King James Version

What Does Isaiah 42:11 Mean?

Isaiah 42:11 in the King James Version says “Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 42 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 42:11 · KJV

Context

9

Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.

10

Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof. all: Heb. the fulness thereof

11

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.

12

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

13

The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies. prevail: or, behave himself mightily

Read Isaiah 42 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The call to praise extends to wilderness and its cities, villages of Kedar (Bedouin settlements), and inhabitants of Sela (rock dwellers). Even traditionally hostile or remote peoples will sing from mountaintops. No place or people are beyond God's redemptive reach.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Kedar (descendants of Ishmael) and Sela (Edomite region) represent traditional enemies of Israel. Their inclusion in worship demonstrates that salvation transcends ethnic and historical enmity through God's reconciling work.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who represents your 'Kedar and Sela'—those you consider unlikely converts?
  2. How does this vision of universal worship challenge your assumptions about God's saving reach?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
יִשְׂא֤וּ1 of 12

“thereof lift up”

H5375

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

מִדְבָּר֙2 of 12

“Let the wilderness”

H4057

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

וְעָרָ֔יו3 of 12

“and the cities”

H5892

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

חֲצֵרִ֖ים4 of 12

“their voice the villages”

H2691

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

יֹ֣שְׁבֵי5 of 12

“doth inhabit”

H3427

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

קֵדָ֑ר6 of 12

“that Kedar”

H6938

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

יָרֹ֙נּוּ֙7 of 12

“sing”

H7442

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

יֹ֣שְׁבֵי8 of 12

“doth inhabit”

H3427

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

סֶ֔לַע9 of 12

“of the rock”

H5553

a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)

מֵרֹ֥אשׁ10 of 12

“from the top”

H7218

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

הָרִ֖ים11 of 12

“of the mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

יִצְוָֽחוּ׃12 of 12

“let them shout”

H6681

to screech (exultingly)

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 42:11 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 42:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 32:16Isaiah 60:7Isaiah 41:18-19Psalms 72:8-10Genesis 25:23Isaiah 21:16

Places in This Verse

KedarPeople Group · Modern: Dumat al Jandal · 29.81°N, 39.87°E9 verses across 5 books
Sela 2Settlement · Modern: Sela · 30.78°N, 35.57°E2 verses across 2 books
View all places in Isaiah 42 →

Test Your Knowledge

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