Isaiah 60:19-20
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It's easy to read this as a simple statement about future brightness, but the verse actually highlights a profound shift in source. It's not just that the sun and moon will be replaced by God's light; it's that the need for those natural lights will disappear entirely. This means God's presence itself will become the literal, all-sufficient illumination, making earthly light sources irrelevant.
The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun shall no more go down, nor your moon withdraw itself; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage marks the beginning of a visionary conclusion to Isaiah's prophecy, envisioning a future restoration and glory for God's people. Following declarations of wealth and peace flowing to Jerusalem, this verse describes a transformed, heavenly light that will supersede natural illumination, emphasizing God's direct presence as the ultimate source of radiance and honor for His people. This imagery culminates in the book of Revelation, portraying the eternal city lit by God's glory itself.
Imagine a city so bright, it doesn't need the sun or moon. Isaiah paints a picture where natural light sources are completely overshadowed.
The prophet Isaiah uses a powerful metaphor here. He's not saying the sun and moon will literally disappear. Instead, he's emphasizing that in the future glory of God's presence, the light provided by the sun and moon will seem insignificant.
A Greater Illumination
When God promises to be our 'everlasting light,' it means His presence, His truth, and His love will illuminate us far more profoundly than any created light. This divine light is constant, unwavering, and perfectly satisfying, unlike the sun which sets or the moon which wanes.
Beyond Natural Limits
This concept points to a reality where our deepest needs for guidance, understanding, and joy are met not by external, fluctuating sources, but by the eternal, unchanging God Himself. It's a light that banishes all darkness, confusion, and sorrow.
What does it mean for God to be our 'glory'? It's more than just honor; it's the very source of our beauty and worth.
The second part of the verse, 'and your God will be your glory,' reveals a profound shift in identity and source of pride.
True Beauty and Worth
In ancient times, 'glory' could refer to beauty, adornment, or splendor. For God to be our glory means that our true beauty, our ultimate worth, and our highest boasting are found in our relationship with Him. Our identity is rooted in being His people, His beloved.
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A Divine Reflection
Just as the moon reflects the sun's light, our lives are meant to reflect God's glory. When God is our glory, we find our greatest honor not in personal achievements or external validation, but in knowing and serving Him. This glory is internal, lasting, and transforms us from the inside out.
Understand the original words
tip’artēk · Hebrew Noun
The weight, radiance, or splendor of God; it refers to the visible manifestation of His presence, character, and supreme worth.
’ēḇel · Hebrew Noun
An expression of deep sorrow, grief, or lamentation, often associated with loss or separation; biblically, it anticipates the ultimate reversal of these experiences through God's final comfort.
This passage directly echoes Isaiah's prophecy, describing the New Jerusalem in the New Testament where the glory of God is the light, and the sun and moon are not needed.
John 1:9This verse identifies Jesus as 'the true Light, which gives light to everyone,' connecting the concept of divine light to God's ultimate revelation in Christ, which fulfills Isaiah's vision.
Psalm 84:11This Psalm speaks of God as 'a sun and a shield,' directly correlating God's provision of light and protection, mirroring the profound centrality of God's light in Isaiah 60:19.
Zechariah 2:5This passage promises God will be 'a wall of fire all around' Jerusalem and 'the glory within its walls,' illustrating the theme of God's protective presence and radiant glory filling His people.
cambridgeIsaiah 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."
19 . thy glory ] thy beauty ; Isaiah 60:7 , Isaiah 9:13 . 19, 20 . Comp. 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”; and Isaiah 22:5 . It is not implied that the sun and moon shall…
clarkeIsaiah 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."
Neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee "Nor by night shall the brightness of the moon enlighten thee" - This line, as it stands in the present text, seems to be defective. The Septuagint and Chaldee both express the night, which is almost necessary to answer to day in the preceding…
It's easy to read this as a simple statement about future brightness, but the verse actually highlights a profound shift in source. It's not just that the sun and moon will be replaced by God's light; it's that the need for those natural lights will disappear entirely. This means God's presence itself will become the literal, all-sufficient illumination, making earthly light sources irrelevant.
This passage marks the beginning of a visionary conclusion to Isaiah's prophecy, envisioning a future restoration and glory for God's people. Following declarations of wealth and peace flowing to Jerusalem, this verse describes a transformed, heavenly light that will supersede natural illumination, emphasizing God's direct presence as the ultimate source of radiance and honor for His people. This imagery culminates in the book of Revelation, portraying the eternal city lit by God's glory itself.
This passage marks the beginning of a visionary conclusion to Isaiah's prophecy, envisioning a future restoration and glory for God's people. Following declarations of wealth and peace flowing to Jerusalem, this verse describes a transformed, heavenly light that will supersede natural illumination, emphasizing God's direct presence as the ultimate source of radiance and honor for His people. This imagery culminates in the book of Revelation, portraying the eternal city lit by God's glory itself.
"The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun shall no more go down,…" — It's easy to read this as a simple statement about future brightness, but the verse actually highlights a profound shift in source. It's not just that the sun and moon will be replaced by God's lig…
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Last reviewed October 2026
