Isaiah 9:1
What does Isaiah 9:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Isaiah 9:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Isaiah 9:1 means
This verse prophesies a reversal of fortune for the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, which were historically held in low esteem and faced early suffering during invasions. The prophet declares that these areas, specifically "Galilee of the nations" (Galilee of the Gentiles), once afflicted with shame and despair, would later be glorified. This glorification would be marked by a significant event, a breaking forth of light, signifying a pivotal moment of divine intervention and blessing. This prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament when Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, begins His public ministry in this very region, bringing spiritual light to a people long accustomed to darkness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But there shall be no gloom to her that was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the latter time hath he made it glorious, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Nevertheless 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But there shall be no gloom to her that was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the latter time hath he made it glorious, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949In earlier times he made the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali of small value, but after that he gave it glory, by the way of the sea, on the other side of Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862As the former time made light The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, So the latter hath honoured the way of the sea, Beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752At the first time the land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephtali was lightly touched: and at the last the way of the sea beyond the Jordan of the Galilee of the Gentiles was heavily loaded.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Nevertheless the darkness shall not be as when the distress was in the [land], at the time he at first lightly, and afterwards heavily, visited the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, — the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations:
Context
This verse sets the stage for the glorious prophecy to follow, contrasting past humiliation with future glory. It immediately precedes the announcement of a great light for those in darkness. This contextual framing is crucial, as it identifies the specific geographic region that will be the initial beneficiary of God's redemptive plan, establishing the groundwork for the arrival of the Messiah.
v.1This passage
v.2The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 8:22
and they shall look unto the earth, and, behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish; and into thick darkness they shall be driven away.
- 2 Kings 15:29
In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abel-beth-maacah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali; and he carried them captive to Assyria.
- 2 Chronicles 16:4
And Ben-hadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abel-maim, and all the store-cities of Naphtali.
- 1 Kings 15:19
There is a league between me and thee, between my father and thy father: behold, I have sent unto thee a present of silver and gold; go, break thy league with Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me.
- Leviticus 26:28
then I will walk contrary unto you in wrath; and I also will chastise you seven times for your sins.
- Matthew 4:15
The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, Toward the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles,
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