The connector Therefore marks this verse as the result of the previous actions by Yahweh. Powerful nations will honor and fear Yahweh because he destroyed others. Good News Translation omits this connector, but it should be included.

Strong peoples will glorify thee: Strong peoples refers to all powerful nations. For the Hebrew verb rendered glorify, see the comments on 24.15, where the same verb is translated “give glory.”

Cities of ruthless nations will fear thee: The adjective ruthless describes powerful people who are cruel, uncaring and harsh, intent on getting what they want (see the comments at 13.11). This adjective also occurs in the next two verses, so it is a keyword in the song. The Hebrew verb rendered fear has the sense of “respect” in this context (see the comments at 11.2). The cruel nations will be in awe of Yahweh when they see his power demonstrated.

Translation examples for this verse are:

• For this reason powerful nations will honor you,
cities of mighty nations will be in awe of you.

• Therefore strong powers will give you honor,
the people of brutal nations will recognize your greatness.

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .