The LORD is exalted means Yahweh is greater than anyone else. For this expression see the comments at 2.11. Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch says “The LORD is powerful and sublime,” and Revised English Bible has “The LORD is supreme.”

For he dwells on high: The Hebrew particle ki rendered for is an emphatic marker here, so it is better translated “indeed” or “truly.” Good News Translation, New Revised Standard Version, and New American Bible omit it since this clause is synonymous with the previous one. On high refers to Yahweh’s dwelling place (see 32.15). According to the Old Testament, he dwells in the highest heaven (see Job 25.2; Psa 71.19). The Hebrew word rendered on high comes from the same root as the one for “lifting up” in verse 3.

He will fill Zion with justice and righteousness: There is a translation issue with the verb fill. English translations use a variety of tenses to translate it. It is future in Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation and New International Version, past in New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, present in New American Bible, and perfect in Revised English Bible and New Jerusalem Bible. Since this section assures the people that Yahweh will come to their aid, we prefer the future tense. Zion, which is Yahweh’s earthly dwelling place, balances with on high in the previous line. Yahweh’s presence on earth is often associated with the Temple, which was built on Mount Zion (see the comments at 1.8). For justice and righteousness, see 1.21.

Translation examples for this verse are:

• Yahweh is supreme, dwelling high above;
he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness.

• Yahweh is the supreme one;
indeed, he dwells above.
Zion will abound with his justice and righteousness.

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 .