Isaiah 9:2 web — The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who lived in the land of the shadow of death, on them…

World English Bible

"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who lived in the land of the shadow of death, on them the light has shined."

— Isaiah 9:2, World English Bible

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Isaiah 9:2 in Other Translations

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Isaiah 9 — Context

1

But there shall be no more gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time, he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the latter time he has made it glorious, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.

2

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who lived in the land of the shadow of death, on them the light has shined.

3

You have multiplied the nation. You have increased their joy. They rejoice before you according to the joy in harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.

4

For the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as in the day of Midian.

5

For all the armor of the armed man in the noisy battle, and the garments rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire.

Isaiah 9:2 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Isaiah 9:2 say?
Isaiah 9:2 in the World English Bible reads: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who lived in the land of the shadow of death, on them the light has shined.”
Where is Isaiah 9:2 in the Bible?
Isaiah 9:2 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Isaiah, chapter 9, verse 2.
Who wrote Isaiah?
Isaiah is traditionally attributed to Isaiah son of Amoz. Many critical scholars propose multiple authors ("Deutero-" and "Trito-Isaiah") for chapters 40–66; conservative scholarship holds to single Isaianic authorship. It was written c. 740–680 BC.
What is the book of Isaiah about?
Isaiah is the most quoted prophet in the New Testament — a sweeping vision of God's holiness, Judah's sin, coming judgment, and a promised Servant who would bear the iniquity of many. From "Holy, holy, holy" to "by his stripes we are healed," Isaiah speaks the gospel before the gospel.
What are the major themes of Isaiah?
Isaiah explores themes including Holiness, Judgment, Servant of the LORD, Hope, Salvation, Restoration. These themes shape the meaning and context of Isaiah 9:2.
What translation should I read Isaiah 9:2 in?
Isaiah 9:2 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Isaiah 9:2?
Isaiah 9:2 reads (WEB): “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who lived in the land of the shadow of death, on them the light has shined.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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