Log inSign up

Isaiah 12 · a question people ask

"for the LORD, the LORD, is my strength and song" (12:2). Why does the WEB say "the LORD" twice?

In the text

Because the Hebrew names the LORD twice there: first with the short form of the divine name, then with the divine name itself, and the WEB prints both as "the LORD". In the song at the sea, "The LORD is my strength and song" (Exodus 15:2), and in Psalm 118:14, the same line has the short form alone (tap song); the chapter on Exodus 15 notes that Isaiah adds the name once more. The WEB has "the LORD, the LORD" in two more verses of Isaiah: in 26:4, where the Hebrew has the same pair as 12:2, and in 38:11, where it has the short form twice. Both verses with the pair also have the verb trust: "I will trust, and will not be afraid" (12:2), and "Trust in the LORD forever; for in the LORD, the LORD, is an everlasting Rock" (26:4) (tap trust). The verses don't say why the name comes twice, and these notes don't guess.

The verses

“Behold, God is my salvation. I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD, the LORD, is my strength and song; and he has become my salvation.””
Isaiah 12:2 · World English Bible
“The LORD is my strength and song. He has become my salvation. This is my God, and I will praise him; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.”
Exodus 15:2 · World English Bible
“The LORD is my strength and song. He has become my salvation.”
Psalm 118:14 · World English Bible
“Trust in the LORD forever; for in the LORD, the LORD, is an everlasting Rock.”
Isaiah 26:4 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Isaiah 12

Isaiah 12: The wells of salvation

Five times a refrain said, "his anger is not turned away" (9:17). The song of chapter 12 answers in the same Hebrew words, "your anger has turned away and you comfort me" (12:1), and at its heart it sings the words Israel sang after the sea: "my strength and song; and he has become my salvation" (12:2).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekIsaiah 12 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Isaiah 12

All questions about Isaiah →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions