King James Version

What Does Isaiah 55:12 Mean?

Isaiah 55:12 in the King James Version says “For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 55 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”

Isaiah 55:12 · KJV

JoyPeace

Context

10

For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

11

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

12

For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

13

Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

Read Isaiah 55 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. This verse describes the exodus from Babylon as joyful procession, contrasting with Egypt's hurried flight. "Go out" (tetse'u, תֵצֵאוּ) references exodus language. "With joy" (besimchah, בְשִׂמְחָה) and "with peace" (beshalom, בְשָׁלוֹם) depict celebratory departure, not desperate escape. The passive "be led forth" (tubalun, תּוּבָלוּן) indicates divine guidance.

The cosmic celebration—mountains, hills breaking into singing; trees clapping hands—personifies creation participating in redemption's joy. This echoes Psalm 98:8, Isaiah 44:23. The imagery depicts nature itself rejoicing at God's redemptive work, recognizing creation's stake in human salvation. Patsach (פָּצַח, "break forth") suggests sudden, uncontainable outburst; "clap hands" (yimcha'u-khaph, יִמְחֲאוּ־כָף) depicts rhythmic celebration.

From a Reformed perspective, this anticipates Romans 8:19-22 where creation groans awaiting redemption. The return from exile foreshadows ultimate redemption when Christ returns and all creation participates in restoration. The joy and peace reflect covenant blessings (Galatians 5:22—fruit of the Spirit). This verse teaches that redemption has cosmic scope—not merely individual souls but entire created order finds restoration, all celebrating God's saving work.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The return from Babylonian exile (538 BCE onward) involved months of travel from Mesopotamia to Judea. Psalm 126 captures the joy: "When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream." Though the journey was physically arduous, spiritually it represented joyful liberation, God leading His people home.

The poetic personification of nature celebrating recalls ancient Near Eastern literary conventions but transcends them theologically—creation isn't divine but participates in worshiping the Creator. The ultimate fulfillment awaits Christ's return when "the whole creation groaneth and travaileth" (Romans 8:22) will cease, giving way to liberation and celebration. Church history anticipates this in worship that engages creation—music, architecture, art—all creation's elements employed in celebrating redemption.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your worship reflect the joy and peace of redemption Isaiah describes?
  2. What would it look like for creation around you to 'sing' and 'clap' at God's work?
  3. How should the cosmic scope of redemption affect your environmental stewardship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
כִּֽי1 of 15
H3588

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

בְשִׂמְחָ֣ה2 of 15

“with joy”

H8057

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

תֵצֵ֔אוּ3 of 15

“For ye shall go out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וּבְשָׁל֖וֹם4 of 15

“with peace”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

תּֽוּבָל֑וּן5 of 15

“and be led forth”

H2986

properly, to flow; causatively, to bring (especially with pomp)

הֶהָרִ֣ים6 of 15

“the mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

וְהַגְּבָע֗וֹת7 of 15

“and the hills”

H1389

a hillock

יִפְצְח֤וּ8 of 15

“shall break forth”

H6476

to break out (in joyful sound)

לִפְנֵיכֶם֙9 of 15

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

רִנָּ֔ה10 of 15

“you into singing”

H7440

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

וְכָל11 of 15
H3605

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

עֲצֵ֥י12 of 15

“and all the trees”

H6086

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

הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה13 of 15

“of the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

יִמְחֲאוּ14 of 15

“shall clap”

H4222

to rub or strike the hands together (in exultation)

כָֽף׃15 of 15

“their hands”

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

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 55:12 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 55:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 5:22Romans 15:13Isaiah 44:23Psalms 105:43Psalms 96:11-13Revelation 19:1-6

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