Isaiah 60:19

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sun {H8121} shall be no more thy light {H216} by day {H3119}; neither for brightness {H5051} shall the moon {H3394} give light {H216} unto thee: but the LORD {H3068} shall be unto thee an everlasting {H5769} light {H215}, and thy God {H430} thy glory {H8597}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"No more will the sun be your light by day, nor will moonlight shine on you; instead ADONAI will be your light forever and your God your glory.

Berean Standard Bible

No longer will the sun be your light by day, nor the brightness of the moon shine on your night; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your splendor.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 60:19 paints a magnificent picture of Zion's future, where the natural luminaries—the sun and moon—are rendered obsolete by the surpassing radiance of God Himself. This verse prophesies an era of unparalleled divine presence and illumination, signifying an eternal day where the LORD serves as the perpetual light for His people, and their God becomes their ultimate source of glory, honor, and splendor. It speaks to a profound and intimate relationship where God's very being is the source of all that is needed for His redeemed community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 60 stands as a pivotal chapter within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-66), which shifts from prophecies of judgment and exile to glorious visions of restoration and salvation for Israel. Following chapters that detail God's sovereignty and His plan for redemption, chapter 60 specifically focuses on the future splendor of Zion (Jerusalem) as a beacon of light and salvation to the nations. The preceding verses (60:1-18) describe the city's emergence from darkness, the ingathering of Gentiles bringing their wealth and honor, and the transformation of its infrastructure. Verse 19, therefore, serves as the climax of this description of divine illumination, establishing the source of Zion's unprecedented glory as God Himself, rather than any created light. This sets the stage for the subsequent verses (60:20-22) which further elaborate on the permanence and perfection of this new era.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah 40-66 were delivered to a people either in exile or facing the prospect of it, grappling with questions of God's faithfulness and their future. The imagery of light and darkness was deeply significant in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often associated with divine presence, blessing, and life versus chaos, judgment, and death. The sun and moon were vital for life, agriculture, and timekeeping, and were sometimes worshipped by surrounding nations. By declaring that God would supersede these natural lights, Isaiah challenged idolatry and affirmed Yahweh's absolute supremacy. The vision of a restored Jerusalem, attracting nations and radiating divine light, would have offered immense hope to a people longing for national and spiritual renewal, reminding them of God's covenant promises and His ultimate plan for their redemption and exaltation among the nations, as seen in earlier prophecies like [the vision of the mountain of the Lord's house](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord's House").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Sufficiency**, asserting that God alone is the ultimate source of all light, life, and glory, rendering all created sources secondary. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Restoration and New Creation**, envisioning a transformed reality for God's people that transcends the limitations of the present cosmic order, echoing the new heavens and new earth. Thirdly, it speaks to **God's Enduring Presence**, promising a perpetual, unwavering divine illumination that signifies an eternal covenant relationship. Finally, the theme of **Glory and Honor** is central, as God Himself becomes the very glory of His people, signifying their identity, worth, and splendor are derived solely from Him. This echoes the promise of God dwelling among His people, as foreshadowed in the tabernacle and temple, and ultimately fulfilled in Christ and the New Jerusalem, where God's presence is the ultimate light and glory, as described in [Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - No Need for Sun or Moon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **light (Hebrew, _ʼôwr'_):** This word (H216) refers to illumination or a luminary in every sense, encompassing literal light, brightness, and even metaphorical light such as happiness or clarity. The related root (H215) means "to be luminous" or "to shine." In Isaiah 60:19, its repeated use emphasizes the complete and all-encompassing nature of God's light, which not only replaces but far surpasses the natural light of the sun and moon.
* **everlasting (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** This term (H5769) denotes a duration that is concealed, extending "time out of mind," encompassing both past and future eternity. It signifies perpetuity, continuance, and something that is eternal or perpetual. When applied to God's light, it stresses that this divine illumination is not temporary or cyclical like the sun and moon, but constant, unending, and enduring through all ages, signifying an eternal state of blessing and presence.
* **glory (Hebrew, _tiphʼârâh'_):** This word (H8597) signifies ornament, beauty, bravery, honor, or majesty. It speaks of splendor, distinction, and that which brings honor or praise. In this context, "thy God thy glory" means that God Himself is the source, embodiment, and bestower of all honor, splendor, and true worth for His people. Their very identity and magnificence derive directly from His presence and character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sun shall be no more thy light by day;":** This clause declares a radical shift from the present cosmic order. The sun, the primary source of light during the day, will no longer be necessary for Zion's illumination. This is not a literal abolition of the sun, but a hyperbole emphasizing the overwhelming and superior nature of God's future light, rendering all natural sources redundant.
* **"neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee:":** Mirroring the first clause, this part extends the declaration to the moon, the primary light source by night. Its brightness will also be superseded. The parallelism underscores the comprehensive nature of this divine replacement—day and night, all temporal light sources, will be eclipsed by God's own radiance.
* **"but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light,":** This pivotal clause introduces the divine alternative. "The LORD" (Yahweh, H3068, the self-existent God) Himself will be the source of light. This light is qualified as "everlasting" (H5769), signifying its perpetual, eternal, and unchanging nature, unlike the transient lights of the cosmos. It promises a constant, unwavering divine presence and guidance.
* **"and thy God thy glory.":** This concluding clause identifies God (H430, `ʼĕlôhîym`, the Supreme God) not merely as a provider of glory, but as the very essence of Zion's glory (H8597). This means that the honor, splendor, beauty, and true worth of God's people will emanate directly from their intimate relationship with Him. He is their magnificent ornament, their ultimate source of distinction and majesty.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 60:19 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its profound message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the declaration that the sun and moon will no longer be needed; this is not a literal statement about cosmic destruction but an emphatic way to stress the immeasurable superiority of God's light. **Parallelism** is used effectively, with the first two clauses ("The sun shall be no more... neither for brightness shall the moon...") mirroring each other to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the natural lights' obsolescence. The subsequent clauses ("but the LORD shall be... and thy God thy glory") also exhibit **synthetic parallelism**, where the second line expands upon the first, reinforcing the idea of God's complete sufficiency as both light and glory. **Symbolism** is central, with "light" representing God's presence, truth, guidance, and blessing, and "darkness" (implied absence of natural light) being overcome by His radiant being. The sun and moon are **symbols** of the created order, which will be transcended by a new, divinely sustained reality. The entire verse functions as a powerful **metaphor** for a transformed existence where God's manifest presence is so complete that it outshines all created things, becoming the sole source of illumination and honor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 60:19 articulates a profound theological truth: God Himself is the ultimate and sufficient source of all light, life, and glory for His people. This vision transcends a mere physical reality, pointing to a spiritual state of perfect communion and divine indwelling where God's manifest presence dispels all darkness—whether physical, spiritual, or existential. It speaks to the eschatological hope of a restored creation where the limitations of the present order are overcome by the eternal, unwavering radiance of the Creator. This divine light signifies not only illumination but also truth, guidance, protection, and joy, establishing God as the singular wellspring of all that is good and necessary for His redeemed community, whose very identity and splendor are found in Him alone.

* [Psalm 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is my light and my salvation")
* [Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - No Sun or Moon in New Jerusalem")
* [Revelation 22:5](/revelation/22-5 "Revelation 22:5 - No Night, for the Lord God Gives Them Light")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 60:19 offers a breathtaking vision of ultimate hope and divine sufficiency that profoundly impacts believers today. In a world often shrouded in various forms of darkness—confusion, despair, fear, and moral decay—this verse reminds us that there is a promised future where God's light will utterly consume all shadows. This should cultivate in us an unwavering hope, anchoring our souls in the certainty of God's eternal plan for restoration and glory. Practically, it calls us to a deeper reliance on God as our present and ultimate source of truth, guidance, and validation. We are encouraged to turn away from seeking illumination or worth from fleeting worldly sources, which are like the temporary lights of the sun and moon. Instead, we are to fix our gaze on the LORD, who is our everlasting light and our very glory, finding our identity, purpose, and all-satisfying joy in Him alone. Living in this reality means allowing His divine presence to illuminate our paths, transform our perspectives, and empower us to reflect His light and glory into the world around us, living as children of light in anticipation of that glorious eternal day.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you tend to rely on "sun and moon" (temporary, worldly sources) for light or validation, rather than God?**
* **How does the promise of God being your "everlasting light" bring comfort and hope in times of darkness or uncertainty?**
* **What does it mean for God to be your "glory," and how might living from this truth change your pursuit of honor or significance?**
* **How can you more intentionally walk in God's light and reflect His glory in your daily interactions and decisions?**

### FAQ
**Is Isaiah 60:19 a literal prophecy about the sun and moon ceasing to exist?**

Answer: While the language is dramatic, the prophecy in Isaiah 60:19 is best understood as **hyperbole** and **metaphor** rather than a literal cessation of the sun and moon. It emphasizes the *overwhelming superiority* and *sufficiency* of God's own light. In the ultimate fulfillment, particularly as described in the New Testament (e.g., [Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - No Sun or Moon in New Jerusalem") and [Revelation 22:5](/revelation/22-5 "Revelation 22:5 - No Night, for the Lord God Gives Them Light")), the "new heavens and new earth" will be so permeated by God's direct presence and glory that the created luminaries will simply be unnecessary for illumination. It points to a transformed reality where God's light is direct, perpetual, and all-sufficient, rendering secondary light sources redundant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 60:19 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's everlasting light and glory. The natural lights of the sun and moon, which are temporary and cyclical, foreshadowed a greater, eternal light that would come into the world. Jesus declared Himself to be "the light of the world" in [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), and [John 1:4-5](/john/1-4 "John 1:4-5 - In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of Men") proclaims that in Him was life, and that life was the light of mankind, a light that darkness could not overcome. He is the radiance of God's glory ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")), the one through whom the Father's splendor is fully revealed. The prophetic vision of God being Zion's everlasting light and glory is realized in the person of Christ, who illuminates the hearts of believers ([2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - God's Light in Our Hearts")) and guides them into all truth. Ultimately, the New Jerusalem, the dwelling place of God with humanity, will have no need for the sun or moon, "for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp" ([Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Lamb is the Light of the City")). Thus, Isaiah's prophecy points directly to the eschatological reality where Christ, the Lamb of God, is the eternal, all-sufficient light and the very glory of His redeemed people.

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

Revelation 21:23

And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb [is] the light thereof.

Revelation 22:5

And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

Zechariah 2:5

For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.

Psalms 36:9

For with thee [is] the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

Psalms 3:3

But thou, O LORD, [art] a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

Luke 2:32

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Psalms 62:7

In God [is] my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, [and] my refuge, [is] in God.