Isaiah 62:2

KJV

And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the Gentiles {H1471} shall see {H7200} thy righteousness {H6664}, and all kings {H4428} thy glory {H3519}: and thou shalt be called {H7121} by a new {H2319} name {H5344}, which the mouth {H6310} of the LORD {H3068} shall name {H8034}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The nations will see your vindication and all kings your glory. Then you will be called by a new name which ADONAI himself will pronounce.

Berean Standard Bible

Nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory. You will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow.

American Standard Version

And the nations shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory, and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of Jehovah shall name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 62:2 is a profound prophetic declaration envisioning a future where Zion, representing God's people, experiences a dramatic transformation and vindication witnessed by the entire world. This verse heralds a time when the nations and their rulers will recognize the divine righteousness and glory manifested through God's chosen, culminating in the bestowal of a new, divinely appointed name that signifies a renewed identity and destiny. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His sovereign initiative in bringing about this glorious restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Isaiah chapters 60-62, a section often referred to as "The Book of Zion's Restoration" or "The Book of Consolation." Following prophecies of judgment and exile, these chapters pivot dramatically to a glorious vision of Israel's future, emphasizing God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. Chapter 62, in particular, opens with the prophet's fervent declaration that he will not rest until Jerusalem's righteousness and salvation go forth as brightness and a burning lamp, as seen in [Isaiah 62:1](/isaiah/62-1 "Isaiah 62:1 - Zion's Vindication"). The immediate verses leading up to [Isaiah 62:2](/isaiah/62-2 "Isaiah 62:2 - Zion's New Name and Glory") set the stage for Zion's impending vindication and glorification, which will be so radiant that it attracts universal attention. The subsequent verses continue to describe God's active role as a watchman over Jerusalem, ensuring her full restoration and blessing.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While prophetic, Isaiah 62 speaks into the post-exilic context, offering hope to a people who had experienced the devastation of Jerusalem and the shame of exile. The vision of "Gentiles" (nations) and "kings" witnessing Zion's glory would have been a radical reversal of their current subjugated status. In the ancient Near East, a city's glory was often tied to its military might, wealth, and the splendor of its temple and ruler. For Zion to be glorified by God meant a divine reversal of fortunes, elevating her not through human power but through God's manifest presence and righteous character. The concept of a "new name" held deep cultural significance, often signifying a change in status, destiny, or a new covenant relationship, as seen in instances like Abram becoming Abraham in [Genesis 17:5](/genesis/17-5 "Genesis 17:5 - Abram Becomes Abraham") or Jacob becoming Israel in [Genesis 32:28](/genesis/32-28 "Genesis 32:28 - Jacob Becomes Israel"). This divine naming underscored God's absolute authority and intimate involvement in defining His people's future.
* **Key Themes:** A central theme in [Isaiah 62:2](/isaiah/62-2 "Isaiah 62:2 - Zion's New Name and Glory") is the **Global Recognition of God's Glory through His People**. The prophecy states that "the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory," indicating a universal acknowledgment of God's transformative work. This is not merely about Israel's exaltation, but about the manifestation of God's own character—His righteousness and glory—through them, drawing the nations to Him. This theme resonates with other Isaianic prophecies about the nations coming to the light of Israel and worshipping the LORD in Jerusalem, as found in [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord's House") and [Isaiah 60:3](/isaiah/60-3 "Isaiah 60:3 - Nations Come to Zion's Light"). Another crucial theme is **Divine Transformation and New Identity**. The promise, "and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name," is profoundly significant. This new name represents a complete spiritual and relational renewal, shedding the shame of past desolation and embracing a divinely appointed, glorious identity. It signifies a fresh start and a renewed covenant relationship, emphasizing God's intimate involvement in defining His people's future. Finally, the verse powerfully highlights **God's Sovereign Initiative**. The phrase "which the mouth of the LORD shall name" underscores that this transformation, recognition, and new identity are entirely God's doing. It is not something achieved by human effort or political maneuvering but is a sovereign act of divine grace and power, ensuring its certainty and ultimate fulfillment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gentiles (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** From H1471, this term refers to a "foreign nation" or "heathen." In the context of Isaiah, it often denotes those outside the covenant people of Israel. Here, their seeing of Zion's righteousness and glory signifies a reversal of roles, where those who once oppressed or ignored Israel will now bear witness to God's redemptive work through her, acknowledging His sovereignty and the divine favor upon His chosen.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsedeq'_):** From H6664, this word encompasses "the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity." In this verse, it refers to God's vindication of His people, His righteous acts on their behalf, and the righteous character He imparts to them. It is the divine justice and faithfulness made manifest through Zion, demonstrating God's covenant loyalty and His just dealings.
* **New (Hebrew, _châdâsh'_):** From H2319, meaning "fresh, new thing." Applied to the "name," it signifies a complete break from the past, a fresh start, and an entirely new status or identity divinely conferred. It implies a qualitative change, a renewal that is both profound and divinely initiated, moving beyond mere superficial alteration to a fundamental redefinition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness,"**: This clause declares that the nations, those outside the covenant community of Israel, will bear witness to Zion's vindication and the righteous character manifested through her. This "seeing" implies not just observation but recognition and acknowledgment of God's just and faithful dealings with His people. It signifies the end of Zion's shame and the public display of God's restorative work.
* **"and all kings thy glory:"**: Building on the previous clause, this specifies that even the most powerful rulers of the world will perceive and acknowledge the splendor, honor, and manifest presence of God (His _kâbôwd_) that rests upon Zion. This indicates a universal and undeniable revelation of God's majesty through His redeemed people, drawing the attention and perhaps even the homage of earthly authorities.
* **"and thou shalt be called by a new name,"**: This is a pivotal promise of transformation. Zion will no longer be known by names associated with desolation or abandonment (like "Forsaken" or "Desolate," alluded to in [Isaiah 62:4](/isaiah/62-4 "Isaiah 62:4 - Zion's New Names")). Instead, she will receive an entirely fresh identity, signifying a profound change in her status, relationship with God, and future destiny. This new name encapsulates her renewed covenant standing and divine favor.
* **"which the mouth of the LORD shall name."**: This final phrase emphasizes the divine origin and authority of this transformation. The new name is not a human invention or a self-proclaimed title, but one directly spoken and decreed by Yahweh (the LORD). This highlights God's sovereign initiative, His intimate involvement in defining His people's identity, and the certainty of this prophetic fulfillment, as His word is always effectual and brings about what it declares.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 62:2 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of hope and transformation. **Personification** is evident as Zion (Jerusalem) is addressed as "thy" and "thou," imbuing the city with personal qualities and a distinct identity that can receive a new name and be seen by others. This allows for a more intimate and direct address of God's relationship with His chosen city. **Hyperbole** is used in the phrase "all kings thy glory," suggesting a universal and overwhelming recognition that transcends mere geographical boundaries, emphasizing the magnitude and scope of God's future work. The entire verse functions as a **Prophecy**, a divinely inspired declaration of future events, offering a vision of restoration and exaltation. Central to the verse is **Symbolism**, particularly in the "new name." A name in biblical culture is more than a label; it embodies character, destiny, and relationship. Thus, a "new name" symbolizes a complete spiritual renewal, a fresh covenant, and a divinely ordained identity for Zion, signifying a radical shift from past shame to future glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 62:2 powerfully encapsulates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His ultimate plan for the glorification of His people. It reveals a God who is actively engaged in restoring and vindicating those He has chosen, transforming their identity and making His glory manifest through them to the entire world. The "new name" signifies a profound spiritual rebirth and a renewed relationship, emphasizing that true identity and destiny are divinely bestowed. This divine initiative underscores God's sovereignty and grace, assuring His people that their ultimate hope rests not on human effort but on His unfailing word and power. The global witness of Gentiles and kings highlights the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, where His glory, revealed through His people, draws all creation to Himself, ultimately for His praise.

* [Isaiah 60:3](/isaiah/60-3 "Isaiah 60:3 - Nations Come to Zion's Light")
* [Zechariah 8:20-23](/zechariah/8-20-23 "Zechariah 8:20-23 - Nations Seek the Lord")
* [Revelation 21:24](/revelation/21-24 "Revelation 21:24 - Nations Walk by the Light of the New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 62:2 offers profound encouragement and a call to live out our identity in Christ. Just as God promised a new name and glorious vindication for Zion, He has given believers a new identity in Christ, calling us "children of God" in [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Children of God") and "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession" in [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen People"). Our past failures and old identities are shed, and we are now defined by our relationship with Him and His righteous character imparted to us. This means we are called to live lives that reflect His righteousness and glory, not for our own praise, but so that others might "see" Him through us and be drawn to His light. We are to be living testimonies to God's transformative power, trusting that He is faithfully at work in us and through us, ultimately fulfilling His purposes for His Church and for the world. Our hope is anchored in the God who names, defines, and glorifies.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for your personal identity to be "called by a new name" by the Lord?**
* **How can your life, as a believer, reflect God's "righteousness" and "glory" to those around you, including those who may not know Him?**
* **In what ways do you see God actively working to transform and vindicate His Church in the world today, even amidst challenges?**

### FAQ
**What is the "new name" and what does it signify?**

Answer: The specific "new name" is not explicitly stated in [Isaiah 62:2](/isaiah/62-2 "Isaiah 62:2 - Zion's New Name and Glory"), but subsequent verses in the chapter (e.g., [Isaiah 62:4](/isaiah/62-4 "Isaiah 62:4 - Hephzibah and Beulah")) suggest names like "Hephzibah" (My Delight Is in Her) and "Beulah" (Married). The significance of the new name is less about a specific word and more about the profound change in identity, status, and relationship it represents. In biblical thought, a name embodies character and destiny. Thus, a "new name" signifies a complete spiritual renewal, a fresh covenant relationship with God, and a divinely appointed glorious destiny, replacing any past shame or desolation. It is a mark of God's intimate and sovereign redefinition of His people.

**How do the Gentiles and kings "see" Zion's righteousness and glory?**

Answer: This "seeing" is not merely a physical observation but implies a recognition, acknowledgment, and even admiration of God's work. The Gentiles and kings will see God's righteousness manifested through His people as He vindicates them, restores them, and makes them a beacon of His character. They will witness the splendor and honor (glory) that God bestows upon Zion, which is ultimately His own glory shining through His redeemed. This could involve seeing the moral uprightness of God's people, the blessings and prosperity God grants them, or the spiritual light that emanates from them, drawing nations to seek God, as prophesied in [Isaiah 60:3](/isaiah/60-3 "Isaiah 60:3 - Nations Come to Zion's Light").

**Is this prophecy literal or spiritual in its fulfillment?**

Answer: Biblical prophecy often has multiple layers of fulfillment—immediate, historical, and eschatological. While [Isaiah 62:2](/isaiah/62-2 "Isaiah 62:2 - Zion's New Name and Glory") certainly speaks to a future restoration of physical Jerusalem after the exile, its ultimate and fullest fulfillment is spiritual and Christ-centered. The "Zion" in view expands to encompass God's redeemed people, the Church, in the New Covenant. The "righteousness" and "glory" are fully realized in Christ and manifested through His body, the Church, which is called to be a light to the nations, as Jesus declared in [Matthew 5:14](/matthew/5-14 "Matthew 5:14 - You Are the Light of the World"). The "new name" finds its ultimate meaning in the new identity believers receive in Christ, becoming a "new creation" in [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"), and the prophecy points forward to the New Jerusalem where God's glory fully dwells and the nations walk by its light, as described in [Revelation 21:23-24](/revelation/21-23-24 "Revelation 21:23-24 - Glory of New Jerusalem").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Isaiah 62:2](/isaiah/62-2 "Isaiah 62:2 - Zion's New Name and Glory") finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His Church. While initially directed to Zion (Jerusalem) as God's chosen people, the prophecy's vision of righteousness, glory, and a new name culminates in the person and work of Christ. Jesus is the embodiment of God's righteousness, the one through whom God's perfect justice and saving grace are revealed to the world, as articulated in [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith"). His glory, the very radiance of God's presence, was seen by His disciples, as recorded in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), and through His death and resurrection, He became the light to the Gentiles, a truth proclaimed in [Luke 2:32](/luke/2-32 "Luke 2:32 - A Light for Revelation to the Gentiles"). The "new name" promised to Zion is spiritually bestowed upon believers in Christ, who are given a new identity as children of God in [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Becoming Children of God") and are called by His name. The Church, as the spiritual Zion and the body of Christ, now manifests God's righteousness and glory to the nations, drawing people from every tribe and tongue into His kingdom, a vision powerfully depicted in [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Great Multitude from Every Nation"). The ultimate realization of this prophecy points to the New Jerusalem, where the Lamb is its lamp, and the nations walk by its light, fully experiencing the glory and newness of God's eternal dwelling with humanity, as described in [Revelation 21:23-26](/revelation/21-23-26 "Revelation 21:23-26 - The Glory of 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

Isaiah 62:12

And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.

Genesis 17:5

Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.

Revelation 2:17

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth [it].

Genesis 17:15

¶ And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah [shall] her name [be].

Isaiah 65:15

And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name:

Isaiah 49:23

And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with [their] face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

Isaiah 60:1

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