Notes for Isa 12:1LEB

Or "in that day" (KJV).

 

Notes for Isa 12:2LEB

Or "salvation" (KJV, NIV, NRSV).

 

The words "in him" are supplied in the translation for clarification.

 

The Hebrew text has, "for my strength and protection [is] the Yahweh, the Yahweh (Heb "Yah, Yahweh)." The word יְהוָה (yehvah) is probably dittographic or explanatory here (note that the short form of the name [יָהּ, yah] precedes, and that the graphically similar וַיְהִי [vayéhi] follows). Exod 15:2LEB, the passage from which the words of v. 2b are taken, has only יָהּ. The word זִמְרָת (zimrat) is traditionally understood as meaning "song," in which case one might translate, "for the Yahweh gives me strength and joy" (i.e., a reason to sing); note that in v. 5 the verb זָמַר (zamar, "sing") appears. Many recent commentators, however, have argued that the noun is here instead a homonym, meaning "protection" or "strength." See HALOT 274 s.v. III *זמר.

 

Or "salvation" (so many English versions, e.g., KJV, NIV, NRSV, NLT); NAB "my savior."

 

Notes for Isa 12:3LEB

Or "salvation" (so many English versions, e.g., KJV, NAB, NIV, NRSV, NLT); CEV "victory."

 

Water is here a metaphor for renewed life; the springs symbolize the restoration of Yahweh’s favor.

 

Notes for Isa 12:4LEB

Or "in that day" (KJV).

 

"call in his name," i.e., "invoke his name."

 

"bring to remembrance that his name is exalted." The Yahweh’s "name" stands here for his character and reputation.

 

Notes for Isa 12:5LEB

The translation follows the marginal reading (Qere), which is a Hophal participle from יָדַע (yada’), understood here in a gerundive sense.

 

Notes for Isa 12:6LEB

See the note on the phrase "the Set-a- part One of Israel" in 1:4.

 

Or "is great" (TEV). However, the context emphasizes his mighty acts of deliverance (cf. NCV), not some general or vague character quality.