With this verse there is a change to second person plural forms as the prophet addresses others. His words are not part of the psalm of thanksgiving in verses 1-2. Most versions indicate this by means of the punctuation they adopt, but Good News Translation is an exception (see the introductory comments on this section [12.1-6]). Since the last word of this verse and the previous one is salvation, there is a link between them. The prophet now invites others to enjoy the individual experience of “salvation” referred to in verse 2.
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation: With joy describes the happiness that people will feel when the Davidic kingdom is established again and the exiles return to Jerusalem. The author has those events in mind when he speaks of drawing water from the wells of salvation. This metaphor uses the everyday experience of drawing water from a well to symbolize sharing in something that is precious, life saving and enjoyable. Wells in the dry regions of Israel were extremely important (see Gen 21.25-31). The Hebrew word translated wells can also refer to a spring or fountain. Translators may need to adjust the metaphor of the well to communicate effectively in their languages. Not only drawing water from a well, but also referring to wells of salvation could be a problem. If so, translators may use less figurative language and speak more directly about enjoying the benefits of God’s salvation or deliverance, possibly taking Good News Translation as a model. Good News Translation explains the metaphor in terms of people drinking water to allay their thirst: “As fresh water brings joy to the thirsty, so God’s people rejoice when he saves them.” Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch has “Full of joy you will draw water from God’s rich springs [or, sources/fountains], out of which his help flows too.”
Translation suggestions for this verse are:
• You will happily enjoy the benefits of God’s deliverance.
• Happily you will drink from the fount of God’s deliverance.
• You will be overjoyed as you experience the way God rescues you.
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 .