Old Testament
Isaiah 42:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Let the wilderness and its towns raise their voices! Let the villages where Kedar lives shout for joy! Let the people of Sela sing out and cry from the mountaintops!
Compare translations
Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains.
What Isaiah 42:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 42:11, the prophet calls for a joyful response from various groups of people, particularly those living in wilderness areas and towns. The mention of Kedar, a region known for its nomadic tribes, and Sela, a rocky area, emphasizes that even the most remote and rugged places should join in praise. This verse highlights the inclusivity of God's message, inviting everyone, regardless of their location or status, to celebrate and express joy. The call to raise voices from mountaintops symbolizes a powerful proclamation of hope and deliverance. It suggests that God's glory and salvation are meant to be shared widely, reaching even the most isolated communities. This verse serves as a reminder that all creation is invited to participate in worship and that joy in God’s presence transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
How to apply Isaiah 42:11 to your life
This verse encourages us to celebrate and share our joy in God with others, regardless of their background or circumstances. We can invite those around us to join in worship and express gratitude, fostering a sense of community and togetherness in our faith journeys.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Isaiah 42:11
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Isaiah 42:11
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 42:11 mean?
Isaiah 42:11 calls for people from wilderness areas and towns to joyfully raise their voices in praise. It emphasizes that God's message of hope and salvation is for everyone, regardless of their location or background.
What is the significance of Kedar in Isaiah 42:11?
Kedar represents a region known for its nomadic tribes, highlighting that even remote and rugged communities are invited to join in worship and celebration of God's glory.
What does the phrase 'shout from the mountaintops' mean in Isaiah 42:11?
The phrase 'shout from the mountaintops' symbolizes a powerful proclamation of joy and hope, suggesting that God's message should be shared widely and celebrated openly.
How can we apply Isaiah 42:11 in our lives?
We can apply Isaiah 42:11 by celebrating our joy in God and inviting others to join in worship, fostering a sense of community and togetherness in our faith.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.