Isaiah 60:20
Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.
Isaiah 60:20 · King James Version
Meaning
This particular verse from Isaiah 60:20 speaks of a promise of eternal light and joy for those who serve and worship the Lord. It signifies a time of everlasting peace and happiness, where sorrow and mourning will no longer have a place in the lives of the faithful. The imagery of the sun never setting and the moon never withdrawing symbolizes a continuous state of brightness and constant presence of God's divine radiance in the lives of those who believe in Him.
This verse encourages believers to look forward to a future where they will experience the fullness of God's presence, where there will be no more pain, suffering or sadness. It speaks of a time when the eternal light of the Lord will banish all darkness and bring an end to all mourning. This promise of everlasting light provides hope and reassurance to those who may be going through difficult times, reminding them that their current struggles will not last forever and that there is a brighter future awaiting them in the presence of the Lord.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the prophet Isaiah conveys a message of hope and promise to the people of Israel. The imagery of the sun not setting and the moon not withdrawing symbolizes a state of perpetual light, which, in a theological context, can be interpreted as God's eternal presence and guidance in the lives of His people. The use of light as a metaphor for God's presence is common throughout the Bible, symbolizing knowledge, truth, and salvation. The promise of an everlasting light signifies the unchanging nature of God's love and protection for His people. Furthermore, the mention of the end of mourning implies a time of joy and restoration after a period of suffering and hardship. By emphasizing the permanence of God's light and the cessation of sorrow, this verse offers comfort and reassurance to those who are experiencing trials or difficulties, reminding them of God's faithfulness and ultimate victory over darkness.
Isaiah 60:20 in other translations
American Standard Version
Thy sun shall no more go down, neither shall thy moon withdraw itself; for Jehovah will be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.
World English Bible
Your sun shall no more go down, neither shall your moon withdraw itself; for Yahweh will be your everlasting light, and the days of your mourning shall be ended.
Douay-Rheims
Thy sun shall go down no more, and thy moon shall not decrease: for the Lord shall be unto thee for an everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thy sunne shall neuer goe downe, neither shall thy moone be hid: for the Lord shalbe thine euerlasting light, and the dayes of thy sorowe shalbe ended.