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.
The people {H5971} that walked {H1980} in darkness {H2822} have seen {H7200} a great {H1419} light {H216}: they that dwell {H3427} in the land {H776} of the shadow of death {H6757}, upon them hath the light {H216} shined {H5050}.
The people living in darkness have seen a great light; upon those living in the land that lies in the shadow of death, light has dawned.
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
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Matthew 4:16
The 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 5:8
For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light: -
John 12:46
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. -
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. -
Luke 1:78
Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, -
Luke 1:79
To give light to them that sit in darkness and [in] the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. -
1 Peter 2:9
But 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:
Context
Isaiah 9:2 is a profound prophetic declaration, immediately following a description of the distress and gloom that had fallen upon the land of Zebulun and Naphtali (Isaiah 9:1), regions associated with Galilee of the Gentiles. Historically, these areas, part of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, had suffered greatly from Assyrian invasions and spiritual apostasy. They were under a heavy yoke of oppression, both political and spiritual, leading to a state of profound despair and "darkness." This prophecy offers a stark contrast to that despair, promising a radical shift from gloom to glorious light.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "the land of the shadow of death" is a powerful image. In Hebrew, it is 'eretz tsalmaveth' (אֶרֶץ צַלְמָוֶת). The term tsalmaveth (צַלְמָוֶת) is often understood as a compound of tsel (shadow) and maveth (death), conveying a sense of deepest gloom, mortal danger, or a place associated with the grave. It vividly portrays a state of utter hopelessness and spiritual desolation, making the arrival of "light" even more dramatic and significant.
Prophetic Fulfillment and Significance
This verse is one of the most direct Old Testament prophecies concerning the geographical location of the Messiah's early ministry. Matthew's Gospel specifically cites Isaiah 9:1-2 (Matthew 4:15-16) to explain why Jesus began His ministry in Galilee, a region previously deemed insignificant or "dark" by some. Jesus, the "great light," chose to shine first in a place that desperately needed it, confirming His mission to bring illumination to those in spiritual blindness and bondage.
Practical Application
Isaiah 9:2 offers timeless encouragement. It reminds us that no matter how deep the darkness—whether personal despair, societal brokenness, or spiritual ignorance—God promises to bring forth light. For believers, this verse affirms that Jesus Christ is the true "Light of the World", capable of dispelling any shadow. It calls us to recognize His presence, embrace His truth, and reflect His light in a world still grappling with various forms of darkness, offering hope and guidance to others.