Isaiah 12:4

Authorized King James Version

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And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.

Original Language Analysis

וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֞ם shall ye say H559
וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֞ם shall ye say
Strong's: H559
Word #: 1 of 14
to say (used with great latitude)
בַּיּ֣וֹם And in that day H3117
בַּיּ֣וֹם And in that day
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 2 of 14
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַה֗וּא H1931
הַה֗וּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 3 of 14
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
הוֹד֤וּ Praise H3034
הוֹד֤וּ Praise
Strong's: H3034
Word #: 4 of 14
physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha
לַֽיהוָה֙ the LORD H3068
לַֽיהוָה֙ the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 5 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
קִרְא֣וּ call H7121
קִרְא֣וּ call
Strong's: H7121
Word #: 6 of 14
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
שְׁמֽוֹ׃ that his name H8034
שְׁמֽוֹ׃ that his name
Strong's: H8034
Word #: 7 of 14
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
הוֹדִ֥יעוּ declare H3045
הוֹדִ֥יעוּ declare
Strong's: H3045
Word #: 8 of 14
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
בָֽעַמִּ֖ים among the people H5971
בָֽעַמִּ֖ים among the people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 9 of 14
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
עֲלִֽילֹתָ֑יו his doings H5949
עֲלִֽילֹתָ֑יו his doings
Strong's: H5949
Word #: 10 of 14
an exploit (of god), or a performance (of man, often in a bad sense); by implication, an opportunity
הַזְכִּ֕ירוּ make mention H2142
הַזְכִּ֕ירוּ make mention
Strong's: H2142
Word #: 11 of 14
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
כִּ֥י H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 12 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נִשְׂגָּ֖ב is exalted H7682
נִשְׂגָּ֖ב is exalted
Strong's: H7682
Word #: 13 of 14
to be (causatively, make) lofty, especially inaccessible; by implication, safe, strong; used literally and figuratively
שְׁמֽוֹ׃ that his name H8034
שְׁמֽוֹ׃ that his name
Strong's: H8034
Word #: 14 of 14
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

Analysis & Commentary

The song becomes corporate, calling the community to praise, proclamation, and prayer. Four imperatives: 'praise the Lord,' 'call upon his name,' 'declare...his doings,' 'make mention that his name is exalted.' This moves from worship (praise) to evangelism (declaring His deeds among the people). Salvation experienced individually leads to corporate celebration and public proclamation. The emphasis on God's 'name' recalls His character and reputation—worship centers on who He is, not just what He's done.

Historical Context

Anticipates Israel's return from exile, praising God and testifying to nations. Fulfilled in church's worship and mission—experiencing salvation leads to declaring God's deeds. The pattern continues: worship services (praise), missions work (declaring among peoples), and prayer (calling on His name) flow from experienced salvation. The global spread of Christianity fulfills declaring God's exalted name 'among the people.'

Questions for Reflection

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