Isaiah 42:18
Isaiah 42:18 in Multiple Translations
Listen, you deaf ones; look, you blind ones, that you may see!
Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.
Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.
Give ear, you whose ears are shut; and let your eyes be open, you blind, so that you may see.
Listen, you deaf people! Look and see, you blind people!
Heare, ye deafe: and ye blinde, regarde, that ye may see.
Ye deaf, hear; and ye blind, look to see.
“Hear, you deaf, and look, you blind, that you may see.
Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.
Hear, ye deaf, and, ye blind, behold that you may see.
You Israeli people who have acted toward God like deaf people, listen to what Yahweh says! “You who have been like [MET] blind people, look!
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 42:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 42:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ/חֵרְשִׁ֖ים
שְׁמָ֑עוּ
וְ/הַ/עִוְרִ֖ים
הַבִּ֥יטוּ
לִ/רְאֽוֹת
הַ/חֵרְשִׁ֖ים
chêrêsh
H2795
deaf
Art | Adj
שְׁמָ֑עוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
וְ/הַ/עִוְרִ֖ים
ʻivvêr
H5787
blind
Conj | Art | Adj
הַבִּ֥יטוּ
nâbaṭ
H5027
to look
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
לִ/רְאֽוֹת
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 42:18
הַ/חֵרְשִׁ֖ים
chêrêsh
H2795
"deaf"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, chêrêsh means being deaf, whether physically or spiritually. It describes someone who cannot hear or is unresponsive to a message.
Definition: deaf
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: deaf. See also: Exodus 4:11; Isaiah 29:18; Psalms 38:14.
שְׁמָ֑עוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
וְ/הַ/עִוְרִ֖ים
ʻivvêr
H5787
"blind"
Conj | Art | Adj
This word describes someone who is blind, either physically or unable to see spiritually. In the Bible, it is used in Matthew 9:27 to describe the two blind men who followed Jesus. The word is also used in Romans 2:19 to describe spiritual blindness.
Definition: 1) blind 1a) blind (physically) 1b) blind (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: blind (men, people). See also: Exodus 4:11; Isaiah 35:5; Psalms 146:8.
הַבִּ֥יטוּ
nâbaṭ
H5027
"to look"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
This verb means to look or regard something carefully. It can also mean to show favor or care for someone. In the Bible, it is used to describe how God looks at his people with favor and care, as seen in Psalm 138:6.
Definition: 1) to look, regard 1a) (Piel) to look 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) tolook 1b2) to regard, show regard to, pay attention to, consider 1b3) to look upon, regard, show regard to
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) behold, consider, look (down), regard, have respect, see. See also: Genesis 15:5; Psalms 104:32; Psalms 10:14.
לִ/רְאֽוֹת
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
Study Notes — Isaiah 42:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 42:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 42:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 42:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 42:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 42:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 42:18
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 42:18
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 42:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 42:18
- Sermons on Isaiah 42:18
Context — Israel Is Deaf and Blind
16I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them.
17But those who trust in idols and say to molten images, ‘You are our gods!’ will be turned back in utter shame.
18Listen, you deaf ones; look, you blind ones, that you may see!
19Who is blind but My servant, or deaf like the messenger I am sending? Who is blind like My covenant partner, or blind like the servant of the LORD? 20Though seeing many things, you do not keep watch. Though your ears are open, you do not hear.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 43:8 | Bring out a people who have eyes but are blind, and who have ears but are deaf. |
| 2 | Proverbs 20:12 | Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both. |
| 3 | Mark 7:34–37 | And looking up to heaven, He sighed deeply and said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means, “Be opened!”). Immediately the man’s ears were opened and his tongue was released, and he began to speak plainly. Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more He ordered them, the more widely they proclaimed it. The people were utterly astonished and said, “He has done all things well! He makes even the deaf hear and the mute speak!” |
| 4 | Isaiah 35:5 | Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. |
| 5 | Isaiah 29:18 | On that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of the deep darkness the eyes of the blind will see. |
| 6 | Luke 7:22 | So He replied, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. |
| 7 | Revelation 3:17–18 | You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. |
| 8 | Exodus 4:11 | And the LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes the mute or the deaf, the sighted or the blind? Is it not I, the LORD? |
Isaiah 42:18 Summary
[Isaiah 42:18 is a call to those who are spiritually deaf and blind to listen and look to God, that they may see and understand His truth. This verse reminds us that being deaf and blind is not just a physical condition, but also a spiritual one, as seen in John 9:39-41, where Jesus heals a blind man and speaks about spiritual blindness. By listening and looking to God, we can gain a deeper understanding of His love and plan for our lives, as promised in Jeremiah 29:13, where God says, 'You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.']
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be deaf and blind in Isaiah 42:18?
In this context, being deaf and blind refers to spiritual deafness and blindness, where one is unable to hear or see the truth of God, as seen in Isaiah 6:9-10, where the prophet is instructed to speak to those who will not hear or understand.
Is Isaiah 42:18 addressed to believers or unbelievers?
While the verse does not explicitly state the audience, the context suggests it is addressed to those who claim to follow God, but are not truly listening or seeing, as indicated in Isaiah 42:19-20, where the Lord speaks of His servant and messenger being blind and deaf.
How can we apply Isaiah 42:18 to our lives today?
We can apply this verse by examining our own hearts and lives to see if we are truly listening to and seeing the truth of God, as commanded in Matthew 11:15, where Jesus says, 'He who has ears to hear, let him hear.'
What is the significance of the command to 'listen' and 'look' in Isaiah 42:18?
The command to 'listen' and 'look' emphasizes the importance of paying attention to and seeking God, as seen in Proverbs 2:1-5, where the writer encourages the reader to seek wisdom and understanding by listening and looking to God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be spiritually deaf or blind, and how can I seek God's healing and restoration?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of listening and seeing in my relationship with God, and what practices can I adopt to help me do so?
- In what ways can I be more intentional about seeking God's truth and wisdom, and how can I apply the principles of Isaiah 42:18 to my daily life?
- What are some idols or distractions in my life that may be contributing to my spiritual deafness or blindness, and how can I repent and turn to God?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 42:18
Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see. Jarchi and Kimchi think these words are spoken to Israel, who, as Aben Ezra says, were deaf and blind in heart; but they are rather an exhortation
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 42:18
Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see. Hear, ye deaf - namely, to the voice of God. Look, ye blind - to your duty and interest; willfully so (Isaiah 42:20.) In this they differ from "the blind" (Isaiah 42:16).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 42:18
O you, whosoever you are, whether Jews or Gentiles, which shall resist this clear light, and obstinately continue in your former errors, attend diligently to my words, and consider these mighty works of God.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 42:18
Isaiah 42:18 Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.Ver. 18. Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind.] Ye who, as so many sea monsters or deaf adders, will not hear, and as so many blind moles will not see, by a petulant blindness, and of obstinate malice; such were the scribes and Pharisees, who winked hard with their eyes, and wilfully shut the windows, lest the light should come in unto them. See more of this in the notes on Isaiah 6:1-13 Isaiah 29:1-24. That ye may see.] In nature, Caecorum mens occulatissima est. We read of Didymus Alexandrinus, that though blind, yet he wrote commentaries; and of two of Archbishop Ussher’ s aunts, that being blind from their cradles, they taught him first to read, such was their readiness in the Scriptures. But this was rare; and in spirituals it is otherwise, till God enlighten both organ and object.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 42:18
(18) Hear, ye deaf . . .—The words form the beginning of a new section. The prophet feels or sees that the great argument has not carried conviction as it ought to have done. The people to whom Jehovah speaks through him are still spiritually blind and deaf, and that people is ideally the servant of the Lord (Isaiah 41:8), in whom the pattern of the personal servant ought to have been reproduced. (Comp. John 9:39-41.)
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 42:18
18–25. An expostulation with Israel for its insensibility to the privileges it has enjoyed. The passage is of considerable interest for the light which it throws on the sense in which the title “Servant of the Lord” is to be understood. The discrepancy between the description in Isaiah 42:1-4 and that here given is at first sight perplexing. There the Servant is spoken of as the perfect and successful worker for God, here he is addressed as blind and deaf and altogether unfit for Jehovah’s purpose. Yet it is extremely unnatural to suppose that the writer applies the term to two entirely different subjects. To suggest, as the prophet’s meaning, that the inefficient Servant is to be replaced by another, who shall accomplish the work in which the former has failed is perhaps the least satisfactory of all explanations, and misrepresents the teaching of the prophecy. That the subject here addressed is Israel in its actual present condition is beyond dispute; hence Isaiah 42:1-4 must also be regarded as in some sense a description of Israel. The contrast, in short, is not between the false servant and the true,—the one a nation and the other an individual,—but between Israel as it really is and Israel according to its idea. Indeed it would seem that what the prophet wishes his people to lay to heart is just this contrast between its ideal calling and its actual accomplishments; and this is more intelligible if the ideal has been already depicted, and is still present to the writer’s mind.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 42:18
Hear, ye deaf - This is evidently an address to the Jews, and probably to the Jews of the time of the prophet. He had been predicting the coming of the Messiah, and the influence of his religion on the Gentile world.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 42:18
18. General message. Hear, ye deaf… look, ye blind — The thoughts expressed in Isaiah 42:17-25 are all coherent, though quick leaps are apparent, as is usual with Isaiah under excited emotion.
Sermons on Isaiah 42:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 474 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of wells in the Bible, specifically Jacob's well. He emphasizes that understanding the wells in the Old Testament is crucial f |
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Lack of Spiritual Vision by Harmon A. Baldwin | Harmon A. Baldwin preaches about the spiritual blindness caused by carnality, which hinders believers from seeing their own sins, heart conditions, and the world's true state. He e |
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(Australia) a Cry Without a Voice by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the internal struggles and cries of a young person who is feeling overwhelmed and confused. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having |
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The Cross in God's Heart by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the weariness and heartache that is prevalent in the world today. He emphasizes that God sent His Son to speak a word of comfort and encourage |
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Returning to God in Enemy Territory by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher invites the congregation to come forward and receive freedom and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that anyone who wants to be free from |
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The Secret to Prayer by Jon Courson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising God and parading to His will. He references a story from the Bible where King Jehoshaphat and his people faced a g |
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Even So Come Lord Jesus - Part 3 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the remarkable unfolding of God's work in different countries is evidence of His divine intervention. He states that this is the last di |