Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.

ISAIAH 24:23KJV
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Isaiah 24:23 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 24:23 mean?

Isaiah 24:23 describes a future time when the LORD will reign so gloriously in Jerusalem that even the moon and sun will seem dim or embarrassed by comparison. The verse pictures God’s rule as so magnificent that the brightest things in the sky appear insignificant next to His presence.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Judah about a coming day of God’s judgment and ultimate reign. In this verse, Isaiah uses vivid language to show that when the LORD of hosts rules from Mount Zion in Jerusalem, His glory will outshine all natural lights, and even the elders (“ancients”) will witness His splendor. This is part of a larger prophecy about the end of suffering and the beginning of God’s perfect rule.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 24:23

  • "Confounded" (חָפֵר, chapher) and "ashamed" (בּוּשׁ, bush) both carry the sense of being humiliated or put to shame. Here, they are applied to the moon and sun, showing that even these powerful lights are nothing compared to God’s glory.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH) and "hosts" (צְבָאוֹת, tseva’ot) together emphasize God’s supreme authority as the commander of heavenly armies, underlining the majesty of His reign.
  • "Gloriously" (כָּבוֹד, kavod) means weight, honor, or splendor. The verse highlights that God’s presence is not just bright, but overwhelmingly majestic and worthy of reverence.

Why Isaiah 24:23 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that God’s glory is just another light among many; Isaiah says it completely surpasses even the sun and moon.
  • Isaiah 24:23 connects to the wider chapter, which describes judgment on the whole earth but ends with hope: God’s reign will bring restoration and honor to Jerusalem.
  • The mention of God reigning “before his ancients” shows that this is a public, witnessed event, not a hidden or private moment—God’s glory will be seen and recognized by all.

Where else these words appear

“moon” Hebrew H3842 · used in 3 verses

  • Song of Solomon 6:10 Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?
  • Isaiah 30:26 Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound.

“sun” Hebrew H2535 · used in 5 verses

  • Job 30:28 I went mourning without the sun: I stood up, and I cried in the congregation.
  • Psalms 19:6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
  • Song of Solomon 6:10 Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?

“confounded” Hebrew H2659 · used in 17 verses

  • Job 6:20 They were confounded because they had hoped; they came thither, and were ashamed.
  • Psalms 70:2 Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt.
  • Isaiah 1:29 For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which ye have desired, and ye shall be confounded for the gardens that ye have chosen.

“ashamed” Hebrew H954 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 2:25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
  • Psalms 109:28 Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.
  • Isaiah 66:5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.