King James Version

What Does Isaiah 60:2 Mean?

Isaiah 60:2 in the King James Version says “For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 60 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 · KJV

Context

1

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. shine: or, be enlightened; for thy light cometh

2

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.

3

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

4

Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side.

Read Isaiah 60 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The contrast 'darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people' depicts comprehensive spiritual ignorance, yet 'the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee' promises concentrated divine revelation to Israel. This establishes that God's light shines brightest against darkest background. The purpose: 'his glory shall be seen' - God's self-revelation attracts nations to His light-bearing people.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This anticipates both post-exilic temple restoration and ultimate fulfillment in Christ - 'light of the world' (John 8:12) arising in dark Roman paganism. The church inherits this light-bearing mission (Matthew 5:14), displaying God's glory to dark world.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the contrast between world's 'gross darkness' and God's arising glory on you create evangelistic opportunity?
  2. In what ways should God's 'glory seen upon you' attract others to seek the light's source?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
כִּֽי1 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הִנֵּ֤ה2 of 13
H2009

lo!

הַחֹ֙שֶׁךְ֙3 of 13

“For behold the darkness”

H2822

the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness

יְכַסֶּה4 of 13

“shall cover”

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

אֶ֔רֶץ5 of 13

“the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַעֲרָפֶ֖ל6 of 13

“and gross darkness”

H6205

gloom (as of a lowering sky)

לְאֻמִּ֑ים7 of 13

“the people”

H3816

a community

וְעָלַ֙יִךְ֙8 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יִזְרַ֣ח9 of 13

“shall arise”

H2224

properly, to irradiate (or shoot forth beams), i.e., to rise (as the sun); specifically, to appear (as a symptom of leprosy)

יְהוָ֔ה10 of 13

“but the LORD”

H3068

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

וּכְבוֹד֖וֹ11 of 13

“upon thee and his glory”

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

עָלַ֥יִךְ12 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יֵרָאֶֽה׃13 of 13

“shall be seen”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

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 60:2 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 60:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 1:131 Peter 2:9Acts 17:30-312 Corinthians 4:4-6Haggai 2:7-9Ephesians 4:17-20

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