King James Version

What Does Isaiah 60:20 Mean?

Isaiah 60:20 in the King James Version says “Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, an... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 60 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Isaiah 60:20 · KJV


Context

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.

22

A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The permanence is emphasized: "Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself." Natural luminaries set and wane, but God's light is perpetual. "For the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended." Or olam (everlasting light) repeats from verse 19, while shalaum yeme eblech (completed the days of your mourning) promises permanent end to sorrow. This echoes Revelation 21:4: "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain." From a Reformed perspective, this describes the eternal state where glorified believers experience perfect, uninterrupted joy in God's presence. No more cycles of light and darkness, joy and sorrow—only perpetual light and gladness. This doesn't mean emotional monotony but the consummation of all that brings true joy. The perpetual light symbolizes comprehensive knowledge (no more darkness of ignorance or confusion), holiness (no more darkness of sin), and joy (no more darkness of sorrow).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The post-exilic community experienced ongoing struggles despite return from exile—economic hardship, foreign domination, spiritual coldness. Their mourning hadn't ended. The prophecy looked beyond temporal circumstances to eternal reality. Jesus inaugurated the kingdom, bringing light to darkness (John 8:12, 12:46), but full consummation awaits His return. The church experiences foretastes of perpetual joy (John 16:22, 1 Peter 1:8) but awaits complete fulfillment when all mourning ceases forever (Revelation 21:4).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the promise of ended mourning provide comfort amid present sorrows?
  2. What does perpetual light without sunset teach about the unchanging nature of eternal joy?
  3. How should we balance present suffering with future glory (Romans 8:18)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
לֹא1 of 16
H3808

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

יָב֥וֹא2 of 16

shall no more go down

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עוֹד֙3 of 16
H5750

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

שִׁמְשֵׁ֔ךְ4 of 16

Thy sun

H8121

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

וִירֵחֵ֖ךְ5 of 16

neither shall thy moon

H3391

a lunation, i.e., month

לֹ֣א6 of 16
H3808

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

יֵאָסֵ֑ף7 of 16

withdraw

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

כִּ֣י8 of 16
H3588

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

יְהוָ֗ה9 of 16

itself for the LORD

H3068

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

יִֽהְיֶה10 of 16
H1961

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

לָּךְ֙11 of 16
H0
לְא֣וֹר12 of 16

light

H216

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

עוֹלָ֔ם13 of 16

shall be thine everlasting

H5769

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

וְשָׁלְמ֖וּ14 of 16

shall be ended

H7999

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

יְמֵ֥י15 of 16

and the days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֶבְלֵֽךְ׃16 of 16

of thy mourning

H60

lamentation


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 60:20 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 60:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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