Isaiah 60:1

KJV

¶ Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Arise {H6965}, shine {H215}; for thy light {H216} is come {H935}, and the glory {H3519} of the LORD {H3068} is risen {H2224} upon thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Arise, shine [Yerushalayim], for your light has come, the glory of ADONAI has risen over you.

Berean Standard Bible

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.

American Standard Version

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of Jehovah is risen upon thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 60:1 is a clarion call to Zion, personified as a prostrate woman, to awaken and radiate the divine light and glory that has dawned upon her. This prophetic declaration, situated within Isaiah's broader message of restoration, heralds a new era of God's manifest presence and favor for His people, transforming their past desolation into a future of unparalleled splendor and global influence. It is an imperative to rise from spiritual dormancy and reflect the inherent glory of the Lord, which has already broken forth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 60:1 marks a dramatic shift in tone from the preceding chapters, particularly [Isaiah 59](/isaiah/59 "Isaiah 59 - Confession of Sin and Promise of Redemption"), which details the people's sin, God's judgment, and the resultant spiritual darkness and separation from God. The prophet has lamented the absence of justice and truth, painting a bleak picture of a people walking in darkness. Chapter 60, therefore, opens with a sudden, radiant burst of hope, directly addressing the desolate Jerusalem. It initiates a sustained prophetic vision of future glory, restoration, and the ingathering of the nations, extending through [Isaiah 62](/isaiah/62 "Isaiah 62 - Zion's Vindication and New Name"). This verse serves as the grand opening, setting the stage for the magnificent promises that follow, emphasizing that the source of this transformation is entirely divine, not human effort.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The immediate historical backdrop for this prophecy is the post-exilic period, following the [Babylonian captivity](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - The Babylonian Captivity"). Jerusalem lay in ruins, its people scattered, demoralized, and struggling to rebuild both their physical city and their spiritual identity. The glorious promises of God's covenant seemed distant, overshadowed by hardship and political subjugation. Culturally, the imagery of "light" and "glory" would resonate deeply with a people who understood the *Shekinah* glory of God in the Tabernacle and Temple, and who had experienced its departure. The call to "Arise, shine" is a direct challenge to their despondency, urging them to shake off the dust of defeat and embrace the new dawn God was bringing.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several profound themes central to Isaiah's prophecy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Illumination and Presence**, asserting that God Himself is the ultimate source of light and glory, not something generated by human effort. The phrase "thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee" signifies the manifest presence and favor of God, transforming the very nature of Zion. Secondly, it highlights **Restoration and Renewal**, proclaiming an end to Jerusalem's shame and desolation and the beginning of its exaltation. This transformation is not merely physical but deeply spiritual, signifying a renewed covenant relationship. Thirdly, the imperative commands "Arise, shine" represent a **Call to Action and Responsibility**. Zion, having received God's light, is now commanded to actively reflect it, becoming a beacon to the nations. This theme of being a "light to the nations" is prominent throughout Isaiah, seen also in passages like [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Nations"). Finally, while rooted in a historical context, this prophecy has significant **Eschatological Implications**, pointing beyond the immediate restoration to the ultimate glory of God's people in the new creation, where the Lord Himself is the eternal light, as envisioned in [Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - God as the Light of the New Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Arise (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** This primitive root signifies "to rise" in various applications, both literal and figurative. It implies a dramatic shift from a state of inactivity, prostration, or despair to one of uprightness and readiness for action. For Zion, it means to emerge from the dust of its ruins and the spiritual lethargy that accompanied its desolation, embodying a call to stand up, to awaken.
* **Shine (Hebrew, _ʼôwr'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to be (causative, make) luminous," this imperative calls Zion to radiate light, to be brilliant or glorious. It is not a command to *create* light from within, but rather to *reflect* the light that has already come upon it. The emphasis is on outward manifestation, becoming a visible beacon that draws attention to the source of its radiance.
* **Glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "weight," figuratively denotes splendor or copiousness. In a theological context, *kâbôwd* refers to the visible, tangible manifestation of God's majesty, holiness, and power, often associated with a radiant light or cloud, as seen when the [glory of the LORD filled the Tabernacle](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - The Glory of the LORD Fills the Tabernacle"). Here, it signifies God's own radiant presence and favor settling upon Zion, transforming her.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Arise, shine;":** This is a dual imperative, a direct and urgent command addressed to Zion. "Arise" implies a call to action, to stand up from a state of prostration, despair, or spiritual dormancy. "Shine" is the consequence and purpose of arising—to radiate light, to be brilliant. It is not a self-generated light but a reflection of an external, divine source, indicating an active response to God's intervention.
* **"for thy light is come, ":** This clause provides the foundational reason and enablement for the commands "Arise, shine." The "light" (Hebrew, *ʼôwr*) is not an internal quality of Zion but an external, divine illumination that has actively "come" (Hebrew, *bôwʼ*, meaning to arrive or enter). This signifies the dawn of God's favor, salvation, and truth, breaking through the darkness that had enveloped Zion. It is a declaration of divine initiative.
* **"and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.":** This second explanatory clause reinforces and expands upon the first. The "glory of the LORD" (Hebrew, *kâbôwd Yᵉhôvâh*) refers to the manifest presence, splendor, and honor of God Himself. The verb "is risen" (Hebrew, *zârach*, meaning to irradiate or shoot forth beams, like the sun rising) vividly portrays this glory as a new dawn, a powerful, undeniable manifestation that has ascended and settled upon Zion. It emphasizes that Zion's radiance is a direct result of God's own radiant presence.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 60:1 is rich in literary artistry, primarily employing **Personification**, **Imperative Mood**, and potent **Metaphor**. **Personification** is evident in the address to "thee," referring to Zion (Jerusalem) as if she were a living woman who has been prostrate or in darkness and is now commanded to rise. This imbues the city with human qualities, making the divine call more intimate and impactful. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Arise, shine") lends urgency and authority to the divine command, demanding an immediate and active response from the addressed entity. Furthermore, the central device is **Metaphor**, where "light" and "darkness" are used to represent spiritual and physical conditions. "Darkness" symbolizes oppression, despair, sin, and the absence of God's favor, while "light" symbolizes God's presence, salvation, truth, and glory. The "rising" of the Lord's glory is a vivid **Metaphor** for a new dawn, signaling the end of a long night of affliction and the beginning of a glorious era. The verse also exhibits a form of **Parallelism**, where "thy light is come" and "the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee" convey a similar truth through slightly different but reinforcing imagery, emphasizing the divine source of Zion's transformation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 60:1 serves as a profound theological statement on God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, even in their darkest hours. It underscores the truth that true illumination and glory originate solely from God. Humanity's role is not to generate this light but to receive it and, in turn, reflect it. This prophetic vision transcends its immediate historical context, pointing to an eschatological hope where God's ultimate glory will fully dwell among His people, transforming them into a radiant beacon for all nations. It is a testament to the divine initiative in salvation and restoration, emphasizing that God's grace precedes and enables any human response. The verse also highlights the missional aspect of God's people: having been illuminated, they are called to be a light to others, drawing the world to the source of their radiance.

* [John 1:4-5](/john/1-4 "John 1:4-5 - Life and Light in Jesus")
* [Matthew 5:14-16](/matthew/5-14 "Matthew 5:14-16 - You Are the Light of the World")
* [Revelation 21:23-24](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23-24 - The New Jerusalem's Light")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 60:1 offers a timeless message of hope, transformation, and purpose for believers today. Just as ancient Zion was called to emerge from its desolation and reflect God's glory, so too are individuals and the Church called to rise from spiritual apathy, despair, or the shadows of sin. This verse reminds us that our ability to "shine" is not a result of our own inherent goodness or strength, but a direct consequence of God's light having "come" and His "glory" having "risen upon" us through Christ. It's a call to embrace the reality of God's presence in our lives, allowing His truth and love to permeate our being and flow outward. In a world often shrouded in moral and spiritual darkness, our lives, individually and corporately, are meant to be beacons, drawing attention not to ourselves, but to the magnificent source of our light. This requires an active posture of faith, moving from passivity to participation in God's redemptive work, confidently displaying the hope that is within us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or our community has "darkness" seemed to prevail, and how might Isaiah 60:1 encourage me to look for God's breaking light?**
* **What does it mean practically for me, or for my church, to "arise" from spiritual dormancy or complacency?**
* **How can I more intentionally "shine" the light and glory of the Lord upon me, in my daily interactions and witness?**
* **Considering that our light is a reflection of God's, what steps can I take to deepen my connection to the source of that light?**

### FAQ
**Who is "thee" that Isaiah 60:1 is addressing?**

Answer: While the immediate historical context points to Jerusalem, or Zion, personified as a woman, the prophetic nature of Isaiah's message allows for broader application. "Thee" primarily refers to the covenant people of God—Israel in its post-exilic context—who are called to be restored and become a light to the nations. The New Testament, however, expands this to include the Church, the spiritual Israel, as the recipient of God's light and glory, called to reflect it to the world, as seen in [Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Walk as Children of Light").

**What is the "light" that has come, and the "glory of the LORD" that has risen?**

Answer: The "light" and "glory" are synonymous terms referring to the manifest presence, favor, salvation, and truth of God Himself. It signifies a divine intervention, a new dawn of God's redemptive work breaking forth. In the Old Testament, God's glory often appeared as a visible manifestation, like the [cloud that filled the Tabernacle](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - The Glory of the LORD Fills the Tabernacle"). Theologically, this "light" is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the [light of the world](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World") and the [radiance of God's glory](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Jesus, the Radiance of God's Glory").

**How does this verse apply to believers today?**

Answer: For believers today, Isaiah 60:1 is a powerful call to spiritual awakening and active witness. We are commanded to "Arise" from any spiritual lethargy, sin, or despair, because the true "light" of the world, Jesus Christ, has come into our lives. His "glory" has "risen upon" us through His Spirit, transforming us. Therefore, we are called to "shine" by reflecting His character, truth, and love to a world still in darkness. This is a mandate for both individual discipleship and the collective mission of the Church, as [Matthew 5:14-16](/matthew/5-14 "Matthew 5:14-16 - You Are the Light of the World") instructs us to let our light shine before others.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 60:1 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very "Light" that has come into the world, breaking through the spiritual darkness that enveloped humanity, as declared in [John 1:9](/john/1-9 "John 1:9 - The True Light"). Jesus is the embodiment of the "glory of the LORD," the [radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Jesus, the Radiance of God's Glory"). When Christ, the true light, rose from the dead, His glory truly "rose upon" humanity, offering salvation and new life. Through faith in Him, believers are no longer in darkness but have become [light in the Lord](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Walk as Children of Light"). Therefore, the command to "Arise, shine" is now given to those who are "in Christ." We are called to rise from the death of sin and reflect the glorious light of the gospel, for [God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - God's Light in Our Hearts"). Our shining is not our own achievement, but the natural overflow of Christ's indwelling presence, making us a beacon of His redemptive love to a watching world, anticipating the day when the [New Jerusalem itself will have no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God will illuminate it, and its lamp will be the Lamb](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - God's Glory Illuminates the New Jerusalem").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 5:14

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

Ephesians 5:8

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

Isaiah 52:1

¶ Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.

Isaiah 52:2

Shake thyself from the dust; arise, [and] sit down, O Jerusalem: loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion.

John 8:12

¶ Then 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.

Isaiah 60:19

The 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.

Isaiah 60:20

Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.