Discovery BoxIsaiah 12:3-6 
Context12:3 Joyfully you will draw water
from the springs of deliverance. 1
12:4 At that time 2 you will say:
“Praise the Lord!
Ask him for help! 3
Publicize his mighty acts among the nations!
Make it known that he is unique! 4
12:5 Sing to the Lord, for he has done magnificent things,
let this be known 5 throughout the earth!
12:6 Cry out and shout for joy, O citizens of Zion,
1 tn Or “salvation” (so many English versions, e.g., KJV, NAB, NIV, NRSV, NLT); CEV “victory.”
sn Water is here a metaphor for renewed life; the springs symbolize the restoration of God’s favor.
2 tn Or “in that day” (KJV).
3 tn Heb “call in his name,” i.e., “invoke his name.”
4 tn Heb “bring to remembrance that his name is exalted.” The Lord’s “name” stands here for his character and reputation.
5 tc The translation follows the marginal reading (Qere), which is a Hophal participle from יָדַע (yada’), understood here in a gerundive sense.
6 sn See the note on the phrase “the Holy One of Israel” in 1:4.
7 tn Or “is great” (TEV). However, the context emphasizes his mighty acts of deliverance (cf. NCV), not some general or vague character quality.
