Isaiah 42:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Let them give {H7760} glory {H3519} unto the LORD {H3068}, and declare {H5046} his praise {H8416} in the islands {H339}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let them give glory to ADONAI and proclaim his praise in the coastlands.

Berean Standard Bible

Let them give glory to the LORD and declare His praise in the islands.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 42:12 issues a powerful, prophetic call for universal worship, urging all peoples, particularly those in distant lands, to acknowledge the supreme majesty and redemptive work of the God of Israel. Positioned within the first of Isaiah's "Servant Songs," this verse anticipates a global outpouring of adoration in response to the Lord's unfolding plan of salvation and the mission of His chosen Servant, who will bring justice and light to the nations. It profoundly underscores God's inherent glory and His expansive purpose to be glorified by all creation, extending His sovereign reach beyond the covenant people of Israel to the uttermost parts of the earth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 42:12 is strategically placed within the opening section of the second major division of Isaiah (chapters 40-55), often referred to as "Deutero-Isaiah," which primarily offers comfort, hope, and a renewed vision to the exilic and post-exilic community. Chapter 42 introduces the first of four pivotal "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 42:1-4, 49:1-6, 50:4-9, 52:13-53:12), presenting the Lord's chosen Servant, endowed with God's Spirit, whose mission is to bring forth justice and light to the Gentiles. The preceding verses emphasize God's unique power as the sovereign Creator who stretches out the heavens and lays the foundation of the earth, as powerfully articulated in [Isaiah 42:5](/isaiah/42-5 "Isaiah 42:5 - God as Creator"). The Servant's gentle yet unwavering approach to establishing justice is detailed in [Isaiah 42:2-3](/isaiah/42-2-3 "Isaiah 42:2-3 - The Gentle Servant"), contrasting sharply with the destructive methods of earthly conquerors. Therefore, verse 12 serves as a direct, prophetic response to God's glorious acts of creation and His unfolding redemptive plan through the Servant, calling for a global outpouring of praise that acknowledges His unique sovereignty and saving work among all nations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah, particularly chapters 40-66, speaks to a people experiencing or anticipating exile in Babylon, a period during which Israel's understanding of God's universal sovereignty was profoundly challenged by the apparent triumph of pagan deities and empires. In ancient Near Eastern thought, the "islands" or "coastlands" (`ʼîy`, H339) represented the distant, often unknown, regions beyond the immediate landmass, typically referring to Gentile nations far from Israel. This imagery served to dramatically broaden the scope of God's dominion beyond Israel's borders, emphasizing that His authority and redemptive plan encompassed all peoples, not just His chosen covenant nation. The call for "them" (the nations/islands) to give glory to the LORD was a radical departure from the prevailing ethnocentric religious views of the time, asserting that the God of Israel was not merely a tribal deity but the one true God, the Creator and Redeemer of all, worthy of universal worship. This message was strategically designed to instill hope and foster a renewed missionary vision within a dispirited nation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes foundational to Isaiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Universal Worship and Praise**, asserting God's profound desire for all humanity to recognize His greatness and respond in adoration, extending far beyond the covenant people of Israel. This is a foundational aspect of God's global mission, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles into His people, as vividly seen in passages like [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Servant as Light to the Gentiles"). Secondly, it underscores **God's Sovereignty and Redemptive Plan**, emphasizing His ultimate authority over all creation and His expansive purpose to bring salvation and justice to the ends of the earth. The global praise envisioned is a direct result of His powerful actions and the mission of His Servant, who is explicitly called a "covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles" in [Isaiah 42:6](/isaiah/42-6 "Isaiah 42:6 - The Servant as Covenant and Light"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **Proclamation of God's Character**, indicating that worship is not merely an internal feeling but an active, public declaration of God's attributes and deeds. To "declare His praise" means to openly proclaim His power, faithfulness, and love, a theme powerfully echoed in the prophetic call to "proclaim good tidings to Jerusalem" in [Isaiah 40:9](/isaiah/40-9 "Isaiah 40:9 - Proclaim Good Tidings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** (H3519) Derived from a root meaning "weight," this term primarily conveys the idea of splendor, honor, dignity, and majesty. To "give glory" to the LORD means to acknowledge and ascribe to Him His inherent worth, weighty presence, and magnificent attributes. It is an act of recognizing His supreme authority, incomparable splendor, and the profound impact of His being.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** (H3068) This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often transliterated as "Jehovah" or rendered as "Yahweh." It signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal One," emphasizing God's unchanging, sovereign, and relational nature. The call to give glory to "the LORD" is a call to recognize the unique, personal God of Israel as the universal sovereign, distinct from all other deities and worthy of exclusive worship.
* **Declare (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** (H5046) This primitive root means "to front," or "to stand boldly out opposite," implying a public, overt, and often authoritative announcement. It means "to manifest" or "to announce by word of mouth to one present." In this context, it signifies a clear, open, and unreserved proclamation of God's praise, moving beyond internal reverence to outward testimony and public acknowledgment of His deeds.
* **Islands (Hebrew, _ʼîy'_):** (H339) Properly meaning "a habitable spot (as desirable)," this word refers to dry land, a coast, or an island. In prophetic literature, "islands" or "coastlands" frequently serve as a metonymy for distant Gentile nations or the far reaches of the earth. Their inclusion signifies the universal scope of God's redemptive plan and the global reach of His desired worship, extending to all humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let them give glory unto the LORD":** This clause functions as a divine imperative or strong exhortation, directing "them"—referring to the distant nations or "islands" mentioned in the latter part of the verse—to render honor, weight, and splendor to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. It is a profound call for these Gentile peoples, who traditionally worshipped other deities, to recognize and acknowledge the incomparable majesty and inherent worth of the one true God, moving from ignorance or idolatry to true and exclusive worship.
* **"and declare his praise in the islands":** This second clause runs in parallel with the first, specifying both the manner and the location of the universal worship. To "declare His praise" means to publicly and vocally proclaim His laudation, His praiseworthy acts, and His character. The phrase "in the islands" reiterates that this worship is not to be confined to Israel but is to emanate from the most distant parts of the earth, signifying a global, expansive, and inclusive chorus of adoration for God's redemptive work and sovereign rule.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 42:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its universal message. **Parallelism** is prominently evident in the symmetrical structure of the two clauses: "Let them give glory unto the LORD" and "and declare his praise in the islands." The concepts of "glory" and "praise" are deeply synonymous, as are the implied recipients of this worship ("the LORD" and "His"). This parallel structure serves to reinforce the singular, emphatic message of universal adoration and public proclamation. **Symbolism** is powerfully utilized through the term "islands" (or "coastlands"). While literally referring to geographical locations, "islands" here functions as a symbol for the distant Gentile nations, representing the uttermost parts of the earth. This broadens the scope of God's redemptive plan and the reach of His desired worship beyond Israel to all humanity. The **Imperative Mood**, though not explicitly stated with a command verb in English ("Let them"), carries the strong force of a divine decree or fervent exhortation, indicating God's active will and sovereign purpose for this global worship to occur.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 42:12 articulates a profound theological truth: God's redemptive plan is not limited to one nation but encompasses all peoples, culminating in universal worship. This verse serves as a prophetic blueprint for the global mission of God, revealing His ultimate desire to be known, honored, and praised by every tribe, tongue, and nation. It underscores that the glory of God is meant to fill the earth, and His praise is to be declared from its farthest reaches, demonstrating His sovereignty over all creation and His gracious invitation to all humanity to participate in His kingdom. This vision of an inclusive, global worship community is a cornerstone of biblical theology, bridging the Old Testament's prophetic anticipation with the New Testament's fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

* [Psalm 96:3](/psalms/96-3 "Psalm 96:3 - Declare His Glory Among the Nations")
* [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")
* [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - Multitude from Every Nation Worships")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 42:12 offers a powerful and enduring call to action for believers today. It reminds us that our worship of God is not meant to be a private, insular affair, but a vibrant, public declaration that extends to the ends of the earth. This verse compels us to live lives that consistently bring glory to God, reflecting His character and truth in all we do, so that others may see our good works and praise our Father in heaven. Furthermore, it ignites a passion for global missions and evangelism, challenging us to actively participate in the fulfillment of God's universal plan by sharing the good news of His redemptive work with those who have not yet heard, whether in our local communities or in distant lands. Embracing the spirit of this verse means recognizing the inherent worth of every person, regardless of their background or location, and striving to see God's praise declared among all peoples, fostering a diverse and unified global body of worshippers who reflect the multi-faceted glory of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's desire for universal worship impact my personal prayer life and my involvement in my local church's mission?**
* **In what practical ways can I "give glory to the LORD" and "declare His praise" through my words, actions, and lifestyle in my daily sphere of influence?**
* **What role do I, or my church, currently play in fulfilling the global vision of this verse, actively reaching the "islands" with the Gospel message?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater appreciation for the diverse expressions of worship from different cultures, recognizing that God desires praise from all peoples and languages?**

### FAQ
**Who are 'them' and the 'islands' in this verse?**

Answer: In this prophetic context, "them" and "the islands" refer to the distant Gentile nations or "coastlands" beyond Israel. While literally signifying geographical islands or coastal regions, in biblical prophecy, these terms often symbolize the far reaches of the earth and the diverse peoples inhabiting them. This highlights God's expansive plan to include all humanity in His redemptive work and to receive praise from every corner of the globe, not just from the nation of Israel. It foreshadows the universal scope of the Gospel's reach, as later seen in the New Testament's emphasis on taking the message to "all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")).

**How does this verse relate to Christian missions today?**

Answer: Isaiah 42:12 is a foundational verse for Christian missions. It reveals God's heart for all peoples to know Him and declare His praise. This prophetic vision directly undergirds the New Testament's Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to "go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation" ([Mark 16:15](/mark/16-15 "Mark 16:15 - The Great Commission")). The "islands" represent the unreached peoples and places that still need to hear about God's glory and redemptive work. Thus, the verse serves as a divine mandate and a powerful motivator for believers to participate in spreading the Gospel globally, ensuring that God's praise is indeed declared "in the islands" and to the uttermost parts of the earth, fulfilling God's ancient promise.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 42:12 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Servant of the Lord introduced in this very chapter. The call for the "islands" to give glory and declare praise to the LORD is a profound prophetic anticipation of the global worship that would be ushered in through the person and redemptive work of Jesus. He is the true "light for the Gentiles" ([Isaiah 42:6](/isaiah/42-6 "Isaiah 42:6 - The Servant as Light to the Gentiles")), whose life, atoning death, and triumphant resurrection broke down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down the Dividing Wall")). Through His sacrifice, Jesus made it possible for people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" to be redeemed and to offer worship to God ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Worship of the Lamb by All Nations")). The "praise" declared in the "islands" is now the praise of a redeemed people, drawn from every corner of the earth, who confess that "every knee should bow... and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Thus, Isaiah 42:12 is not merely a historical command but a vibrant prophecy fulfilled in the universal reign and worship of our Lord Jesus Christ, who gathers all nations to Himself.

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

Romans 15:9

And that the Gentiles might glorify God for [his] mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

Romans 15:11

And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

Psalms 117:1

¶ O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.

Psalms 117:2

For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD [endureth] for ever. Praise ye the LORD.

Isaiah 66:18

For I [know] their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory.

Isaiah 66:19

And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, [to] Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, [to] Tubal, and Javan, [to] the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.

Isaiah 42:4

He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.