Isaiah 46:12
Isaiah 46:12 in Multiple Translations
Listen to Me, you stubborn people, far removed from righteousness:
¶ Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness:
Hearken unto me, ye stout-hearted, that are far from righteousness:
Give ear to me, you feeble-hearted, who have no faith in my righteousness:
Listen to me, you stubborn people, who are such a long way from doing what's right!
Heare me, ye stubburne hearted, that are farre from iustice.
Hearken unto Me, ye mighty in heart, Who are far from righteousness.
Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, who are far from righteousness!
Hearken to me, ye stout-hearted, that are far from righteousness:
I have brought my justice near, it shall not be afar off: and my salvation shall not tarry. I will give salvation in Sion, and my glory in Israel.
You stubborn people of Israel, you think that it will be a long time before you are allowed to return to your own country.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 46:12
BAB
Word Study
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Isaiah 46:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שִׁמְע֥וּ
אֵלַ֖/י
אַבִּ֣ירֵי
לֵ֑ב
הָ/רְחוֹקִ֖ים
מִ/צְּדָקָֽה
שִׁמְע֥וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
אֵלַ֖/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אַבִּ֣ירֵי
ʼabbîyr
H47
mighty
Adj
לֵ֑ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
הָ/רְחוֹקִ֖ים
râchôwq
H7350
distant
Art | Adj
מִ/צְּדָקָֽה
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
righteousness
Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 46:12
שִׁמְע֥וּ
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.
אֵלַ֖/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אַבִּ֣ירֵי
ʼabbîyr
H47
"mighty"
Adj
A term used to describe something or someone as mighty or strong, often referring to God or powerful animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's power, like in Genesis 49:24, and strong animals, like oxen.
Definition: 1) mighty, valiant 1a) of men 1b) of angels 1c) of animals 1d) (metaph) 1d1) of enemies 1d2) of princes 1d3) of sacrificial objects 1e) obstinate (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: angel, bull, chiefest, mighty (one), stout(-hearted), strong (one), valiant. See also: Judges 5:22; Psalms 78:25; Psalms 22:13.
לֵ֑ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
הָ/רְחוֹקִ֖ים
râchôwq
H7350
"distant"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone is far away, either physically or in time. It is often used to describe distant lands or events that happened long ago. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: adj 1) remote, far, distant, distant lands, distant ones 1a) of distance, time n m 2) distance 2a) from a distance (with prep) Aramaic equivalent: ra.chiq (רְחִיק "far" H7352)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: (a-) far (abroad, off), long ago, of old, space, great while to come. See also: Genesis 22:4; Psalms 65:6; Psalms 10:1.
מִ/צְּדָקָֽה
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
"righteousness"
Prep | N-fs
Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.
Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)
Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.
Study Notes — Isaiah 46:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 46:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 46:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 46:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 46:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 46:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 46:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 46:12
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 46:12
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 46:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 46:12
- Sermons on Isaiah 46:12
Context — Babylon’s Idols
10I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’
11I summon a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far-off land. Truly I have spoken, and truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, and I will surely do it.
12Listen to Me, you stubborn people, far removed from righteousness:
13I am bringing My righteousness near; it is not far away, and My salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion and adorn Israel with My splendor.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 2:5 | This is what the LORD says: “What fault did your fathers find in Me that they strayed so far from Me, and followed worthless idols, and became worthless themselves? |
| 2 | Isaiah 46:3 | “Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been sustained from the womb, carried along since birth. |
| 3 | Psalms 76:5 | The valiant lie plundered; they sleep their last sleep. No men of might could lift a hand. |
| 4 | Zechariah 7:11–12 | But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder; they stopped up their ears from hearing. They made their hearts like flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of Hosts. |
| 5 | Psalms 119:150 | Those who follow after wickedness draw near; they are far from Your law. |
| 6 | Proverbs 8:1–5 | Does not wisdom call out, and understanding raise her voice? On the heights overlooking the road, at the crossroads she takes her stand. Beside the gates to the city, at the entrances she cries out: “To you, O men, I call out, and my cry is to the sons of men. O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding. |
| 7 | Ephesians 2:13 | But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. |
| 8 | Isaiah 48:4 | For I knew that you are stubborn; your neck is iron and your forehead is bronze. |
| 9 | Psalms 119:155 | Salvation is far from the wicked because they do not seek Your statutes. |
| 10 | Proverbs 1:22–23 | “How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge? If you had repented at my rebuke, then surely I would have poured out my spirit on you; I would have made my words known to you. |
Isaiah 46:12 Summary
[This verse is a call to listen to God's voice and pay attention to His message, as He speaks to people who have wandered away from His path of righteousness, as seen in Isaiah 46:12. God is calling us to turn back to Him and live in obedience to His will, just as He calls us to in Deuteronomy 30:19. By listening to God's voice and following His commands, we can avoid being 'far removed from righteousness' and instead live a life that is pleasing to Him. As Psalm 119:105 reminds us, God's word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, guiding us on the journey of righteousness.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'far removed from righteousness'?
This phrase suggests that the people being addressed have wandered away from God's standards of righteousness, as seen in Isaiah 46:12, and are in need of correction and guidance, much like the Israelites in Deuteronomy 28:1-2 who were called to follow God's commands and live righteously.
Why does God call the people 'stubborn' in this verse?
The term 'stubborn' implies a willful resistance to God's message and a refusal to submit to His will, as seen in Psalm 78:8, where the psalmist describes the rebellious nature of the Israelites who consistently disobeyed God's commands.
Is this verse only addressed to the Israelites, or does it apply to others as well?
While Isaiah 46:12 is specifically addressed to the Israelites, the principles of repentance and obedience to God's will are universal and applicable to all people, as seen in Romans 3:23, where the Apostle Paul states that all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory.
How can we, as believers, avoid being 'far removed from righteousness'?
By regularly reading and meditating on Scripture, such as Psalm 119:105, and seeking to live in obedience to God's commands, as seen in John 14:15, we can cultivate a heart that is responsive to God's will and avoid drifting away from righteousness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be 'stubborn' or resistant to God's will in my own life, and how can I surrender these areas to Him?
- How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's character and His desire for righteousness in my life?
- In what ways can I, like the people in this verse, be 'listening' to God's voice and responding to His call to repentance and obedience?
- What are some practical steps I can take to draw closer to God and live a life that is more aligned with His standards of righteousness?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 46:12
Hearken unto me, ye stout hearted,.... This is not an address to the Chaldeans, as Kimchi and others think, who were merciless and cruel to the Jews, and far from doing that which was right unto
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 46:12
Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness: Stout-hearted - stubborn in resisting God (Psalms 76:5; Acts 7:51). That (are) far from righteousness - (Isaiah 59:9; Habakkuk 2:4.)
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 46:12
Ye stout-hearted; or, ye whose hearts are proud, or hard, or stubborn. He speaks either, 1. To the Babylonians, You who are stout against God, and say or think that neither God nor any man can deliver my people out of your hands: or rather, 2. To the house of Jacob, expressed , where he bespeaks them in the same words here used, hearken to me; and to whom alone he directeth his speech in this whole chapter; for though he speaketh of the Babylonians, yet he doth not speak to them; and to whom the prophet, for the most part, turneth his speech in all his prophecies, unless where there is something in the text or context which determineth it to some other person or people. And this very crime of stoutness or hardness of heart is most justly and most frequently charged upon the Jews by their own prophets every where, because of their gross contempt of and incorrigibleness under all God’ s words and works. And the prophet speaks this either to the Jews of his generation, or rather to that generation which was carried captive to Babylon, whose stout-heartedness is particularly noted and reproved, ,12. Compare ,3-15. That are far from righteousness; that are not only void of, but enemies to righteousness and true holiness; that give up yourselves to wickedness, that despise my counsels, and promises, and threatenings.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 46:12
Isaiah 46:12 Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that [are] far from righteousness:Ver. 12. Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted.] Ye cruel Chaldeans; and here some begin the next chapter. That are far from righteousness.] And therefore not far from ruin.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 46:12
(12) Ye stouthearted.—The word, like analogous terms in Ezekiel 2:4; Ezekiel 3:7, implies at once obduracy and ignorance. Such as these are self-excluded at once from the “righteousness” and the “salvation” of Jehovah, which ultimately imply, and coincide with each other. Their unfaithfulness, however, does not hinder the faithfulness of God. He brings near His salvation to all who are ready to receive it. (Comp. Isaiah 56:1.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 46:12
Verse 12. Hearken unto me, ye stout-hearted - This is an address to the Babylonians, stubbornly bent on the practice of injustice towards the Israelites.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 46:12
12, 13. A call to repentance based on the nearness of deliverance. ye stouthearted] The phrase means in Psalms 76:5 “courageous”; here it is rather akin to “stiff-hearted” in Ezekiel 2:4. The LXX. reads “ye that have lost heart” (ΰαγιμα for ΰαιψιμα), and this is accepted as the true text by certain commentators. The sense is too weak in this connexion; if there are men who on the eve of deliverance are “far from righteousness” they are surely those who are in more or less conscious opposition to the divine purpose (cf. Isaiah 45:9). “Righteousness” in Isaiah 46:13 is parallel to “salvation,” and denotes the manifestation of Jehovah’s righteousness in the deliverance of Israel. In this verse it is more natural to understand it in its forensic sense, of the right relation to God, which is the condition of sharing in the outward salvation. see Appendix, Note II.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 46:12
Hearken unto me - This is designed to call the attention of the skeptical and unbelieving Jews to the important truth which he was delivering.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 46:12
12, 13. Hearken… ye stout-hearted — The strong of heart, who are far from righteousness, are all who, despite of these almighty demonstrations, still harden themselves, whether heathen or apostate Jews.
Sermons on Isaiah 46:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Guide Posts and Warning Signs by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal life verses that have guided him throughout the years. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused on God and seeking a personal |
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Living in Plan A by Teresa Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holding onto God's word and having a deep relationship with Him. He highlights that many people struggle to grasp and inte |
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There Is a Place With Me by Michael L. Brown | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the book of Jeremiah and God's sense of pain and shock at the actions of His people. The speaker emphasizes the need for personal reflection |
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With or Without God by Matthew Little | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the devotion and departure of Israel. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a genuine and passionate relationship with God, rather tha |
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Parable of the Lost Son Luke 15:11-24 by R.A. Torrey | R.A. Torrey expounds on the Parable of the Lost Son, illustrating the nature of sin as alienation from God and the consequences that follow, such as degradation and hunger. He emph |
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Jeremiah 2:5 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the theme of 'False-Hearted Lovers' in Jeremiah 2:5, emphasizing God's lament over His people's unfaithfulness. He highlights the superficiality of reformation |
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Three Life Changing Truths by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes three key points: Without Christ, we can do nothing of eternal value, highlighting the importance of humility and dependence on God. With Christ, we can do e |