Isaiah 12

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Isaiah 12:1 tn Or “in that day” (KJV).
2. Isaiah 12:2 tn Or “salvation” (KJV, NIV, NRSV).
3. Isaiah 12:2 tn The words “in him” are supplied in the translation for clarification.
4. Isaiah 12:2 tc The Hebrew text has, “for my strength and protection [is] the Lord, the Lord (Heb “Yah, Yahweh).” The word יְהוָה (yehvah) is probably dittographic or explanatory here (note that the short form of the name [יָהּ, yah] precedes, and that the graphically similar וַיְהִי [vay^ehi] follows). Exod 15:2, the passage from which the words of v. 2b are taken, has only יָהּ. The word זִמְרָת (zimrat) is traditionally understood as meaning “song,” in which case one might translate, “for the Lord gives me strength and joy” (i.e., a reason to sing); note that in v. 5 the verb זָמַר (zamar, “sing”) appears. Many recent commentators, however, have argued that the noun is here instead a homonym, meaning “protection” or “strength.” See HALOT 274 s.v. III *זמר.
5. Isaiah 12:2 tn Or “salvation” (so many English versions, e.g., KJV, NIV, NRSV, NLT); NAB “my savior.”
6. Isaiah 12:3 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.
7. Isaiah 12:4 tn Or “in that day” (KJV).
8. Isaiah 12:4 tn Heb “call in his name,” i.e., “invoke his name.”
9. Isaiah 12:4 tn Heb “bring to remembrance that his name is exalted.” The Lord’s “name” stands here for his character and reputation.
10. Isaiah 12:5 tc The translation follows the marginal reading (Qere), which is a Hophal participle from יָדַע (yadaʿ), understood here in a gerundive sense.
11. Isaiah 12:6 sn See the note on the phrase “the Holy One of Israel” in 1:4.
12. Isaiah 12:6 tn Or “is great” (TEV). However, the context emphasizes his mighty acts of deliverance (cf. NCV), not some general or vague character quality.