Isaiah 42 12

Isaiah 42:12 kjv

Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands.

Isaiah 42:12 nkjv

Let them give glory to the LORD, And declare His praise in the coastlands.

Isaiah 42:12 niv

Let them give glory to the LORD and proclaim his praise in the islands.

Isaiah 42:12 esv

Let them give glory to the LORD, and declare his praise in the coastlands.

Isaiah 42:12 nlt

Let the whole world glorify the LORD;
let it sing his praise.

Isaiah 42 verses

Isaiah 42 12 Meaning

Isaiah 42:12 is a prophetic exhortation calling for universal worship of the LORD (YHWH). It declares that all peoples, particularly those in distant lands often symbolized as "islands" or "coastlands," should recognize God's inherent glory and openly proclaim His mighty deeds and praiseworthy character. This universal praise arises in response to the LORD's new acts of salvation and the work of His Servant, foreshadowed in the preceding verses.

Isaiah 42 12 Context

Isaiah 42 is pivotal as the first of the "Servant Songs" (Isa 42:1-4, though the verse in question falls outside the precise four-verse unit, it is part of the broader narrative of the Servant's mission and its global implications). The chapter begins by introducing the LORD's chosen Servant, who will bring justice to the nations gently and faithfully. This Servant's mission extends beyond Israel, aiming to be "a light to the nations" (v. 6), opening blind eyes, and releasing prisoners.

Isaiah 42:10-13 then presents a powerful call for a "new song" of praise to the LORD from "the end of the earth," specifically mentioning the sea, islands, deserts, cities, and mountaintops. This outpouring of worship is a response to the LORD's decisive action to save His people and bring justice, contrasting sharply with the impotence of idols discussed in prior and subsequent chapters (e.g., Isa 41:21-29; Isa 44:9-20). The historical context includes Judah's eventual Babylonian exile and the promise of a future, glorious restoration and a universal kingdom where the true God is acknowledged by all nations, triumphing over the pagan gods prevalent in the ancient Near East. The "islands" ('iyyim) represent the furthest known reaches of the earth, often identified with Gentile territories or distant maritime regions, signifying the comprehensive scope of God's redemptive plan.

Isaiah 42 12 Word analysis

• Let them give glory:

  • "Let them": Refers to the "coastlands," "islands," and peoples from "the ends of the earth" mentioned in the preceding verses (v. 10). It is a divine summons or invitation to the distant nations.
  • "give glory": From Hebrew yaśimu kāvôd (יָשִׂימוּ כָבוֹד). Literally, "let them place/put weight or honor." This implies public acknowledgement of God's intrinsic honor, majesty, and power. It is not adding to God's glory, but recognizing and declaring what He already possesses. It also means attributing divine power and credit to YHWH for His mighty acts.

• to the LORD:

  • Hebrew laYHWH (לַיהוָה). YHWH is the unutterable covenant name of God, revealing Him as the personal, ever-present, self-existent God who acts in history. It highlights His unique identity as the one true God, distinct from any idols.

• and declare his praise:

  • "and declare": From Hebrew yaḡgīḏū (יַגִּידֽוּ). To recount, tell, make known, proclaim. It denotes an active, vocal dissemination of information, emphasizing testimony and public announcement of God's character and deeds.
  • "his praise": From Hebrew uṯhîllāṯô (וּתְהִלָּתֹֽו). "His praise" or "his song of praise." It signifies commendation, laudation, fame. It refers to God's excellent attributes and praiseworthy actions, especially His redemptive work and power.

• in the islands:

  • Hebrew bā'iyyîm (בָאִִיִּים). "In the islands" or "in the coastlands." This term collectively refers to distant Gentile lands, particularly those accessible by sea, or even any remote geographical regions at the "ends of the earth." Symbolically, it represents all nations and peoples beyond the immediate Israelite sphere. This geographical emphasis underscores the universal reach of God's salvific purpose and the eventual global spread of His worship.

Isaiah 42 12 Bonus section

• Missionary Mandate: This verse inherently contains a profound missionary vision. The command for distant lands to praise the LORD implies a means by which they will come to know Him and His praise, strongly foreshadowing the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles.
• Response to Deliverance: The call for "new song" and universal praise is a direct response to God's renewed intervention, particularly in rescuing His people and extending salvation, highlighting a future period of unprecedented divine action.
• Polemic against Idolatry: By calling on the "islands" (often centers of diverse pagan worship) to praise YHWH, the verse directly challenges the dominion of local gods and idols, proclaiming YHWH's exclusive sovereignty over all creation and nations.
• Echoes in the New Testament: The fulfillment of this universal praise is explicitly seen in the New Testament as the Gospel reaches Jews and Gentiles alike, drawing all peoples into worship of the one true God, ultimately through Christ (e.g., Romans 15).

Isaiah 42 12 Commentary

Isaiah 42:12 serves as a powerful call to universal adoration for YHWH, following the announcement of the Servant's mission to bring justice and light to the Gentiles. It transitions from God's promise to actively demonstrate His power (v. 13) to the commanded human response. The command "Let them give glory to the LORD" isn't merely a suggestion but an imperative for all humanity, particularly the remote "islands," to publicly acknowledge God's majestic worth, unique authority, and His mighty saving acts. "Declaring His praise" means actively proclaiming His character and deeds, not only internally but demonstratively. This verse is profoundly prophetic, anticipating a day when the worship of YHWH will transcend national boundaries and triumph over all forms of idolatry, reaching every corner of the earth through His redemptive work.