Isaiah 60 2

Isaiah 60:2 kjv

For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.

Isaiah 60:2 nkjv

For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.

Isaiah 60:2 niv

See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you.

Isaiah 60:2 esv

For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you.

Isaiah 60:2 nlt

Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth,
but the glory of the LORD rises and appears over you.

Isaiah 60 verses

Isaiah 60 2 Meaning

The glory of the LORD shines upon Zion, indicating a divine presence and favor returning to Jerusalem, signifying a period of restoration and prominence. This divine radiance represents God's manifest presence and His bestowed righteousness, transforming the city from desolation to splendor.

Isaiah 60 2 Context

Isaiah chapter 60 is a powerful prophecy of restoration and future glory for Israel, specifically focusing on Jerusalem (Zion). After periods of exile and hardship, this chapter promises a time when Jerusalem will become a beacon of God's presence, attracting nations and experiencing immense prosperity and peace. Verse 2 is pivotal, introducing the direct cause of this transformation: the tangible manifestation of God's glory. The audience, likely struggling with discouragement, is being assured of a future so radiant that it surpasses their present comprehension, driven by God's unfailing faithfulness. This message is deeply embedded in the context of God's covenant promises to Israel.

Isaiah 60 2 Word Analysis

• כִּי (ki): A foundational Hebrew conjunction, here translating to "for," "because," or "indeed." It introduces the reason or explanation for the preceding statement or a subsequent declaration of certainty. It establishes a cause-and-effect relationship or a confirmatory assertion.

• וְהִנֵּה (wəhinnēh): Combines the conjunction "and" (וְ) with the interjection "behold!" or "lo!" (הִנֵּה). "Hinneh" is used to draw attention, to emphasize the suddenness or importance of something. It signals a significant revelation or appearance.

• אוֹר (ʾōr): The Hebrew word for "light." Light in Scripture often symbolizes divine presence, holiness, truth, knowledge, salvation, and glory. It's the antithesis of darkness, which represents ignorance, sin, and divine absence.

• לָךְ (lāḵ): The feminine singular second-person possessive pronoun, meaning "to you" or "for you." In this context, it directly addresses Zion (Jerusalem), a feminine noun in Hebrew, reinforcing the personal and specific nature of God's favor upon the city.

• וְכָבוֹד (wəḵāḇōḏ): Combines "and" (וְ) with "glory" (כָּבוֹד). Glory (kavod) signifies weightiness, honor, magnificence, and the visible manifestation of God's presence and character. It implies a revelation of God's splendor.

• יְהוָה (YHWH): The personal, covenantal name of God, rendered here as LORD. Its presence signifies the direct involvement and empowerment of God Himself in the events described.

• עוֹלֶה (ʿōlēh): The masculine singular present participle of the verb "to rise," "to ascend," or "to go up." It implies a gradual or definitive ascent, the coming forth of something that elevates and becomes prominent. In this context, it signifies God's glory actively arising or shining upon Zion.

• כִּי וְהִנֵּה אוֹר לָךְ: This phrase strongly links the concept of divine enablement ("for behold, light is for you"). The conjunction "ki" asserts the truth of the statement, while "hinneh" adds an element of suddenness and impactful arrival. "Or lach" points to a divinely sourced radiance made available to Zion.

• וְכָבוֹד יְהוָה עוֹלֶה עָלַיִךְ: This powerfully declares that the cause of this light is the ascending glory of Yahweh Himself. The active participle "oleh" (rising) shows God's glory is not static but actively coming to Zion, bringing its transformative presence. The preposition "alayik" (upon you) underscores that this glory descends or manifests directly on the city.

Isaiah 60 2 Bonus Section

This verse is intrinsically linked to the concept of the "Shekinah glory," the visible manifestation of God's presence in the Old Testament, most notably in the Tabernacle and Temple. The prophecy anticipates a time when this glory will be restored to Zion in a manner that surpasses all previous manifestations. It’s a promise that God’s people will be characterized not by their own works, but by the overwhelming radiance of God Himself dwelling among them and shining through them. This also anticipates the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, as this light and glory are not for Israel alone but are destined to draw all nations.

Isaiah 60 2 Commentary

Isaiah 60:2 is a potent declaration of God's impending work in restoring His people and His city. The verse asserts that a divine light is about to dawn upon Zion, not as a distant phenomenon, but as an intimate and overwhelming manifestation of God's own glory. This isn't just symbolic light; it is the LORD's presence in overwhelming splendor. This signifies the end of darkness and oppression, ushering in an era of divine favor and empowerment. The glory of the LORD is described as "ascending upon" Zion, implying that God's presence is actively and powerfully returning, radiating outwards to illuminate and attract all nations. This foundational promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the Light of the world, and in the eternal New Jerusalem, where God's glory is the perpetual light.

• Practical application: Just as God's glory covered Zion, His presence can illuminate our lives and communities, transforming darkness into light.