For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.

ISAIAH 62:1KJV
Know the Bible

Isaiah 62:1 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 62:1 mean?

Isaiah 62:1 describes a determined promise not to remain silent or inactive for the sake of Zion and Jerusalem, but to keep speaking and acting until their righteousness shines brightly and their salvation is obvious and unmistakable. The verse pictures a commitment to see Jerusalem restored and honored, with its goodness and deliverance as visible as a burning lamp.

The speaker is likely the prophet Isaiah, expressing either his own resolve or speaking on behalf of God’s unwavering commitment to Jerusalem. The historical context is a time when Jerusalem had suffered, and there was a longing for its renewal and vindication. The verse uses vivid images—brightness and a burning lamp—to show how visible and undeniable Jerusalem’s restored righteousness and salvation will be.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 62:1

  • "Peace" (חֲשֵׁה, chashah) is often understood as "keeping silent" or "holding back." Here, it emphasizes an active refusal to stay quiet about Jerusalem’s future.
  • "Righteousness" (צֶדֶק, tsedeq) means more than just moral goodness; it also carries the idea of justice or being set right, highlighting the complete restoration being promised.
  • "Brightness" (נֹגַהּ, nogah) refers to a shining or radiance, stressing how visible and unmistakable Jerusalem’s new status will be.
  • "Salvation" (יְשׁוּעָה, yeshuah) means deliverance or rescue, pointing to Jerusalem’s future safety and honor.
  • "Lamp" (לַפִּיד, lappid) is a word for a torch or burning light, underlining that Jerusalem’s salvation will be as clear and noticeable as a blazing lamp.

Why Isaiah 62:1 matters

  • Isaiah 62:1 clarifies that the restoration of Jerusalem is not a passive hope but an active, ongoing commitment, either from the prophet or from God.
  • The verse emphasizes that Jerusalem’s transformation will be obvious to all, not hidden or uncertain, using strong imagery to make the point.
  • This verse sets the tone for the rest of Isaiah 62, which continues to describe Jerusalem’s future honor and the certainty of God’s promises for His people.

Where else these words appear

“lamp” Hebrew H3940 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 15:17 And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.
  • Judges 15:4 And Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took firebrands, and turned tail to tail, and put a firebrand in the midst between two tails.
  • Ezekiel 1:13 As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.

“peace” Hebrew H2814 · used in 16 verses

  • Judges 18:9 And they said, Arise, that we may go up against them: for we have seen the land, and, behold, it is very good: and are ye still? be not slothful to go, and to enter to possess the land.
  • Nehemiah 8:11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved.
  • Isaiah 42:14 I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.

“brightness” Hebrew H5051 · used in 19 verses

  • 2 Samuel 22:13 Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled.
  • Isaiah 60:3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
  • Ezekiel 10:4 Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory.

“rest” Hebrew H8252 · used in 41 verses

  • Joshua 11:23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.
  • 2 Chronicles 14:6 And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest.
  • Isaiah 18:4 For so the LORD said unto me, I will take my rest, and I will consider in my dwelling place like a clear heat upon herbs, and like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.