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 60:2KJV
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Isaiah 60:2 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 60:2 mean?

Isaiah 60:2 describes a time when deep darkness will cover the whole earth and its people, but the LORD will shine on a specific group, and His glory will be visible on them. The verse contrasts widespread trouble or despair with a special light and honor given by God.

In this part of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking to Jerusalem (often representing the people of Israel), describing a future where, despite overwhelming darkness affecting everyone else, God’s presence will be unmistakably with them. The verse uses vivid imagery to show a sharp difference between the world’s gloom and the unique blessing and attention God gives to His chosen people.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 60:2

  • "darkness" (חֹשֶׁךְ, ḥoshekh): This word often means not just the absence of light, but also a sense of confusion, trouble, or distress. It highlights the seriousness of the situation covering the earth.
  • "gross darkness" (עֲרָפֶל, ʿarafel): This term refers to a thick, heavy darkness, suggesting something even more intense and overwhelming than ordinary darkness.
  • "arise" (זָרַח, zarach): This word is used for the rising of the sun or light. Here, it paints a picture of God’s presence breaking through the darkness like a sunrise.
  • "glory" (כָּבוֹד, kavod): This word means weight, honor, or splendor. It emphasizes that what will be seen is not just light, but the impressive and unmistakable presence of God.

Why Isaiah 60:2 matters

  • Isaiah 60:2 clears up the idea that God’s favor can be visible and real even when the world around seems hopeless or dark; the verse is not just about physical light, but about God’s presence and honor.
  • The verse emphasizes that the darkness is not just a local problem but covers the whole earth and all people, making the LORD’s action even more striking and significant.
  • Isaiah 60:2 sets up the rest of the chapter, where the focus shifts to how nations are drawn to this light, showing that God’s blessing has a purpose beyond just comforting His people—it is meant to be seen by others.

Where else these words appear

“darkness” Hebrew H6205 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 20:21 And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.
  • 1 Kings 8:12 Then spake Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.
  • Psalms 97:2 Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.

“arise” Hebrew H2224 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 32:31 And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.
  • 2 Kings 3:22 And they rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone upon the water, and the Moabites saw the water on the other side as red as blood:
  • Ecclesiastes 1:5 The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose.

“people” Hebrew H3816 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 25:23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.
  • Psalms 67:4 O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.
  • Isaiah 17:13 The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but God shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.

“darkness” Hebrew H2822 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
  • Job 19:8 He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and he hath set darkness in my paths.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:14 The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.