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.

ISAIAH 12:4KJV
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Isaiah 12:4 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 12:4 mean?

Isaiah 12:4 describes a future time when people will openly praise the LORD, call on his name, and tell others about what he has done, making sure everyone knows that his name is lifted high. The verse calls for public recognition and celebration of God's actions and character among all people.

In the setting of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking to the people of Israel about a day of salvation and joy that will come after hardship. The verse is part of a song of thanksgiving, where the people are encouraged not just to feel gratitude privately but to announce God's greatness and deeds to others, highlighting the importance of sharing faith and testimony in community.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 12:4

  • "Praise" (יָדָה, yadah): This word often means to give thanks or confess, but it also carries the sense of throwing or casting praise outward, suggesting an active and public declaration.
  • "Declare" (יָדַע, yada): This word means to make known or reveal, emphasizing the idea of spreading knowledge about God's deeds, not keeping them hidden.
  • "Exalted" (שָׂגַב, sagav): This word means to be high or lifted up, showing that God's name is not just recognized but honored above all else.

Why Isaiah 12:4 matters

  • Isaiah 12:4 clarifies that worship and gratitude are meant to be shared openly, not kept private, shifting the focus from individual to communal response.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of Isaiah 12, which is a song of praise celebrating deliverance and restoration after judgment, showing hope and renewal.
  • By urging people to declare God's deeds among the nations, Isaiah 12:4 hints at a broader vision where God's reputation and goodness are recognized beyond Israel, pointing toward a more universal message.

Where else these words appear

“exalted” Hebrew H7682 · used in 20 verses

  • Deuteronomy 2:36 From Aroer, which is by the brink of the river of Arnon, and from the city that is by the river, even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: the LORD our God delivered all unto us:
  • Psalms 91:14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
  • Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

“doings” Hebrew H5949 · used in 24 verses

  • Deuteronomy 22:14 And give occasions of speech against her, and bring up an evil name upon her, and say, I took this woman, and when I came to her, I found her not a maid:
  • Psalms 77:12 I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.
  • Ezekiel 20:43 And there shall ye remember your ways, and all your doings, wherein ye have been defiled; and ye shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for all your evils that ye have committed.

“Praise” Hebrew H3034 · used in 111 verses

  • Genesis 29:35 And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing.
  • Psalms 7:17 I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.
  • Psalms 107:8 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!