Isaiah 9:2
What does Isaiah 9:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Isaiah 9:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Isaiah 9:2 means
Building on the previous verse's promise of light, this verse proclaims that people who have lived in deep spiritual and moral darkness, characterized as dwelling "in the land of the shadow of death," will experience a sudden and profound illumination. This "great light" represents a powerful spiritual awakening and deliverance, breaking through the despair and oppression that had enveloped them. The imagery evokes a transition from utter hopelessness to a vibrant, life-giving presence. This light is Christ Himself, who came to bring life and truth to those lost in sin and death.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The people who went in the dark have seen a great light, and for those who were living in the land of the deepest night, the light is shining.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The people who are walking in darkness Have seen a great light, Dwellers in a land of death-shade, Light hath shone upon them.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The people that walked in darkness, have seen a great light: to them that dwelt in the region of the shadow of death, light is risen.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890the people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; they that dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them light hath shone.
Context
Following the geographical identification in verse 1, this verse elaborates on the nature of the promised blessing: a "great light" for those in darkness. It continues the hopeful tone, preparing the reader for the source of this light. Understanding this verse's place in the flow is vital because it explains *what* will happen to the previously mentioned regions, leading directly to the celebration of that event.
v.1But 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.
v.2This passage
v.3Thou hast multiplied the nation, thou hast increased their joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 4:16
The people that sat in darkness Saw a great light, And to them that sat in the region and shadow of death, To them did light spring up.
- Ephesians 5:8
for ye were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord: walk as children of light
- Isaiah 9:1
But 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.
- Isaiah 60:19
The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but Jehovah will be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.
- Isaiah 60:1
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of Jehovah is risen upon thee.
- 1 John 1:5
And this is the message which we have heard from him and announce unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
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