nev⋅er⋅the⋅less [nev-er-thuh-les], adverb
Meaning: in spite of what preceded
Synonyms: nonetheless, notwithstanding, however, in spite of that, yet, at least, but, still
Synonyms: nonetheless, notwithstanding, however, in spite of that, yet, at least, but, still
When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn. Distressed and hungry, they will roam through the land; when they are famished, they will become enraged and, looking upward, will curse their king and their God. Then they will look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness and fearful gloom, and they will be thrust into utter darkness.Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan- The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder.For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.Isaiah 8:19-9:7 (NIV)
Notice the word 'nevertheless' in the passage above. The word 'nevertheless' is an adverb along with the word 'there' that modifies the meaning of the verb 'will be.' Isaiah chapter 9:1-7 is a common Scripture used at Christmas time to remind us of the good news that 'there will be no more gloom.' That is good news. However, also consider that the word 'nevertheless' modifies the meaning of the verb 'will be' to say in spite of what preceded 'there will be no more gloom.' And what preceded the promise of no more gloom? Isaiah 8:19-22 explains that if God’s people do not speak according to God’s word they have no light of dawn, they will walk through the land distressed and hungry, they will curse God for their hunger, and God will thrust them into utter darkness. Nevertheless the SAME PEOPLE thrust into the gloom of utter darkness for punishment will have no more gloom. Now that is great news!
The grace of Christ reaches to the utter darkness of our sorrow and despair (2 Corinthians 6), our hardship and punishment (Hebrews 12:7-13), our weakness and difficulties (2 Corinthians 12:9-10), our loneliness and persecutions (2 Timothy 4:9-18), and if you can believe it even the depths of Hell itself (Revelation 20:13). God’s love will not fail for even one of his chosen ones!
