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

Isaiah 60:2 portrays a stark contrast between a world enveloped in profound spiritual darkness and the radiant, life-giving light of God's glory emanating from Jerusalem (Zion). It prophesies that while deep ignorance, sin, and godlessness cover the entire earth and its various nations, the Sovereign LORD will dramatically shine forth upon His chosen city and people, making His divine presence and splendor clearly visible. This divine illumination sets Zion apart as a beacon of hope, drawing attention amidst the surrounding gloom.

Isaiah 60 2 Context

Isaiah chapter 60 is a fervent prophecy nestled within the "Book of Consolation" (chapters 40-66) in Isaiah, primarily addressed to a post-exilic Israel and pointing toward a glorious future for Jerusalem (Zion). While chapter 59 details the pervasive sin and darkness within Israel itself, highlighting humanity's moral failures, chapter 60 shifts focus dramatically to a future, divinely-initiated restoration. The historical context reflects a people returning from exile, perhaps disheartened by their small beginnings. This chapter acts as a majestic vision, promising Zion that she will be fully vindicated, shine with the LORD's glory, and become a magnet for all nations who will bring their wealth and honor to her. Verse 2 specifically sets the stage for this spectacular reversal: amidst the widespread spiritual and moral degradation of the world, God's singular light will distinguish and empower Jerusalem. It directly precedes the verse (60:3) that promises nations and kings will be drawn to this emanating light.

Isaiah 60 2 Word analysis

• For behold, (כִּי־הִנֵּה – Kiy-hinneh): This opening phrase is an emphatic interjection, a call to immediate attention. It signals a dramatic and significant declaration, urging the audience to perceive a crucial truth about to be unveiled. It is an alert, drawing eyes to a pivotal scene.
• darkness (חֹשֶׁךְ – choshekh): Refers to deep, literal obscurity, but prophetically signifies profound spiritual blindness, moral depravity, ignorance of God, suffering, and the absence of divine truth and light. It's the antithesis of God's presence.
• shall cover (יְכַסֶּה – yekhasseh): From the root "to cover" or "to conceal." It suggests a pervasive, extensive, and concealing blanket, implying that this darkness is widespread and suffocating, hindering any glimpse of truth or hope.
• the earth (אֶרֶץ – eretz): Signifies the entire world, all mankind. This is a universal statement, indicating that the condition of spiritual darkness is not limited to one nation but encompasses global humanity.
• and thick darkness (וַעֲרָפֶל – wa'araphel): This intensifies the previous 'darkness.' 'Araphel denotes a dense, impenetrable gloom or cloud, often associated with mystery, judgment, or God's awesome, unapproachable presence in the Old Testament. Here, it underscores the overwhelming and profound nature of the spiritual obscurity afflicting the nations.
• the peoples (לְאֻמִּים – le'ummim): Refers specifically to the Gentile nations, distinct from Israel. This highlights the scope of spiritual darkness as predominantly affecting those outside God's direct covenant relationship, emphasizing their desperate need for divine illumination.
• but (וְ – we): This is a strong adversative conjunction, dramatically introducing a counter-statement. It marks a sharp contrast, a decisive turning point, and a divine intervention against the prevailing darkness.
• the LORD (יְהוָה – YHVH): The covenant name of God, indicating His personal, faithful, and active involvement. It is God Himself, not human effort, who will initiate the change.
• will arise (יִזְרַח – yizrach): This verb literally means "to rise" or "to shine forth," typically used for the sun's dawn. It signifies a sudden, powerful, and radiant emergence of light, a new day, implying warmth, life, and irresistible clarity.
• upon you (עָלַיִךְ – 'alayikh): Refers to Zion, or Jerusalem, often personified as a woman. It denotes a specific, concentrated emanation of God's presence and glory upon His chosen dwelling place, making her the unique source of this light.
• and His glory (וּכְבוֹדוֹ – ukhevodow): God's kavod denotes His weight, splendor, honor, reputation, and manifest presence. It refers to the visible, radiant, and majestic outpouring of His divine attributes.
• will be seen (יֵרָאֶה – yera'eh): A passive verb, meaning "it will be caused to be seen" or "it will appear." It assures that God's glory will be unmistakable, overtly displayed, and recognized by all, not hidden or obscure.
• upon you (עָלַיִךְ – 'alayikh): Repetition emphasizes that Zion is the singular, privileged recipient and manifestation point of this divine glory in a world otherwise lost in shadow.

• "darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples": This phrase paints a grim picture of universal spiritual destitution. It indicates a comprehensive lack of divine truth and moral order, with 'thick darkness' emphasizing the depth of this pervasive spiritual blindness and human fallenness among all nations, making God's subsequent intervention even more striking.
• "but the LORD will arise upon you": This acts as a sudden, glorious antithesis to the preceding darkness. The "LORD" initiating the "arising" like the sun signifies an act of divine power and mercy that penetrates the gloom, highlighting God's sovereignty and His chosen location for revelation.
• "and His glory will be seen upon you": This clarifies what 'arising' entails—the visible, tangible manifestation of God's own majesty and radiant presence. It is a distinct, public display of divine favor and splendor exclusively upon Zion, making her unique amidst a darkened world.

Isaiah 60 2 Bonus section

This verse carries significant eschatological weight, serving as a powerful image for the culmination of God's redemptive plan. It isn't merely about ancient Jerusalem but finds profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, who declared Himself "the Light of the World" (Jn 8:12), coming into a world darkened by sin (Matt 4:16). Furthermore, the Church, as the body of Christ, is called to reflect this light, acting as God's instrument to penetrate the darkness (Eph 5:8, Phil 2:15). Ultimately, this prophecy finds its grandest realization in the New Jerusalem of Revelation 21-22, where there is no need for sun or moon, "for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb." This continuous and universal radiance underscores the eternal reign and visible presence of God in His renewed creation, where the darkness of sin is utterly vanquished.

Isaiah 60 2 Commentary

Isaiah 60:2 presents a vivid contrast between a world mired in profound spiritual and moral darkness and the spectacular manifestation of God's glory upon Zion. The depiction of 'darkness' (choshekh) and 'thick darkness' (araphel) emphasizes not merely an absence of light, but a pervasive ignorance of God, spiritual blindness, and the reign of sin across all nations. This gloom is portrayed as an all-encompassing blanket, suppressing truth and hope. However, the turning point comes with "but the LORD will arise upon you," signaling an abrupt and divinely orchestrated reversal. Like the dawning of the sun, God Himself will burst forth in brilliant radiance specifically upon Jerusalem (Zion). This "arising" is followed by the explicit promise that "His glory will be seen upon you." This refers to the visible, undeniable manifestation of God's presence, majesty, and righteous character, setting Zion apart as the single illuminated point in a dark world. It anticipates a time when God's unique light will radiate from His people, attracting all nations (as promised in the next verse) who seek truth and salvation, first through Christ, and ultimately in the New Heavens and New Earth where His glory is the only light.