Isaiah 9:1 kjv
Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.
Isaiah 9:1 nkjv
Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, As when at first He lightly esteemed The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, And afterward more heavily oppressed her, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, In Galilee of the Gentiles.
Isaiah 9:1 niv
Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan?
Isaiah 9:1 esv
But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
Isaiah 9:1 nlt
Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.
Isaiah 9 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah 9:1 | Yet there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. ... | Isaiah 9:1 (The verse itself) |
| Isaiah 9:2 | The people walking in darkness have seen a great light... | Isaiah 9:2 (Elaboration of the light) |
| Isaiah 9:3 | You have multiplied the nation and increased its joy... | Isaiah 9:3 (Result of the light) |
| Isaiah 9:4 | For you will break the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his oppressor | Isaiah 9:4 (Deliverance aspect) |
| Isaiah 9:5 | For to us a child is born, to us a son is given... | Isaiah 9:5 (Fulfillment in Christ) |
| Isaiah 9:6 | ...and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God... | Isaiah 9:6 (Identity of the light) |
| Isaiah 9:7 | Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end... | Isaiah 9:7 (Nature of the reign) |
| Isaiah 42:6 | I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand... | Isaiah 42:6 (Calling the servant) |
| Isaiah 49:6 | ...I will make you as a light for the nations... | Isaiah 49:6 (Light to the nations) |
| Isaiah 60:1 | Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen... | Isaiah 60:1 (Glory of God's light) |
| Isaiah 60:3 | And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. | Isaiah 60:3 (Global impact) |
| Jeremiah 31:16 | Thus says the LORD: "Keep your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears..." | Jeremiah 31:16 (Promise of comfort) |
| Jeremiah 31:25 | For I will satisfy the TRIBULING SOUL, and every sorrowful soul I will satisfy." | Jeremiah 31:25 (Fulfillment of satisfaction) |
| Micah 7:7 | But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation... | Micah 7:7 (Waiting for salvation) |
| Micah 7:8 | Rejoice not over me, O my enemy! Though I fall, I shall rise again... | Micah 7:8 (Rising from falls) |
| Matthew 4:13 | ...leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea... | Matthew 4:13 (Jesus in the region) |
| Matthew 4:15 | The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— | Matthew 4:15 (Geographic fulfillment) |
| Matthew 4:16 | the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” | Matthew 4:16 (Direct New Testament quote) |
| Luke 1:79 | to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death... | Luke 1:79 (John the Baptist's prophecy) |
| John 1:5 | The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. | John 1:5 (Light and darkness imagery) |
| John 1:9 | The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. | John 1:9 (The true light) |
| Acts 26:23 | that Christ was suffering, that by being the first to rise from the dead he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” | Acts 26:23 (Christ's proclamation) |
| Ephesians 5:8 | for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. | Ephesians 5:8 (Transformation into light) |
| Revelation 21:23 | And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine upon it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. | Revelation 21:23 (Ultimate light source) |
Isaiah 9 verses
Isaiah 9 1 Meaning
The verse declares that a great light will shine upon a land formerly in darkness. This light brings joy and liberation, transforming sorrow into gladness.
Isaiah 9 1 Context
This prophecy in Isaiah 9:1 is situated within the broader context of Isaiah's ministry, which addressed the nations of Israel and Judah during periods of political instability and spiritual decline. The passage speaks to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, specifically referencing the territories of Zebulun and Naphtali. These areas had suffered under Assyrian oppression and devastation, leaving their people in a state of anguish and despair. Isaiah 9:1 follows prophecies of judgment, highlighting a future restoration and a new era of joy and peace. The impending threat of invasion by the Assyrians, particularly impacting the northern tribes, provides the immediate historical backdrop. The mention of “affliction” and “darkness” directly reflects the experience of these people.
Isaiah 9 1 Word Analysis
Wə·ʕājûm (וְעָצוּם): "and increased" or "and intensified". Indicates a growing burden or affliction.
yə·ṯîr (יָתֵר): "more", "remnant", or "excess". Implies an augmentation of former disgrace.
rî·šôn (רִאשׁוֹן): "former", "first". Refers to a previous time or state of dishonor.
hâ·’ā·reṣ (הָאָרֶץ): "the land". Refers specifically to the land of Zebulun and Naphtali.
zə·ḇu·lûn (זְבֻלוּן): "Zebulun". One of the tribes of Israel, located in northern Galilee.
wə·nāp̄·tā·lî (וְנַפְתָּלִי): "and Naphtali". Another tribe of Israel, also in northern Galilee, adjacent to Zebulun.
wə·ye·ṯîr (וְיָתֵר): "and the region beyond the Jordan". Refers to areas east of the Jordan River.
gə·lî·lāh (גְּלִילָה): "Galilee". The region where Jesus later ministered.
hā·‘ɔ·yîm (הָעַמִּים): "the nations" or "the Gentiles". Refers to non-Israelite peoples, often implying the surrounding Gentile nations or those mixed with Israel.
mā·‘ĕ·rāh (מַרְעוּמָה): "afflicted" or "heavy", "greatly oppressed". Signifies a severe burden.
lĕ·’ā·ḥôr (לְאָחֹר): "backward" or "to the rear". Suggests disgrace or humiliation, being pushed aside.
Land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations: This specific geographical designation is crucial. Zebulun and Naphtali were tribes that experienced significant oppression and partial exile under Assyria, making them feel "afflicted" and in a state of "dishonor." The inclusion of "Galilee of the nations" highlights the intermingling of Jewish and Gentile populations in this northern region, underscoring its vulnerability and spiritual mixedness.
Isaiah 9 1 Bonus Section
The prophetic declaration of a great light shining on the darkened land, first articulated in Isaiah 9:1, finds a profound fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ, as noted by Matthew in his Gospel (Matthew 4:13-16). Jesus, establishing his base in Galilee, the very region mentioned, brought spiritual illumination to those who sat in the shadow of death. This fulfilled prophecy is a key piece of evidence for Jesus’ messianic identity. The dual nature of the suffering – oppression and dishonor – also speaks to the human condition in a fallen world, awaiting a deeper redemption that transcends political or military victory. The light signifies spiritual awakening, salvation, and the reign of God’s righteousness.
Isaiah 9 1 Commentary
Isaiah 9:1 sets a scene of severe distress for the northern tribes of Israel. The original audience, living under the shadow of Assyrian threats and experiencing devastation, would have felt the weight of this prophecy. It acknowledges their deep suffering and humiliation, painting a stark picture of their present condition. This verse is foundational to the subsequent promise of a coming light and salvation, identifying the specific people who would first benefit from this divine intervention. The historical context of Assyrian conquest and its impact on Zebulun and Naphtali provides the immediate application of this hardship. However, the prophecy's scope transcends this specific historical moment, pointing towards a future and ultimate deliverance.