Isaiah 12:4

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֞ם

H559

shall ye say

to say (used with great latitude)

בַּיּ֣וֹם

H3117

And in that day

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

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

H3034

Praise

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

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

קִרְא֣וּ

H7121

call

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שְׁמֽוֹ׃

H8034

that his name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הוֹדִ֥יעוּ

H3045

declare

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

בָֽעַמִּ֖ים

H5971

among the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#10

עֲלִֽילֹתָ֑יו

H5949

his doings

an exploit (of god), or a performance (of man, often in a bad sense); by implication, an opportunity

#11

הַזְכִּ֕ירוּ

H2142

make mention

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

#12

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#13

נִשְׂגָּ֖ב

H7682

is exalted

to be (causatively, make) lofty, especially inaccessible; by implication, safe, strong; used literally and figuratively

#14

שְׁמֽוֹ׃

H8034

that his name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Isaiah.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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