Isaiah 12:3

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Isaiah 12:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
Isaiah 12:3 — American Standard Version

Context — Isaiah 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
3Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Therefore with joy shall ye draw water, &c.] These words are either an exhortation to others, as the Septuagint and Arabic versions render it, “draw ye”; and so likewise an encouragement to them by her example, or a prophecy that they should do this; that is, apply to Christ for grace, and receive it from him: for by “water” is meant grace, which is compared to it, because it is softening, purifying, fructifying, cooling, and refreshing, and extinguishes thirst; and this is to be “drawn”, it is to be come at, though the well in which it is be deep, and not in the reach of everyone; the bucket is faith that it is drawn with, and this is the gift of God; and it is in the exercise of this…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“draw water . . . salvation--an expressive image in a hot country. On the last day of the feast of tabernacles the Jews used to bring water in a golden pitcher from the fountain of Siloam, and pour it, mingled with wine, on the sacrifice on the altar, with great rejoicing. This is the allusion in Jesus' words on "the last day of the feast" (Joh 7:2, Joh 7:37-39). The pouring out of water indicated repentance (Sa1 7:6; compare, as to the Jews' repentance hereafter, Zac 12:10). There shall be a latter outpouring of the Spirit like the former one on pentecost (Joe 2:23). wells--not mere streams, which may run dry, but ever-flowing fountains (Joh 4:14; Joh 7:38), "Out of his belly (that is, in…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Therefore - In view of all his mercies, the Hebrew is, however; simply, ‘” and” ye shall draw.’ It has already been intimated that the Jews applied this passage to the Holy Spirit: and that probably on this they based their custom of drawing water from the fountain of Siloam at the feast of the dedication (note, John 7:37). The fountain of Siloam was in the eastern part of the city, and the water was borne from that fountain in a golden cup, and was poured, with every expression of rejoicing, on the sacrifice on the altar. It is not probable, however, that this custom was in use in the time of Isaiah. The language is evidently figurative; but the meaning is obvious. A fountain, or a well, in…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“With joy - Your thirsty souls shall be filled with Divine graces and comforts, which you may draw from God, in the use of gospel - ordinances. Next: Isaiah Chapter 13”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“12:3 God’s salvation is like a deep and unending source of water that provides life (see also 41:18; Ps 87:7).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“with joy: Isa 49:10, Isa 55:1-3; Psa 36:9; Sol 2:3; Jer 2:13; Joh 1:16, Joh 4:10-14; Joh 7:37-39; Rev 7:17, Rev 22:1, Rev 22:17 Isaiah 12:4”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“Isa 12:3, again, contains a prophetic promise, which points back to the commencement of Isa 12:1 : "And with rapture ye will draw water out of the wells of salvation." Just as Israel was miraculously supplied with water in the desert, so will the God of salvation, who has become your salvation, open many and manifold sources of salvation for you (מעיני as it is pointed here, instead of מעיני, (Note: The root is the same as, for example, in יעלתסּו (they rejoice) and יעלתסּו; here, however, it is more striking, because the singular is written מעין, and not מעין. At the same time, it is evident that the connecting sound ay was rather preferred than avoided, as Ewald maintains - as we may see,…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification