Isaiah 12:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Cry out {H6670} and shout {H7442}, thou inhabitant {H3427} of Zion {H6726}: for great {H1419} is the Holy One {H6918} of Israel {H3478} in the midst {H7130} of thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shout and sing for joy, you who live in Tziyon; for the Holy One of Isra'el is with you in his greatness!"

Berean Standard Bible

Cry out and sing, O citizen of Zion, for great among you is the Holy One of Israel.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 12:6 serves as the triumphant crescendo of a prophetic song of thanksgiving, calling the inhabitants of Zion to an exuberant and unrestrained declaration of praise. It encapsulates the profound joy, confidence, and security found in the immediate and active presence of the "Holy One of Israel," whose incomparable greatness is the ultimate foundation for His people's exultation and hope. This verse is a powerful summons to acknowledge God's saving work and His dwelling among His people with unbridled celebration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 12 stands as the glorious conclusion to a significant prophetic section often referred to as "The Book of Immanuel" (Isaiah 7-12). This section begins with prophecies of judgment and warning (Isaiah 7-10), particularly against Judah and Assyria, but gradually shifts to messianic hope and promises of restoration. Chapter 11 vividly describes the coming of the Messiah, the "Branch from Jesse," who will rule with righteousness and establish a kingdom of peace and justice, gathering the scattered remnant of Israel and Judah ([Isaiah 11:1-16](/isaiah/11 "Isaiah 11 - The Branch from Jesse and the Peaceful Kingdom")). Chapter 12, therefore, is a spontaneous outburst of praise and thanksgiving, a liturgical hymn that anticipates the full realization of God's salvation. It echoes themes from earlier in the book, particularly the promise of God's presence and deliverance, culminating in a communal call to worship. The preceding verses in chapter 12 speak of drawing water "out of the wells of salvation" ([Isaiah 12:3](/isaiah/12-3 "Isaiah 12:3 - Drawing Water from the Wells of Salvation")), expressing trust in God's anger turning away, and acknowledging Him as strength and song ([Isaiah 12:2](/isaiah/12-2 "Isaiah 12:2 - God is My Salvation")). Verse 6 is the climactic call to action, urging the people to vocalize the joy and confidence that the preceding verses have articulated.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah is set against the backdrop of the Assyrian threat to Judah in the 8th century BCE. The prophecies often address the political turmoil, the spiritual apostasy of the people, and the impending judgment. However, interwoven with these warnings are profound promises of future restoration and the establishment of God's righteous kingdom. "Zion" (H6726, _Tsîyôwn_) refers primarily to Jerusalem, the capital city and the dwelling place of God's temple. It is both a literal geographical location and a symbolic representation of God's chosen people, the community of faith. The call to "cry out and shout" would have resonated deeply with a people who had experienced periods of oppression, fear, and spiritual despondency. Such public, communal expressions of joy and triumph were common in ancient Israelite worship, often accompanying military victories, festivals, or significant acts of divine deliverance. The anticipation of God's "greatness" (H1419, _gâdôwl_) and His presence "in the midst of thee" (H7130, _qereb_) would have been a powerful counter-narrative to the prevailing sense of vulnerability and the worship of foreign deities, reasserting Yahweh's unique sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes of Isaiah 12:6 are **exuberant praise and proclamation**, **God's immanent presence**, and **His unparalleled greatness and holiness**. The command to "Cry out and shout" (H6670, _tsâhal_ and H7442, _rânan_) is not a gentle suggestion but an emphatic, almost imperative, instruction for God's people to express their joy and confidence outwardly and vocally. This reflects a theology where faith is not merely an internal conviction but a public, communal declaration. The phrase "in the midst of thee" (H7130, _qereb_) underscores God's active, intimate, and accessible presence among His people, a concept foundational to Israel's identity, from the Tabernacle in the wilderness ([Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - Building the Sanctuary")) to the promise of the New Jerusalem ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity")). The title "the Holy One of Israel" (H6918, _qâdôwsh_ and H3478, _Yisrâʼêl_) is particularly significant in Isaiah, appearing over twenty-five times. It emphasizes God's absolute moral purity, His transcendent majesty, and His unique covenant relationship with His chosen people. His "greatness" (H1419, _gâdôwl_) denotes His omnipotence, sovereignty, and incomparable nature, providing the ultimate and irrefutable reason for worship and praise.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cry out (Hebrew, _tsâhal'_ H6670):** This primitive root means "to gleam," but figuratively, "to be cheerful." By transference, it refers to a clear sound, often associated with various animal or human expressions. It can mean to "bellow," "cry aloud (out)," "lift up," "neigh," "rejoice," or "make to shine." In this context, it denotes a loud, clear, and uninhibited sound of exultation, often associated with triumph or joy, suggesting a vibrant and unrestrained outpouring.
* **shout (Hebrew, _rânan'_ H7442):** A primitive root meaning "to creak (or emit a stridulous sound)," which by implication means "to shout (usually for joy)." It conveys the idea of a ringing cry, often for joy, triumph, or singing. Paired with _tsâhal_, it intensifies the command, indicating a full-throated, exuberant, and public declaration of praise.
* **Holy One (Hebrew, _qâdôwsh'_ H6918):** From the root _qâdash_ (to be sacred, set apart), this word signifies sacredness, ceremonially or morally. As a noun, it refers to God (by eminence), an angel, or a saint. When applied to God, particularly as "the Holy One of Israel," it emphasizes His absolute moral purity, His transcendence, His distinctness from all creation, and His unique covenant relationship with Israel. It speaks to His awe-inspiring majesty and unapproachable perfection, which paradoxically makes His immanence even more profound.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion:"** This is an urgent, emphatic imperative directed at the people of God, specifically those dwelling in Jerusalem (Zion), but extending to all who identify with God's covenant community. The double command, using two strong verbs of vocalization and exultation, underscores the intensity and public nature of the required response. It is a call to move beyond quiet contemplation to an overt, communal, and unrestrained expression of joy and triumph.
* **"for great is the Holy One of Israel"** This clause provides the foundational reason for the preceding command. The "Holy One of Israel" is a unique and prominent title for God in Isaiah, emphasizing His transcendent purity, His covenant faithfulness, and His distinct identity. His "greatness" (H1419, _gâdôwl_) encompasses His power, majesty, sovereignty, and incomparable nature. It is because of *who God is*—His inherent character and attributes—that His people have every reason to celebrate.
* **"in the midst of thee."** This final phrase highlights God's immanent presence. It signifies that the source of their joy is not a distant, abstract deity, but a God who actively dwells among His people, intimately involved in their lives, ready to deliver, protect, and sustain them. This immanence transforms abstract theological truth into a lived reality, making the call to praise deeply personal and immediate for the "inhabitant of Zion."

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 12:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. It begins with a strong **Exhortation** through the imperative verbs "Cry out and shout," directly commanding the audience to engage in vocal praise. This is not a suggestion but an urgent summons. The phrase "thou inhabitant of Zion" uses **Personification** by addressing the city and its people as a unified entity capable of responding to the divine command, thereby extending the call to the entire covenant community. The intensity of the verbs ("cry out" and "shout") also suggests **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the boundless and unrestrained nature of the joy that should characterize God's people. Finally, the declaration that "great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee" speaks to **Theophany** or **Divine Immanence**, highlighting God's active and present dwelling among His people, which is the ultimate cause for their exuberant praise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 12:6 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical truth that God's presence among His people is the ultimate source of joy, security, and worship. This verse connects deeply with the overarching theme of God's covenant faithfulness and His redemptive plan. The call to "cry out and shout" echoes the celebratory responses seen throughout Israel's history after significant acts of divine deliverance, such as the crossing of the Red Sea or the fall of Jericho. It anticipates a future where God's salvation is fully realized, and His people can live in confident assurance because of His active dwelling in their midst. The title "Holy One of Israel" reinforces God's unique identity as the set-apart, transcendent, yet intimately involved Lord of His covenant people, whose greatness demands and deserves unreserved praise. This theological foundation transforms praise from a mere emotional outburst into a profound act of acknowledging God's sovereignty and His saving work.

* [Exodus 15:1-2](/exodus/15-1 "The Song of Moses and Miriam")
* [Psalm 46:5](/psalms/46-5 "Psalm 46:5 - God is in the Midst of Her")
* [Zephaniah 3:14-17](/zephaniah/3-14 "Zephaniah 3:14-17 - The Lord Your God is in Your Midst")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 12:6 is a timeless invitation to a vibrant, expressive faith. In a world often marked by anxiety, fear, and uncertainty, this verse reminds us that our ultimate security and joy are found not in circumstances, but in the unchanging character and active presence of God. The command to "cry out and shout" challenges us to consider the depth and outward expression of our praise. Is our faith a quiet, private affair, or does it lead to an uninhibited, communal declaration of God's goodness? Recognizing that the "great Holy One of Israel" is "in the midst of thee" should transform our perspective, filling us with a profound sense of awe and gratitude. This verse calls us to live with a constant awareness of God's immanence, understanding that His presence empowers us to face any challenge with confidence. It encourages us to make our praise visible and audible, testifying to His greatness and holiness, not just in moments of triumph, but as a continuous posture of the heart that spills over into joyful proclamation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for your faith to "cry out and shout" rather than remain silent?**
* **How does the awareness of God's "greatness" and His presence "in the midst of thee" impact your daily life and perspective?**
* **In what practical ways can you more fully express your joy and confidence in the "Holy One of Israel" within your community?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the title "Holy One of Israel" in Isaiah?**

Answer: The title "Holy One of Israel" (H6918, _qâdôwsh_ and H3478, _Yisrâʼêl_) is a distinctive and recurring descriptor for God throughout the book of Isaiah, appearing over twenty-five times. It emphasizes several key aspects of God's character. First, "Holy One" points to God's absolute moral purity, His transcendence, and His being utterly set apart from all creation and sin. He is distinct and incomparable. Second, the addition of "of Israel" highlights His unique covenant relationship with His chosen people. Despite their unfaithfulness, God remains faithful to His covenant promises, demonstrating His holiness not just in His being, but in His righteous dealings with Israel. This title often appears in contexts of both judgment (because Israel has profaned His holiness) and salvation (because He, the Holy One, will ultimately redeem them). It underscores that Israel's hope lies solely in their unique God, whose holiness guarantees both His justice and His redemptive power, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 1:4](/isaiah/1-4 "Isaiah 1:4 - The Holy One of Israel") and [Isaiah 43:3](/isaiah/43-3 "Isaiah 43:3 - The Holy One of Israel, Your Savior").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 12:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "Holy One of Israel" who is "in the midst of thee" is perfectly embodied in Jesus, who is God incarnate, Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")). The Old Testament longing for God's dwelling among His people, symbolized by the Tabernacle and Temple, reaches its zenith in Christ, who tabernacled among us, full of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His life, death, and resurrection represent the ultimate act of salvation, drawing water from the wells of salvation ([Isaiah 12:3](/isaiah/12-3 "Isaiah 12:3 - Drawing Water from the Wells of Salvation")) for all who believe. Through the Holy Spirit, Christ now dwells in the hearts of believers, making the promise of God's presence "in the midst of thee" a living reality for the church, the new Zion ([Ephesians 2:22](/ephesians/2-22 "Ephesians 2:22 - A Dwelling Place for God by the Spirit")). Therefore, the call to "cry out and shout" is amplified for New Testament believers, who celebrate not merely a promised future deliverance but a salvation already accomplished and a living Lord who reigns. Our praise is a response to the "greatness" of the One who conquered sin and death, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and who promises His abiding presence until the end of the age ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - I Am With You Always")). The exuberant praise of Isaiah 12:6 thus becomes the joyful song of the redeemed, celebrating the indwelling Christ and the hope of His glorious return.

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

Zechariah 2:10

¶ Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.

Zechariah 2:11

And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee.

Zechariah 2:5

For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.

Zephaniah 3:14

¶ Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.

Zephaniah 3:17

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Psalms 9:11

¶ Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.

Isaiah 41:14

Fear not, thou worm Jacob, [and] ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.