King James Version
Isaiah 9:2 in the King James Version says “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon the...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.”
Isaiah 9:2 · 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. of the nations: or, populous
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. not: or, to him
For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. For: or, When thou brakest
KJV Study — Public Domain
“The people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
“that walked”
H1980to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
“in darkness”
H2822the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness
“have seen”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
“light”
H216illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
“they that dwell”
H3427properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
“of the shadow of death”
H6757shade of death, i.e., the grave (figuratively, calamity)
“light”
H216illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
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.
Isaiah 9:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Isaiah 9:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge