Beauty for Ashes The Before & After gives a beautiful picture of what God did for the mourning people of Israel. When Isaiah writes the words "Beauty for Ashes," he uses a Hebrew language. The Hebrew word for beauty used here refers to a headdress, turban, or tiara. God declares that He will wipe the ashes off your head and replace it with a beautiful headdress. Jesus gives peace to the hurting ones of today. He gives a peace that surpasses anyone's understanding. Jesus releases us from the bondage that sorrow brings and makes the meaning of this verse more powerful. The ashes are dark in color and therefore it stains everything it touches. Jesus is the only one that can purify the ashes, which have stained your heart.