The Hebrew particle ki rendered For is probably an emphatic marker rather than a logical connector, since it introduces a climax. It is better translated “Indeed” or “Truly.” New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh has “Yea,” while New Jerusalem Bible and New American Bible say “Yes.” Unfortunately, many versions omit it.

You shall go out in joy, and be led forth in peace: These parallel lines describe the happy release of the Israelite exiles. God restates his promise that they will leave Babylonia. Good News Translation and Bible en français courant add the name “Babylon” as the place from which the people will depart. Translators who feel that this is a useful piece of information could add it, but it is better to place it in a footnote rather than the text. You shall go out in joy means the people will celebrate as they leave Babylonia (compare 48.20; 49.13; 51.3, 11; 52.8). Be led forth in peace means God will lead them out of Babylonia without any opposition or conflict. For languages that prefer to render the passive verb be led forth as an active one, translators may specify God as the agent (see the second example below). The Hebrew word for peace (shalom) often has a wider meaning than the absence of conflict (see the comments on 26.12 and 32.17), but that narrower sense fits this context better. It will be a peaceful departure, so it will stand in direct contrast with the first Exodus, the one from Egypt. New Jerusalem Bible renders in peace as “in safety.” For New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh the first two lines of this verse are complementary: “Yea, you shall leave in joy and be led home secure.” In New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh the first line speaks about the departure of the people, while the second one focuses on their arrival. This is certainly a possible understanding.

According to the last three lines of this verse, nature will join in the celebration of the people as they return from exile.

The mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing: The mountains and hills ahead of the people will express their joy. For the word pair mountains and hills, see the comments on 2.2. Before you means in front of the people as they advance toward Jerusalem. Contemporary English Version says “as you pass by.” The Hebrew expression rendered break forth into singing means “to shout with joy” rather than “to sing a song” (see the comments on 14.7).

And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands: All the trees of the field renders a Hebrew idiom that refers to every tree. In 44.23 the trees are invited to sing. Here God says they will clap their hands. In many cultures this is something humans do to express their joy and approval. Good News Translation changes the imagery by saying “the trees will shout for joy,” but such a change may not be necessary in most languages. However, if “clapping hands” does not indicate celebration in a culture, translators may follow Good News Translation‘s model.

For languages in which this poetic imagery concerning nature sounds ridiculous, a possible less figurative rendering for the last three lines is “Even the mountains and hills and all the trees will be full of joy.” Other alternative models for the whole verse are:

• “Truly, you will leave joyfully,
and be led out in safety.
Mountains and hills ahead of you will burst into song,
and all the trees will clap their hands.

• “Truly, when you depart it will be with joy,
and God [or, I] will lead you in safety.
Mountains and hills will sing loudly before you,
and every tree in the field will cheer for 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 .