glory to Him. The EGW passage speaks of the remnant returning from exile and being likened to a high cedar, while Isaiah 61:11 speaks of righteousness and praise springing forth. The connection is thematic and relevant.