Isaiah 9:3
What does Isaiah 9:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Isaiah 9:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Isaiah 9:3 means
This verse describes the joyous outcome of the divine intervention, comparing the people's elevated spirits to the overwhelming happiness of harvest time or the elation of dividing war spoils. The nation experiences a significant increase, both in numbers and in prosperity, directly attributed to God's blessing. This abundance and profound joy are a direct result of the "great light" shining upon them, signifying a period of flourishing and contentment after a time of suffering and oppression. It speaks to a deep, God-given gladness that resonates deeply within the transformed community.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Thou 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Thou 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949You have made them very glad, increasing their joy. They are glad before you as men are glad in the time of getting in the grain, or when they make division of the goods taken in war.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Thou hast multiplied the nation, Thou hast made great its joy, They have joyed before Thee as the joy in harvest, As <FI>men<Fi> rejoice in their apportioning spoil.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Thou hast multiplied the nation, and hast not increased the joy. They shall rejoice before thee, as they that rejoice in the harvest, as conquerors rejoice after taking a prey, when they divide the spoils.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Thou hast multiplied the nation, hast increased its joy: they joy before thee like to the joy in harvest; as [men] rejoice when they divide the spoil.
Context
Coming after the announcement of light for those in darkness, this verse describes the immediate and tangible effects of that light: multiplied joy and national increase. It provides a picture of the restored state of the people. This placement is important as it illustrates the blessed consequences of the divine intervention, flowing directly into the reason for such celebration: God's breaking of their oppressors' power.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 16:9
Therefore I will weep with the weeping of Jazer for the vine of Sibmah; I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for upon thy summer fruits and upon thy harvest the battle shout is fallen.
- Psalms 119:162
I rejoice at thy word, As one that findeth great spoil.
- Isaiah 55:12
For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing; and all the trees of the fields shall clap their hands.
- Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice.
- Psalms 4:7
Thou hast put gladness in my heart, More thanthey havewhen their grain and their new wine are increased.
- Zechariah 2:11
And many nations shall join themselves to Jehovah in that day, and shall be my people; and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that Jehovah of hosts hath sent me unto thee.
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