Isaiah 12:3

KJV

Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore with joy {H8342} shall ye draw {H7579} water {H4325} out of the wells {H4599} of salvation {H3444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then you will joyfully draw water from the springs of salvation.

Berean Standard Bible

With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation,

American Standard Version

Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 12:3 is a profound declaration of the abundant joy and spiritual satisfaction that flows from God's deliverance. It paints a vivid picture of God's people eagerly and joyfully partaking of the inexhaustible provision of salvation, likening it to drawing life-sustaining water from deep, overflowing wells. This verse serves as a celebratory anthem, encapsulating the deep comfort and secure trust found in the Lord, who is Himself the source of ultimate salvation and spiritual refreshment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 12:3 concludes a short, powerful hymn of praise (Isaiah 12:1-6) that serves as the doxological capstone to a significant prophetic section often called "The Book of Immanuel" (Isaiah 7-12). This section begins with prophecies of judgment and warning against Judah and surrounding nations, but gradually shifts to a glorious vision of future restoration under the reign of a righteous, messianic king (e.g., [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Messianic King") and [Isaiah 11:1-10](/isaiah/11 "Isaiah 11 - The Branch from Jesse")). The preceding verses, [Isaiah 12:1-2](/isaiah/12-1 "Isaiah 12:1-2 - Praise for God's Comfort"), express a turning away from fear and anger towards trust and comfort in God, who has become their strength, song, and salvation. Thus, verse 3 naturally follows, describing the joyful and abundant experience of this divine deliverance, anticipating a time of complete spiritual fulfillment and peace under God's sovereign rule.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Isaiah's prophecies is the turbulent 8th century BC, a period marked by the rising Assyrian empire and its threat to Judah. In this arid region, water was not merely a commodity but a symbol of life, sustenance, and divine blessing. Wells and springs were vital sources of survival, often determining the viability of settlements and travel routes. The act of "drawing water" was a daily, often communal, necessity, and finding a reliable, abundant source was cause for great rejoicing. Metaphorically, a "well of salvation" would have resonated deeply with an audience familiar with the precariousness of life without water, underscoring the preciousness, abundance, and life-giving nature of God's saving work in contrast to the spiritual drought of idolatry or reliance on human strength.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is **Joy in Salvation**, emphasizing that God's deliverance is not just a release from bondage but a cause for profound, overflowing gladness, contrasting with the fear and sorrow of judgment (e.g., [Isaiah 35:10](/isaiah/35-10 "Isaiah 35:10 - Joy and Gladness")). Closely related is the theme of **Abundance of God's Provision**, where the imagery of "wells" or "springs" (Hebrew: *ma'yan*) suggests an inexhaustible, ever-flowing source, signifying that God's salvation is not meager but lavish and all-sufficient. This ties into **Spiritual Refreshment**, as drawing water is a potent metaphor for receiving spiritual life, cleansing, and renewal, echoing the concept of "living water" found elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., [John 4:10-14](/john/4-10 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus and the Living Water")). Finally, within Isaiah's prophetic scope, the verse also hints at **Future Hope and Restoration**, pointing towards an ultimate, eschatological realization of God's kingdom where His people will fully experience His complete deliverance and spiritual revival.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **joy (Hebrew, _sâsôwn'_):** (H8342) Derived from a root meaning "to cheer," this word signifies intense gladness, mirth, and rejoicing. It denotes an inner state of delight that often finds outward expression. In Isaiah 12:3, it describes the profound, heartfelt elation that accompanies the experience of God's deliverance, emphasizing that salvation is not merely a theological concept but a source of vibrant, emotional satisfaction.
* **draw (Hebrew, _shâʼab'_):** (H7579) A primitive root meaning "to bale up water," this verb describes the active process of fetching water from a well or spring. It implies intentionality and effort in accessing a vital resource. Here, it suggests that partaking of salvation is not passive but involves an active engagement, a deliberate movement towards the source of life and refreshment.
* **salvation (Hebrew, _yᵉshûwʻâh'_):** (H3444) This feminine passive participle means "something saved" or "deliverance." It encompasses aid, victory, prosperity, health, and welfare. It is a broad term for God's saving acts, whether physical rescue, spiritual redemption, or comprehensive well-being. Crucially, it is closely related to the Hebrew name Yeshua (Jesus), underscoring that God Himself is the ultimate source and embodiment of this deliverance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore with joy":** The opening "Therefore" (וְשַׂמְתֶּם) links this verse directly to the preceding declaration of God's comfort and salvation in [Isaiah 12:1-2](/isaiah/12-1 "Isaiah 12:1-2 - Praise for God's Comfort"). It indicates that the joyful act described is a direct consequence of experiencing God's turning away of anger and His becoming their strength and song. The "joy" is not superficial but a deep, spiritual gladness arising from a profound sense of security and gratitude in God's saving power.
* **"shall ye draw water":** This phrase describes the active participation of God's people. "Drawing water" is a tangible, life-sustaining act. In this metaphorical context, it signifies the act of receiving and partaking of spiritual blessings. It implies a deliberate and continuous engagement with the divine source, much like a thirsty person repeatedly draws from a well to satisfy their need.
* **"out of the wells of salvation":** This is the heart of the metaphor. "Wells" (or more accurately, "springs" as *ma'yan* often implies) represent an abundant, inexhaustible, and naturally flowing source. The genitive "of salvation" identifies the nature of these wells: they are not physical wells but the very essence of God's saving work, His deliverance, and His comprehensive provision for His people. This imagery conveys the idea that God's salvation is not a scarce resource but an overflowing fount of life, refreshment, and spiritual nourishment, freely available to all who come to it.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device in Isaiah 12:3 is **Metaphor**. The abstract concept of "salvation" is vividly portrayed as "wells," from which "water" (representing spiritual life, blessing, and refreshment) can be "drawn." This extended metaphor creates a powerful image of God's abundant provision and the active, joyful reception by His people. Closely related is **Symbolism**, where water symbolizes life, purity, and spiritual sustenance, and wells or springs symbolize an inexhaustible divine source. The act of drawing water further symbolizes the active engagement of faith and reliance on God. The verse also employs **Hyperbole** in the sense of abundance, suggesting an endless supply of salvation, far beyond what any physical well could provide, emphasizing the limitless nature of God's grace and provision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 12:3 stands as a beautiful testament to God's character as the ultimate source of life and deliverance. It highlights the profound connection between God's saving acts and the joy experienced by His people. The imagery of drawing water from wells of salvation echoes a recurring biblical theme of spiritual thirst and God's provision, often contrasting God as the "fountain of living waters" with broken cisterns that hold no water. This verse points to the comprehensive nature of salvation—not just forgiveness of sins, but an abundant, life-giving relationship with God that brings deep satisfaction and unceasing joy. It anticipates the New Covenant promise of the Spirit, who flows like rivers of living water, and the eschatological vision of a world where God's presence is the ultimate source of all blessing.

* [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters")
* [Psalm 36:9](/psalms/36-9 "Psalm 36:9 - Fountain of Life")
* [Matthew 5:6](/matthew/5-6 "Matthew 5:6 - Blessed are those who Hunger and Thirst")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 12:3 is an invitation to a life of profound spiritual satisfaction and joyful engagement with God. It challenges believers to actively "draw water" from the inexhaustible "wells of salvation" that God has provided. This drawing is not a one-time event but a continuous process of seeking God through His Word, prayer, worship, and obedience. When we engage with God in these ways, we find our spiritual thirst quenched, our souls refreshed, and our hearts filled with a joy that transcends circumstances. This joy is a strength for daily living and a powerful testimony to the world. The verse reminds us that true satisfaction is found only in God's saving presence and provision, encouraging us to turn away from superficial sources of happiness and continually return to the wellspring of His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for you personally to "draw water" from the wells of salvation in your daily life?**
* **How does the "joy" described in this verse manifest itself in your experience of God's salvation?**
* **In what ways might you be trying to quench your spiritual thirst from "broken cisterns" instead of the "wells of salvation"?**
* **How can the abundance implied by "wells" deepen your trust in God's provision for all areas of your life?**

### FAQ
**What does "wells of salvation" specifically refer to?**

Answer: The "wells of salvation" refers metaphorically to God Himself and His comprehensive saving work. In the ancient world, wells or springs were vital, life-sustaining sources of water. Here, "salvation" (Hebrew: *yeshu'ah*) encompasses God's deliverance, help, health, welfare, and victory. So, the phrase signifies that God's saving power and provision are an inexhaustible, abundant, and freely accessible source of spiritual life, refreshment, and joy for His people. It's not just a single act of rescue, but an ongoing, overflowing supply of divine grace.

**How is this verse relevant for Christians today?**

Answer: For Christians, Isaiah 12:3 is profoundly relevant as it points to the ultimate source of salvation: Jesus Christ. It encourages believers to actively and joyfully partake in the spiritual blessings made available through His atoning work and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Just as ancient Israelites drew physical water for life, Christians are called to draw spiritual "living water" from Christ, finding deep satisfaction, joy, and strength for their daily walk. It reminds us that our salvation is a cause for continuous celebration and that God's provision for our spiritual needs is limitless, as promised in passages like [John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water").

**Does "drawing water" imply effort on our part, or is salvation freely given?**

Answer: Salvation itself is a free gift of God's grace, received through faith (e.g., [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Grace Through Faith")). However, "drawing water" in this context describes the active, joyful appropriation and experience of that salvation. It's not about earning salvation, but about engaging with the Giver and His gifts. It implies a deliberate turning to God, a thirsting for righteousness, and a willingness to receive the spiritual nourishment He offers through prayer, studying His Word, worship, and living in obedience. It's the active participation in the life God has freely provided, leading to a deeper experience of His joy and presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 12:3 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of the "wells of salvation," the inexhaustible source of living water that fully quenches the deepest spiritual thirst of humanity. While Isaiah prophesied a future day of joy and deliverance, the New Testament reveals that this day dawned with the advent of Christ. Jesus declared Himself to be the "living water" (e.g., [John 4:10-14](/john/4-10 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus and the Living Water")), inviting all who are thirsty to come to Him and drink. On the last day of the feast, He stood and cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water'" ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Jesus and Rivers of Living Water")). This "water" is explicitly identified as the Holy Spirit, whom believers would receive. Thus, the joy of drawing water from the wells of salvation is the joy of receiving the Spirit through Christ, who empowers believers to live a life of abundant grace and spiritual refreshment. He is the Lamb who leads His people to springs of living water ([Revelation 7:17](/revelation/7-17 "Revelation 7:17 - The Lamb Will Guide Them")), and in the New Jerusalem, the river of the water of life flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb ([Revelation 22:1](/revelation/22-1 "Revelation 22:1 - River of the Water of Life")). Therefore, Isaiah 12:3 is a prophetic anticipation of the boundless, life-giving salvation found exclusively in Jesus Christ, the true "well" from which all spiritual nourishment flows.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 22:1

¶ And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

Revelation 22:17

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Jeremiah 2:13

For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, [and] hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

Revelation 7:17

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Isaiah 55:1

¶ Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Isaiah 55:3

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the sure mercies of David.

John 4:10

Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.