King James Version

What Does Isaiah 44:23 Mean?

Isaiah 44:23 in the King James Version says “Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountain... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 44 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.

Isaiah 44:23 · KJV


Context

21

Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.

22

I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.

23

Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.

24

Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

25

That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
All creation is called to celebrate God's redemption: heavens, earth's depths, mountains, forest, and every tree. This cosmic worship anticipates Romans 8:19-22 where creation awaits liberation. The Hebrew 'ranan' (sing/shout for joy) expresses exuberant praise. The reason: 'the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.'

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Creation's participation in redemption's celebration reflects the cosmic scope of salvation. When God redeems His people, all creation benefits and rejoices.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God glorify Himself through the redemption of His people?
  2. What does creation's joy at redemption teach about salvation's cosmic significance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
רָנּ֨וּ1 of 21

Sing

H7442

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

שָׁמַ֜יִם2 of 21

O ye heavens

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

כִּֽי3 of 21
H3588

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

עָשָׂ֣ה4 of 21

hath done

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

יְהוָה֙5 of 21

for the LORD

H3068

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

הָרִ֙יעוּ֙6 of 21

it shout

H7321

to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e., shout (for alarm or joy)

תַּחְתִּיּ֣וֹת7 of 21

ye lower parts

H8482

lowermost; as noun (feminine plural) the depths (figuratively, a pit, the womb)

אָ֔רֶץ8 of 21

of the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

פִּצְח֤וּ9 of 21

break forth

H6476

to break out (in joyful sound)

הָרִים֙10 of 21

ye mountains

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

רִנָּ֔ה11 of 21

into singing

H7440

properly, a creaking (or shrill sound), i.e., shout (of joy or grief)

יַ֖עַר12 of 21

O forest

H3293

a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

וְכָל13 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֵ֣ץ14 of 21

and every tree

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

בּ֑וֹ15 of 21
H0
כִּֽי16 of 21
H3588

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

גָאַ֤ל17 of 21

hath redeemed

H1350

to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido

יְהוָה֙18 of 21

for the LORD

H3068

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

יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב19 of 21

Jacob

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

וּבְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל20 of 21

himself in Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

יִתְפָּאָֽר׃21 of 21

and glorified

H6286

to gleam, i.e., (causatively) embellish; figuratively, to boast; also to explain (i.e., make clear) oneself; to shake a tree


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 44:23 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 44:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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