Sounding Scripture: Aug 14

Lectionary Psalm, Aug 14, 2026
Isaiah 12:2-6

“With joy you will draw water
from the wells of Salvation.” Isa 12:3

This verse, which also is used on the third Sunday of Advent, Year C, is one that has stuck with me for many years. It is a beautiful image of a fully restored life. But I think it’s true sticking point for me is how it sounds when spoken, or how it feels when speaking it. All those round “w” sounds and the rhythm of the verse give it the feeling of water tumbling over rocks.

(The version used by the by the USCCB draws water “at the fountain of salvation” which is fine as an image, but it just doesn’t have the same flow.)

The sound of scripture is not something most of use pay a lot of attention to, but poets and lyricists know that the sound of their text can build engagement or lose it. My favourite translation of the Psalms, by Liturgical Training Publications (no longer in print), was done for the intent of being read aloud.

My three semesters of biblical Greek are a long ways in the past and I no longer have a Greek New Testament but I’m pretty sure the joyful sound of this English translation of our Isaiah text is not found in the original tongue. My three semesters of biblical Hebrew, while also a ways off in my past taught me that Hebrew scripture when spoken is an audio-rich experience with lots of repetition, rhymes, and plays on words.

Ours is a world that began with the spoken word, “Let there be light.” and throughout God is primarily encountered through hearing. The word of God is first word that is heard.

“Listen carefully, my son, to the master’s instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart.” Rule of Benedict, Prologue