King James Version

What Does Isaiah 12:4 Mean?

Isaiah 12:4 in the King James Version says “And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention tha...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. call: or, proclaim”

Isaiah 12:4 · KJV

Context

2

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

3

Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

4

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. call: or, proclaim

5

Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.

6

Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee. inhabitant: Heb. inhabitress

Read Isaiah 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.'

Reflection Questions

  1. How does personal experience of salvation naturally lead to corporate worship and evangelism?
  2. What are God's 'doings' that we should declare among the peoples today?
  3. How do we balance praising God (vertical) with declaring His works to others (horizontal)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֞ם1 of 14

“shall ye say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בַּיּ֣וֹם2 of 14

“And in that day”

H3117

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

הַה֗וּא3 of 14
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

הוֹד֤וּ4 of 14

“Praise”

H3034

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

לַֽיהוָה֙5 of 14

“the LORD”

H3068

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

קִרְא֣וּ6 of 14

“call”

H7121

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

שְׁמֽוֹ׃7 of 14

“that his name”

H8034

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

הוֹדִ֥יעוּ8 of 14

“declare”

H3045

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

בָֽעַמִּ֖ים9 of 14

“among the people”

H5971

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

עֲלִֽילֹתָ֑יו10 of 14

“his doings”

H5949

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

הַזְכִּ֕ירוּ11 of 14

“make mention”

H2142

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

כִּ֥י12 of 14
H3588

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

נִשְׂגָּ֖ב13 of 14

“is exalted”

H7682

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

שְׁמֽוֹ׃14 of 14

“that his name”

H8034

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

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 12:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 12:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 105:11 Chronicles 29:11Psalms 145:4-6Psalms 117:1-2Philippians 2:9-11John 17:26

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