Isaiah 60:1
“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Context
Isaiah 60 follows the darkness and sin of chapter 59 with a radiant promise of restoration, calling Zion to reflect the glory of the LORD that has risen upon her.
What Does Isaiah 60:1 Mean?
Isaiah 60:1 is a stirring call for God's people to rise and shine because His light and glory have come upon them. After chapters that exposed sin and darkness, the tone bursts into radiance. The double command "Arise, shine" summons the people out of despair and into the brightness of a new day. They are not to remain bowed down in gloom but to stand up and reflect the light that has dawned.
The reason for the command follows: "thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee." The light does not originate with the people themselves -- it comes to them and rises upon them from God. His glory, His radiant presence, has appeared. Like the sunrise dispelling night, God's glory transforms the situation entirely. The people shine not by their own brilliance but by reflecting the light they have received. This sets the theme for the whole chapter, which goes on to describe nations streaming to that light. For the reader, the verse carries an invitation and an empowerment: when God's light comes, the right response is to rise and let it shine through us, becoming bearers of the glory we did not produce but freely received.
In the Original Language
The Hebrew 'or means light or to shine; kabod means glory, weight, or honor -- here the radiant presence of the LORD risen upon His people.
Cross References
“And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.”
- Isaiah 60:3
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
- Matthew 5:16
“I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
- John 8:12
Application
When God's light dawns in your life, do not stay in despair; rise up and reflect His glory so that others may see and be drawn to it.