Isaiah 60 3

Isaiah 60:3 kjv

And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

Isaiah 60:3 nkjv

The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising.

Isaiah 60:3 niv

Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Isaiah 60:3 esv

And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.

Isaiah 60:3 nlt

All nations will come to your light;
mighty kings will come to see your radiance.

Isaiah 60 verses

Isaiah 60 3 Meaning

Isaiah 60:3 is a profound prophetic declaration describing the universal attraction to Zion (Jerusalem) when God's glory is revealed upon it. It foretells a future where Gentile nations, including their rulers, will be drawn by the divine light and radiant splendor emanating from the glorified city. This light is not inherent to Zion itself, but rather reflects the manifested presence and glory of the LORD, beckoning the entire world to its saving truth.

Isaiah 60 3 Context

Isaiah chapter 60 opens with an imperative call to Jerusalem: "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee" (Isa 60:1). This exhortation comes immediately after a contrasting declaration in Isa 60:2 that deep darkness covers the earth and its peoples, emphasizing that Zion's illumination is unique and divine. The chapter is a vibrant prophecy depicting the glorious future restoration of Jerusalem, where its suffering is replaced by unimaginable splendor, divine presence, and global renown. It transitions from an oppressed and abandoned city to a glorious beacon attracting the nations. This particular verse (Isa 60:3) highlights the immediate effect of Zion's divinely granted light: the Gentile nations, even their most powerful leaders (kings), will be drawn to its radiance. This vision stands within the larger context of Isaiah 40-66, which speaks of comfort for Israel, the return from exile, the Servant of the LORD, and the ultimate eschatological triumph where God's justice and salvation reach all peoples, establishing a new heaven and a new earth centered on a glorified Jerusalem. The historical context reflects post-exilic hopes and dreams, but prophetically transcends immediate circumstances to depict a global fulfillment in the messianic era.

Isaiah 60 3 Word analysis

• And: (וְ wĕ-) Connective particle. Links the consequence of God's glory in v. 1-2 to the ensuing actions of the nations. It signals continuity and a direct result.
• the Gentiles: (גּוֹיִם gō·yîm) Refers to nations, peoples, specifically non-Israelite nations. The term signifies a departure from earlier Israelite-centric views, broadening salvation to all ethnic groups. This is a significant inclusion, showing God's universal plan.
• shall come: (הָלְכוּ hā·lə·ḵū) "They will walk," or "they will go." Implies an active movement, a pilgrimage, not merely a passive observation. It speaks of a deliberate seeking.
• to thy light: (אוֹרֵךְ ’ō·w·reḵ) "To your light." The light here belongs to Zion/Jerusalem (-ḵ is a feminine singular suffix "your"). This light is a direct emanation of the "glory of the LORD" which "is risen upon thee" (Isa 60:1-2). It is derived and reflected, not intrinsic to the city itself.
• and kings: (מְלָכִים mə·lā·ḵîm) Specifically rulers and potentates. Their inclusion highlights the widespread and authoritative recognition of God's manifested glory in Zion, from the highest levels of worldly power. It's a surrender of earthly authority to divine light.
• to the brightness: (נֹגַהּ nō·ḡah) "Brightness," "radiance," "splendor." This term is stronger and more intense than simply "light" (אור ’ōr), suggesting an effulgent, brilliant glow. It speaks of undeniable and compelling glory.
• of thy rising: (זָרְחֵךְ zār·ḥēḵ) "Of your dawning/shining forth." Literally "your sunrise." It conveys the imagery of a powerful, undeniable appearance, like the sun ascending and casting its rays over the earth. It emphasizes the active emergence of Zion's splendor.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• And the Gentiles shall come to thy light: This phrase expresses the universal scope of God's redemptive work. The previously excluded "nations" (Gentiles) are actively drawn to the source of divine illumination in Zion. This implies a spiritual turning and acknowledgement of God's authority emanating from Israel. It points to a pilgrimage of faith, where nations are not conquered by force, but captivated by spiritual truth.
• and kings to the brightness of thy rising: This forms a parallelism with the previous clause, intensifying the message. "Kings" amplify "Gentiles" to include the most powerful and influential among them. "Brightness of thy rising" is a heightened description of the light, signifying its intense glory and clear manifestation. The rulers of the world, symbolizing all human authority, will submit and be attracted by the profound spiritual glory unveiled from Zion. This envisions a willing homage and allegiance.

Isaiah 60 3 Bonus section

The concept of God's people being a "light to the nations" is a recurring motif in Isaiah, developing from the "Servant of the LORD" prophecies (Isa 42:6, 49:6). In Isa 60:3, Jerusalem is specifically commanded to "Arise, shine" and thus acts as a beacon that reflects this divine light. This passive role as a reflector, rather than an originator of the light, highlights the theological truth that all glory and saving power ultimately reside in God. The "brightness of thy rising" connects to ancient Near Eastern ideas of deities being associated with the rising sun, but here it's Yahweh's glory (manifested through Zion) that provides the ultimate, irresistible dawn for the world, surpassing all natural or pagan associations. This also serves as a polemic against all false deities and sources of wisdom or power, asserting Yahweh as the sole universal Sovereign whose glory transcends all earthly and spiritual rivals.

Isaiah 60 3 Commentary

Isaiah 60:3 presents a magnificent prophetic vision of a world captivated by the divine splendor radiating from Zion, God's chosen city. This is not mere geopolitical power or human wisdom, but the very glory of the LORD made manifest, reflected through a restored and righteous Jerusalem. The "light" is directly linked to God's own glory, as declared in Isa 60:1-2, showing that Zion's attractiveness stems solely from His presence. The inclusion of both "Gentiles" (nations) and "kings" underscores the universal and authoritative impact of this revelation. It implies a dramatic reversal of the world's focus: instead of nations dominating or exploiting Jerusalem, they will now be drawn to it as the center of spiritual light and truth.

The New Testament interprets much of this prophetic language as finding its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true "Light of the world" (Jn 8:12), and subsequently in the Church, which reflects Christ's light (Eph 5:8; Mt 5:14). Paul, for instance, saw his mission to the Gentiles as fulfilling such prophecies (Acts 13:47). Ultimately, the glorious vision points to the eschatological New Jerusalem, where there is no need for sun or moon, for the Lamb is its light (Rev 21:23-24), and the nations and their kings bring their glory into it. This verse assures believers of God's grand design for global redemption, where all peoples, regardless of their earthly standing, will be drawn to His saving truth, illuminating a world shrouded in spiritual darkness.