The word “dayspring” in the Bible refers to the dawning of a new day, both literally and figuratively. It is used several times, primarily in prophetic passages pointing forward to the coming of Christ and the new era He would usher in. Here is an overview of the key occurrences of “dayspring” and their significance:
Literal Usages Referring to Sunrise/Dawn
The most literal occurrences of “dayspring” simply refer to the dawn or sunrise, the first light at the start of a new day:
- “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up” (Psalm 5:3, KJV). The Hebrew word translated as “morning” here can mean the break of day or dawning.
- “He shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds…” (2 Samuel 23:4, KJV). Again this reference to “morning” is connected poetically to the sun rising at dawn.
- “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall” (Malachi 4:2, KJV). Here the prophetic image of Christ as the “Sun of righteousness” rising with “healing in his wings” uses the idea of a dayspring or sunrise as a metaphor.
So in its most literal sense, dayspring simply refers to the crack of dawn, when the sun first peeks over the horizon, bringing light after darkness. The freshness and hope of a new day beginning makes dawn an optimistic motif. Biblical writers tap into this by describing the “morning” or “dayspring.”
Figurative Usages Pointing to Christ’s Coming
More significantly, “dayspring” is used in several prophecies to point forward to the coming of the Messiah and His reign. The prophets took the image of a sunrise and layered it with figurative meaning about the spiritual dawn that would come with Christ.
- “And Zacharias said…whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:78-79, KJV). Zechariah’s prophecy about the forerunner John the Baptist foretold Jesus as the “dayspring from on high” bringing salvation.
- “Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us” (Luke 1:78, KJV). This verse repeating “dayspring from on high” emphasizes Christ bringing God’s light.
- “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall” (Malachi 4:2). As mentioned, this verse uses “sunrise” imagery to point to Christ as the hope-bringing “Sun of righteousness.”
- “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19, KJV). Peter references the “day dawn” and arising “day star,” meaning Christ, illuminating believers’ hearts.
So in these prophetic passages, “dayspring” becomes a metaphor for Jesus, the Messiah ushering in a new era of salvation, light, and hope for humanity. As the physical dawn ends night and brings light each day, Christ’s coming spiritually dawned salvation after spiritual darkness for those who would believe.
Usages Referring to God’s Faithfulness and Care
A few other verses use “dayspring” in reference to God’s faithful love and care for His people:
- “He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun” (Psalm 37:6). Here the Psalmist uses “dawn” imagery to describe how God will reveal the righteousness of the faithful.
- “The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23, NASB). Jeremiah describes God’s great faithfulness being renewed “every morning.”
These usages of “dayspring” reinforce that just as the morning light shines anew each day, so God continually shows His loving salvation and care over His people. Even in times of darkness, His dawn comes again, showing He is faithful.
New Beginnings and Second Chances
Overall, the biblical idea of “dayspring” powerfully conveys themes of hope, renewal, and fresh starts. With its imagery of darkness being overcome by light each new day, it reminds that even after hard times, new light and life keep coming. No night or winter lasts forever – morning keeps arriving. So in Christ, the ultimate morning comes banishing sin’s darkness and death’s shadow.
This motif can encourage believers going through trials that dawn will come again. God’s salvation continues appearing to those who trust in Him. He is faithful even when times seem darkest before the dawn. The dayspring reminds us He provides new beginnings and second chances.
Origins of the Word
In terms of its origins, “dayspring” developed from an Old English word meaning “dawn” or “sunrise.” This sprang from the idea of the sun “springing” or arising from the horizon each morning. By the 16th century, it had assumed the specific meaning referring to the coming or dawn of Christ the Messiah. Derived from the concept of a new day dawning, it evocatively captured Jesus bringing spiritual light and renewal.
Other Key Things to Know
- Jesus Christ as the “Sun of Righteousness” rising with “healing in His wings” is one of the most recognized Messianic prophecies referring to the Dayspring (Malachi 4:2).
- The reference to Christ as the “Day Star” or “Bright Morning Star” in 2 Peter 1:19 draws on the same imagery of Him bringing light and hope.
- “Dayspring” translations like the King James Version capture nuances that modern translations do not. Many newer versions simply translate it as “dawn” or “sunrise,” losing symbolic meanings.
- One reason “dayspring” occurs mostly in prophetic passages is that prophets were poetic. They utilized imagery like sunrises to convey spiritual truths.
- While not directly referred to as such, Christ rising from the dead on the first Easter morning can be seen as the ultimate fulfillment of dayspring prophecy.
Significance for Believers Today
For modern believers, the biblical theme of “dayspring” carries several key reminders and encouragements:
- Darkness is temporary. No night lasts forever when the light of Christ keeps dawning.
- Hope keeps coming. Whatever gloom we may face, the dawn comes and so does Christ’s light for those who trust Him.
- New chances await. Fail yesterday? Christ’s salvation dawns new mercy and a clean slate each day if we seek Him.
- Look for light during trials. In depressing times, recall that though weeping endures a night, joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).
- God is faithful. As dayspring follows night faithfully, so God in Christ faithfully cares for His people.
So in bleak hours, remember that the light keeps arriving. The dayspring brings hope none can stop. Darkness is temporary. The Son keeps rising. That is the promise of this luminous biblical motif that brightens the literature and passages where it occurs as a beacon of Messianic hope.
Examples and Quotes
Here are some key examples and quotes on dayspring in the Bible:
- “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the dayspring from on high shall visit us”
- “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.”
- “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.”
- “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.” (Psalm 130:5-6)
These key verses showcase some of the hope-filled imagery of dayspring in the Bible.
Dayspring in Hymns and Carols
Given its biblical significance, it is no surprise that “dayspring” occurs in a number of hymns, carols, and Christian songs:
- Hark! The Herald Angels Sing – “Hail the heav’n born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Ris’n with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die. Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
- People, Look East – “Love, the guest, is on the way. The star’s light will guide his journey. People, look east and sing today – Love, the Lord, is on His way.”
- Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light – Break forth, O beauteous heav’nly light, and usher in the morning; O shepherds, shrink not with affright, but hear the angel’s warning.
Christ as the coming dayspring features prominently in these and other songs anticipating the celebration of His birth at Christmas.
In Conclusion…
In summary, the motif of “dayspring” in the Bible evocatively symbolizes the arrival of Jesus Christ ushering in a new dawn of salvation, light, and hope. As the darkness gives way to sunrise each morning, Christ’s coming signaled a spiritual dawn rising up for all who trust in Him after generations under sin’s night. This Messianic prophecy assures believers of Christ’s faithful renewal of mercy, second chances, and the ultimate triumph of light and life.
Though nights of weeping come upon all, joy arrives in the morning. No darkness, literal or metaphorical, can withstand the conquering light of Christ. He is the dayspring that keeps chasing the gloom away for those who faithfully look to the Son rising. What a powerful, hope-filled biblical image and prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ!