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

ISAIAH 42:12KJV
Know the Bible

Isaiah 42:12 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 42:12 mean?

Isaiah 42:12 calls on people everywhere, even in distant lands, to honor the LORD and speak of his greatness. The verse urges that praise for God should not be limited to one place or people, but should be declared widely, reaching even the "islands" or far-off regions.

In this part of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking to the people of Israel, but the message looks beyond them to all nations. The context is about God’s servant bringing justice and light to the world, so this verse highlights that God’s praise is meant to spread far beyond Israel, inviting everyone, even those in remote places, to join in giving glory to the LORD.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 42:12

  • "glory" (כָּבוֹד, kavod): This word means honor, weight, or significance. Here, it emphasizes giving God the recognition and respect he deserves.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, showing that the praise is directed specifically to Israel’s God, not just any deity.
  • "declare" (נָגַד, nagad): This verb means to announce or make known. The verse is not just about private praise, but about publicly telling others of God’s greatness.
  • "praise" (תְּהִלָּה, tehillah): This word refers to spoken or sung praise, highlighting joyful and vocal celebration of God.
  • "islands" (אִי, i): This term often means distant coastlands or remote places, not just literal islands, pointing to the idea that God’s fame should reach the ends of the earth.

Why Isaiah 42:12 matters

  • Isaiah 42:12 makes it clear that God’s praise is not meant to stay within Israel; it is a call for all peoples, even those far away, to recognize and honor him.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in Isaiah 42 of God’s servant bringing justice and hope to the nations, showing that God’s work and glory have a global reach.
  • By mentioning the "islands," Isaiah 42:12 emphasizes that no place is too remote or insignificant to be included in God’s plan for praise and recognition.

Where else these words appear

“islands” Hebrew H339 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 10:5 By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.
  • Isaiah 41:5 The isles saw it, and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid, drew near, and came.
  • Jeremiah 31:10 Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.

“praise” Hebrew H8416 · used in 57 verses

  • Exodus 15:11 Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
  • Psalms 66:8 O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:
  • Isaiah 42:8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.