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

ISAIAH 12:6KJV
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Isaiah 12:6 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 12:6 mean?

Isaiah 12:6 calls the people living in Zion to loudly rejoice because the Holy One of Israel is present among them in a great way. The verse emphasizes a joyful response to God's nearness and greatness within the community.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Jerusalem (Zion) after describing a time of salvation and praise. This verse is part of a song celebrating God's deliverance, urging the people to express their joy openly because God, described as the Holy One, is not distant but right in their midst.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 12:6

  • "Cry out" (צָהַל, tsahal, H6670) means to shout or exclaim with a ringing voice, often out of joy or excitement. This word suggests a loud, public celebration, not just a quiet or private happiness.
  • "Shout" (רָנַן, ranan, H7442) carries the sense of singing or shouting for joy, often used in the context of worship or praise. The use of both "cry out" and "shout" doubles the emphasis on exuberant, vocal praise.
  • "Inhabitant" (יָשַׁב, yashav, H3427) refers to someone who dwells or lives in a place. Here, it highlights that the message is for those who are part of Zion, making the call personal and direct.
  • "Great" (גָּדוֹל, gadol, H1419) points to something or someone of significant importance or power. The verse stresses that God's presence is not just ordinary but truly great and awe-inspiring.
  • "Midst" (קֶרֶב, qerev, H7130) means the inner part or center, emphasizing that God is not just nearby but right at the heart of the community.

Why Isaiah 12:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God's presence is not distant or abstract but immediate and central to the people of Zion, which would have been a source of great comfort and encouragement.
  • The double call to "cry out and shout" highlights that worship and joy are meant to be expressed openly, not kept hidden or silent.
  • Isaiah 12:6 ties together the themes of the whole chapter, which is a song of praise for salvation, making it clear that the right response to God's saving work is joyful, communal celebration.

Where else these words appear

“out” Hebrew H6670 · used in 9 verses

  • Esther 8:15 And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.
  • Isaiah 10:30 Lift up thy voice, O daughter of Gallim: cause it to be heard unto Laish, O poor Anathoth.
  • Jeremiah 5:8 They were as fed horses in the morning: every one neighed after his neighbour's wife.

“shout” Hebrew H7442 · used in 52 verses

  • Leviticus 9:24 And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.
  • Psalms 81:1 To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of Asaph. Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
  • Isaiah 24:14 They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD, they shall cry aloud from the sea.

“One” Hebrew H6918 · used in 106 verses

  • Exodus 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
  • 2 Kings 19:22 Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.
  • Isaiah 29:19 The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.