Isaiah 60:2

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
הִנֵּ֤ה
lo!
#3
הַחֹ֙שֶׁךְ֙
For behold the darkness
the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness
#4
יְכַסֶּה
shall cover
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
#5
אֶ֔רֶץ
the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#6
וַעֲרָפֶ֖ל
and gross darkness
gloom (as of a lowering sky)
#7
לְאֻמִּ֑ים
the people
a community
#8
וְעָלַ֙יִךְ֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
יִזְרַ֣ח
shall arise
properly, to irradiate (or shoot forth beams), i.e., to rise (as the sun); specifically, to appear (as a symptom of leprosy)
#10
יְהוָ֔ה
but the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
וּכְבוֹד֖וֹ
upon thee and his glory
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
#12
עָלַ֥יִךְ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
יֵרָאֶֽה׃
shall be seen
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of glory connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about glory, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Isaiah.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Isaiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes glory in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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