Isaiah 9:2
The 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.
Original Language Analysis
הָעָם֙
The people
H5971
הָעָם֙
The people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
1 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַהֹלְכִ֣ים
that walked
H1980
הַהֹלְכִ֣ים
that walked
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
2 of 12
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בַּחֹ֔שֶׁךְ
in darkness
H2822
בַּחֹ֔שֶׁךְ
in darkness
Strong's:
H2822
Word #:
3 of 12
the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness
רָא֖וּ
have seen
H7200
רָא֖וּ
have seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
4 of 12
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
א֖וֹר
light
H216
א֖וֹר
light
Strong's:
H216
Word #:
5 of 12
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
יֹשְׁבֵי֙
they that dwell
H3427
יֹשְׁבֵי֙
they that dwell
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
צַלְמָ֔וֶת
of the shadow of death
H6757
צַלְמָ֔וֶת
of the shadow of death
Strong's:
H6757
Word #:
9 of 12
shade of death, i.e., the grave (figuratively, calamity)
א֖וֹר
light
H216
א֖וֹר
light
Strong's:
H216
Word #:
10 of 12
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
Cross References
Matthew 4:16The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.Ephesians 5:8For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:John 12:46I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.John 8:12Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.1 Peter 2:9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:Isaiah 60:19The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.Luke 2:32A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.Psalms 107:10Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;Psalms 23:4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.Isaiah 50:10Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.
Historical Context
Initially fulfilled when Jesus began His public ministry in Galilee (c. AD 27-30). Matthew quotes this passage, showing Jesus as the promised light bringing salvation to Jews and Gentiles alike in the previously conquered northern territories. The 'great light' represents not just teaching but the presence of God incarnate—the Light of the World (John 8:12). What Assyria darkened, Messiah illuminated.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the imagery of light shining in darkness capture the essence of the gospel?
- In what ways have you personally experienced the transition from darkness to light in Christ?
- How should we as believers reflect Christ's light to those still in spiritual darkness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
One of Scripture's most beautiful Messianic prophecies. The 'great light' shining on those in darkness directly prophesies Christ's incarnation and ministry. 'Shadow of death' describes the deepest spiritual darkness and hopelessness. The light 'shined upon them' (past tense in Hebrew) demonstrates prophetic certainty—God sees future events as already accomplished. Matthew 4:13-16 explicitly identifies Jesus as this light. This illustrates the Reformed doctrine of unconditional election—God's light shines on those in darkness not because they sought it, but by His sovereign grace.