King James Version

What Does Isaiah 60:19 Mean?

Isaiah 60:19 in the King James Version says “The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shal... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 60 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.

Isaiah 60:19 · KJV


Context

17

For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness.

18

Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.

19

The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.

20

Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.

21

Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
An astonishing promise: "The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee." Natural luminaries become obsolete. Why? "But the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory." God Himself becomes the light source—or olam (everlasting light). This transcends physical illumination to describe God's glorious presence as all-sufficient. Revelation 21:23 and 22:5 explicitly quote this verse, applying it to the New Jerusalem: "the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." From a Reformed perspective, this ultimate state represents the beatific vision—seeing God face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12, 1 John 3:2, Revelation 22:4). All created glories pale before the Creator's glory. The sun and moon, magnificent as they are, are unnecessary when God's presence illuminates all. This is the chief end of man—to glorify God and enjoy Him forever—fully realized in eternal, unmediated fellowship with the divine glory.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The promise addresses the post-exilic community's disappointment. The rebuilt temple lacked the Shekinah glory cloud that filled Solomon's temple (1 Kings 8:10-11). God's presence seemed diminished. This prophecy looked beyond physical manifestations to the ultimate reality: God's unmediated presence with His people. Christ's incarnation brought God's glory to earth (John 1:14), but veiled in flesh. The consummated kingdom removes all veils—God's full glory illuminates His people eternally without the mediation of sun or moon (Revelation 21:22-25).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ function as our light in the present age before the sun and moon become obsolete?
  2. What does it mean that God Himself is our glory, not merely the source of glory?
  3. How should anticipation of the beatific vision—seeing God face to face—shape our present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
לֹא1 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִֽהְיֶה2 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָּ֨ךְ3 of 19
H0
ע֤וֹד4 of 19
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

הַשֶּׁ֙מֶשׁ֙5 of 19

The sun

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

לְא֣וֹר6 of 19

give light

H216

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

יוֹמָ֔ם7 of 19

by day

H3119

daily

וּלְנֹ֕גַהּ8 of 19

neither for brightness

H5051

brilliancy (literally or figuratively)

הַיָּרֵ֖חַ9 of 19

shall the moon

H3394

the moon

לֹא10 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָאִ֣יר11 of 19

light

H215

to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)

לָ֑ךְ12 of 19
H0
וְהָיָה13 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָ֤ךְ14 of 19
H0
יְהוָה֙15 of 19

unto thee but the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לְא֣וֹר16 of 19

give light

H216

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

עוֹלָ֔ם17 of 19

shall be unto thee an everlasting

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

וֵאלֹהַ֖יִךְ18 of 19

and thy God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לְתִפְאַרְתֵּֽךְ׃19 of 19

thy glory

H8597

ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 60:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 60:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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