Isaiah 42:11

Authorized King James Version

Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יִשְׂא֤וּ

H5375

thereof lift up

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

מִדְבָּר֙

H4057

Let the wilderness

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

וְעָרָ֔יו

H5892

and the cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

חֲצֵרִ֖ים

H2691

their voice the villages

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

יֹ֣שְׁבֵי

H3427

doth inhabit

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

קֵדָ֑ר

H6938

that Kedar

kedar, a son of ishmael; also (collectively) bedouin (as his descendants or representatives)

יָרֹ֙נּוּ֙

H7442

sing

properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)

יֹ֣שְׁבֵי

H3427

doth inhabit

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

סֶ֔לַע

H5553

of the rock

a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)

#10

מֵרֹ֥אשׁ

H7218

from the top

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

#11

הָרִ֖ים

H2022

of the mountains

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

#12

יִצְוָֽחוּ׃

H6681

let them shout

to screech (exultingly)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Isaiah