Isaiah 42:20
Isaiah 42:20 in Multiple Translations
Though seeing many things, you do not keep watch. Though your ears are open, you do not hear.”
Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not.
Thou seest many things, but thou observest not; his ears are open, but he heareth not.
Seeing much, but keeping nothing in mind; his ears are open, but there is no hearing.
You've looked at many things but have not really seen; you've heard but never really listened.”
Seeing many things, but thou keepest them not? opening the eares, but he heareth not?
Seeing many things, and thou observest not, Opening ears, and he heareth not.
You see many things, but don’t observe. His ears are open, but he doesn’t listen.
Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not.
Thou that seest many things, wilt thou not observe them? thou that hast ears open, wilt thou not hear?
You see and know what are the right things to do, but you do not do them. You hear what I say to you, but you do not pay attention.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 42:20
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 42:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ראית
רָא֥וֹת
רַבּ֖וֹת
וְ/לֹ֣א
תִשְׁמֹ֑ר
פָּק֥וֹחַ
אָזְנַ֖יִם
וְ/לֹ֥א
יִשְׁמָֽע
ראית
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
רָא֥וֹת
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Ptc
רַבּ֖וֹת
rab
H7227
many
Adj
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
תִשְׁמֹ֑ר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
פָּק֥וֹחַ
pâqach
H6491
to open
V-Qal-Ptc
אָזְנַ֖יִם
ʼôzen
H241
ear
N-fd
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יִשְׁמָֽע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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 42:20
ראית
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
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.
רָא֥וֹת
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Ptc
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.
רַבּ֖וֹת
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִשְׁמֹ֑ר
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
פָּק֥וֹחַ
pâqach
H6491
"to open"
V-Qal-Ptc
This Hebrew word means to open, like opening your eyes or ears to something new. It can also mean being observant and aware of your surroundings. In the Bible, it is used to describe physical and spiritual awakening.
Definition: 1) to open (the eyes) 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to open (the eyes) 1a2) to open (the ears) 1b) (Niphal) to be opened
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: open. See also: Genesis 3:5; Psalms 146:8; Proverbs 20:13.
אָזְנַ֖יִם
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
N-fd
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִשְׁמָֽע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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.
Study Notes — Isaiah 42:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 42:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 42:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 42:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 42:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 42:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 42:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 42:20
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 42:20
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 42:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 42:20
- Sermons on Isaiah 42:20
Context — Israel Is Deaf and Blind
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.”
21The LORD was pleased, for the sake of His righteousness, to magnify His law and make it glorious. 22But this is a people plundered and looted, all trapped in caves or imprisoned in dungeons. They have become plunder with no one to rescue them, and loot with no one to say, “Send them back!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 29:2–4 | Moses summoned all Israel and proclaimed to them, “You have seen with your own eyes everything the LORD did in Egypt to Pharaoh, to all his officials, and to all his land. You saw with your own eyes the great trials, and those miraculous signs and wonders. Yet to this day the LORD has not given you a mind to understand, eyes to see, or ears to hear. |
| 2 | Romans 2:21 | you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? |
| 3 | Acts 28:22–27 | But we consider your views worth hearing, because we know that people everywhere are speaking against this sect.” So they set a day to meet with Paul, and many people came to the place he was staying. He expounded to them from morning to evening, testifying about the kingdom of God and persuading them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets. Some of them were convinced by what he said, but others refused to believe. They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit was right when He spoke to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: ‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ |
| 4 | John 11:37–50 | But some of them asked, “Could not this man who opened the eyes of the blind also have kept Lazarus from dying?” Jesus, once again deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” Jesus said. “Lord, by now he stinks,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man. “It has already been four days.” Jesus replied, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. Then Jesus lifted His eyes upward and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. I knew that You always hear Me, but I say this for the benefit of the people standing here, so they may believe that You sent Me.” After Jesus had said this, He called out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The man who had been dead came out with his hands and feet bound in strips of linen, and his face wrapped in a cloth. “Unwrap him and let him go,” Jesus told them. Therefore many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in Him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” |
| 5 | Isaiah 1:3 | The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s manger, but Israel does not know; My people do not understand.” |
| 6 | Numbers 14:22 | not one of the men who have seen My glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness—yet have tested Me and disobeyed Me these ten times— |
| 7 | Jeremiah 6:10 | To whom can I give this warning? Who will listen to me? Look, their ears are closed, so they cannot hear. See, the word of the LORD has become offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it. |
| 8 | Psalms 107:43 | Let him who is wise pay heed to these things and consider the loving devotion of the LORD. |
| 9 | Isaiah 48:6–8 | You have heard these things; look at them all. Will you not acknowledge them? From now on I will tell you of new things, hidden things unknown to you. They are created now, and not long ago; you have not heard of them before today. So you cannot claim, ‘I already knew them!’ You have never heard; you have never understood; for a long time your ears have not been open. For I knew how deceitful you are; you have been called a rebel from birth. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 42:2–5 | Jeremiah the prophet and said, “May our petition come before you; pray to the LORD your God on behalf of this entire remnant. For few of us remain of the many, as you can see with your own eyes. Pray that the LORD your God will tell us the way we should walk and the thing we should do.” “I have heard you,” replied Jeremiah the prophet. “I will surely pray to the LORD your God as you request, and I will tell you everything that the LORD answers; I will not withhold a word from you.” Then they said to Jeremiah, “May the LORD be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act upon every word that the LORD your God sends you to tell us. |
Isaiah 42:20 Summary
[This verse is saying that even though we may be aware of many things, we can still be spiritually blind and deaf to what God is trying to tell us. As it says in Matthew 13:14-15, we can see and hear, but not truly understand or perceive. We need to be careful to pay attention to God's message and respond to His call, so that we can grow in our understanding and relationship with Him (Isaiah 42:21). By being more attentive to God's presence and guidance in our lives, we can cultivate a deeper sense of spiritual awareness and discernment.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'see' and 'hear' in Isaiah 42:20?
In this context, seeing and hearing refer to spiritual perception and understanding, as seen in Isaiah 6:9-10, where the prophet is told that the people will see but not perceive, and hear but not understand.
Is Isaiah 42:20 talking about physical blindness and deafness?
No, the verse is using blindness and deafness as metaphors for spiritual blindness and hardness of heart, as mentioned in Matthew 13:14-15, where Jesus quotes Isaiah 6:9-10 to describe the spiritual condition of the people.
What is the consequence of not keeping watch and not hearing?
The consequence is that the people will remain in spiritual darkness and will not be able to understand or respond to God's message, as seen in Isaiah 42:22, where the people are described as plundered and looted, trapped in caves or imprisoned in dungeons.
How does this verse relate to the rest of Isaiah 42?
This verse is part of a larger section where God is lamenting the spiritual condition of His people, and it serves as a warning to them to pay attention to His message and to respond to His call, as seen in Isaiah 42:21, where God says He will magnify His law and make it glorious.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in my life that I 'see' but do not truly perceive or understand?
- In what ways am I 'deaf' to God's voice, and how can I tune my heart to hear Him more clearly?
- What are some areas where I need to 'keep watch' and be more attentive to God's presence and guidance in my life?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of spiritual awareness and discernment, so that I can 'see' and 'hear' more clearly?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 42:20
Seeing many things, but thou observest not,.... The Scribes and Pharisees, saw Christ in the flesh; they saw the miracles he did; they saw the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 42:20
Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not. Seeing many things, but thou observest not - thou dost not keep them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 42:20
Thou dost not seriously and impartially consider the plain word and the wonderful works of God, of which thine ears and eyes have been witnesses, which are abundantly sufficient for the conviction of any considering man.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 42:20
Isaiah 42:20 Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not.Ver. 20. But observest not,] viz., For holy practice. But he heareth not.] viz., For any good purpose, he heareth not "what the Spirit saith to the churches."
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 42:20
(20) Seeing many things . . .—With a clear vision into the future, the prophet sees that the future Israel will be as far from the ideal as his contemporaries had been. In the actual work of the Servant we find the fulfilment of his vision. Scribes and Pharisees are as those who “learn nothing and forget nothing,” on whom all the lessons of experience are cast away, reproducing the state from which Isaiah started (Isaiah 6:10; Matthew 13:14; Mark 4:12; Luke 8:10; John 12:40; Acts 28:26). The transfer of the words to the sufferings of the Christ, who bore them as though He neither heard nor saw, is scarcely tenable.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 42:20
Verse 20. Seeing many things - "Thou hast seen indeed"] The text has ראית רבית raith rabith, which the Masoretes in the marginal Keri have corrected to ראות רבות reoth rabboth; as indeed one hundred and seven MSS., and five editions, now have it in the text. This was probably the reading of most of the MSS. of their time; which, though they approved of it, out of some superstition they would not admit into their standard text. But these wretched critics, though they perceived there was some fault, yet did not know where the fault lay, nor consequently how to amend it; and yet it was open enough to a judicious eye: רבות rabboth, sic veteres; et tamen forte legendum, ראות reoth, vide cap. Isaiah 6:9." - Secker. That is, ראית ראות raith, reoth, seeing, thou shalt see. I believe no one will doubt of admitting this as the true reading. But he heareth not - "Yet thou wilt not hear"] For ישמע yishma, read תשמע tishma, in the second person; so all the ancient Versions and forty MSS. of Kennicott's, (four of them ancient,) and seventeen of De Rossi's, and perhaps five more. Two others have תשמעו tishmeu, second person plural.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 42:20
20. seeing many things] Render with R.V. in accordance with the consonantal text, Thou hast seen many things; the form has been quite needlessly changed by the punctuators. The idea of the verse is that the great historical facts of revelation have been within the cognisance of Israel, but it has failed to apprehend their true import. Cf. ch. Isaiah 6:9 ff.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 42:20
Seeing many things - That is, the people, the Jews, spoken of here as the servants of God. They had had an opportunity of observing many things pertaining to the law, the government, and the dealing of Yahweh.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 42:20
20. Seeing many things — Not, therefore, left in entire darkness. Observest not — Because neglectful of using his sight.
Sermons on Isaiah 42:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Root of Bitterness by Duane Troyer | Duane Troyer preaches about the importance of addressing and uprooting bitterness in our hearts, drawing from the story of Moses reminding the Israelites of God's faithfulness and |
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Are You Developing a Hard Heart by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the passage from Isaiah 6:9-10 where God sends Isaiah on a mission to a people who will not understand or perceive his message. The preacher |
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Zadok and Abaithar Priesthoods - Part 2 by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a Bible preacher and encourages others to do the same. He highlights the power of using both the eye and ear to conv |
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Hatred for Sin by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of hatred for sin. He shares a personal experience of feeling anger towards someone but then being convicted by God to listen and sh |
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The Preacher by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his 31 years of ministry experience and shares about his own health breakdown due to overwork. He emphasizes the importance of understanding |
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Homily 5 on Romans by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the consequences of rejecting God and living in sin, emphasizing that God gives people over to a reprobate mind when they choose to ignore Him. He hi |
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Homily 6 1 John 3:19-4:3 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the importance of discerning the spirits and testing them to see if they are from God. He emphasizes the need to look beyond words and examine deeds, p |