This verse features three lines that begin with the word Behold. It makes for special emphasis, but Revised Standard Version is the only version consulted that maintains this repetition. Some versions use “Look” or “See” once or twice in the verse (so New Revised Standard Version, New International Version, Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh).

Behold, the LORD has proclaimed to the end of the earth: The prophet calls on the people to note what Yahweh has said to the whole world. The Hebrew verb rendered has proclaimed is literally “he has caused to hear.” For the end of the earth, see the comments on 48.20.

There are two ways to view the relationship between these two lines and what follows in the verse. The first way is to regard these lines as introducing the LORD’s words to the nations. What follows is his message to them. He tells them to convey his message of salvation to the people of Judah. Like Revised Standard Version, the majority of modern versions indicate this relationship by placing a colon at the end of the second line; for example, New Jerusalem Bible begins this verse with “This is what Yahweh has proclaimed to the remotest part of earth: Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Look, your salvation is coming….’” The second way is to regard the first two lines as an independent saying. Then the command in the third line (Say to …) is addressed to either foreigners or to the prophet, with the remainder of the verse containing the message they or he should announce. Bible en français courant follows this option by saying “The Lord will give his commands from one end of the world to the other. Say [plural imperative] therefore to Zion: ‘Your Savior comes….’” Translators may choose either option here.

Say to the daughter of Zion introduces God’s message for the people of Judah. The Hebrew imperative rendered Say is plural. As noted above, it could be addressed to foreigners or the prophet. Hebrew poetry allows for the use of a plural imperative with a singular addressee. For the daughter of Zion, see the comments on 1.8 and 10.32. Here it refers to the people who live in Jerusalem.

Behold, your salvation comes is a promise addressed to the people of Judah, assuring them of a great future. For salvation see the comments on 45.8. Your salvation comes means not only that rescue is on its way, but that God who offers it is on his way too. When he comes, he will rescue his people. New International Version and Bible en français courant say “your Savior comes,” and New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh has “Your Deliverer is coming.” Good News Translation is even more specific with “the LORD is coming to save you.” These are good models to follow.

Behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him repeats 40.10b. See the comments there. The third person pronouns his and him refer to the LORD. As in 40.10b, Good News Translation combines these two lines, saying “Bringing with him the people he has rescued.”

For the translation of this verse consider the following examples:

• See, Yahweh has made a proclamation
that goes to the ends of the earth:
“Say to the people of Zion,
‘See, the one bringing salvation comes.
See, he brings people with him as a reward,
those he sets free go ahead of him.’”

• Look, Yahweh’s proclamation
has gone out to the ends of the world!
Say to Zion’s inhabitants,
“Look, the one who rescues you is coming.
Look, his booty accompanies him,
those he liberates go before him.”

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 .