Isaiah 29:18
Isaiah 29:18 in Multiple Translations
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.
¶ And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.
And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness.
And in that day those whose ears are stopped will be hearing the words of the book; and the eyes of the blind will see through the mist and the dark.
At that time the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and the eyes of the blind will see through the gloomy darkness what's written there.
And in that day shall the deafe heare the wordes of the booke, and the eyes of the blinde shall see out of obscuritie, and out of darkenesse.
And heard in that day have the deaf the words of a book, And out of thick darkness, and out of darkness, The eyes of the blind do see.
In that day, the deaf will hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind will see out of obscurity and out of darkness.
And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.
And in that day the deaf shall hear the words of the book, and out of darkness and obscurity the eyes of the blind shall see.
At that time, deaf people will be able to hear; they will be able to hear when someone reads from a book; and blind people will be able to see; they will be able to see things when it is gloomy and even when it is dark.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 29:18
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 29:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שָׁמְע֧וּ
בַ/יּוֹם
הַ/ה֛וּא
הַ/חֵרְשִׁ֖ים
דִּבְרֵי
סֵ֑פֶר
וּ/מֵ/אֹ֣פֶל
וּ/מֵ/חֹ֔שֶׁךְ
עֵינֵ֥י
עִוְרִ֖ים
תִּרְאֶֽינָה
וְ/שָׁמְע֧וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
בַ/יּוֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
הַ/ה֛וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Art | Pron
הַ/חֵרְשִׁ֖ים
chêrêsh
H2795
deaf
Art | Adj
דִּבְרֵי
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp
סֵ֑פֶר
çêpher
H5612
scroll
N-ms
וּ/מֵ/אֹ֣פֶל
ʼôphel
H652
darkness
Conj | Prep | N-ms
וּ/מֵ/חֹ֔שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
darkness
Conj | Prep | N-ms
עֵינֵ֥י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd
עִוְרִ֖ים
ʻivvêr
H5787
blind
Adj
תִּרְאֶֽינָה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 29:18
וְ/שָׁמְע֧וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
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.
בַ/יּוֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/ה֛וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
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.
דִּבְרֵי
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
סֵ֑פֶר
çêpher
H5612
"scroll"
N-ms
This word means a written document, like a scroll or book, used to record important events or messages. It appears in books like Isaiah and Matthew, referring to written records.
Definition: : document 1) missive, document, writing, book 1a) missive 1a1) letter (of instruction), written order, commission, request, written decree 1b) legal document, certificate of divorce, deed of purchase, indictment, sign 1c) book, scroll 1c1) book of prophecies 1c2) genealogical register 1c3) law-book 1c4) book (of poems) 1c5) book (of kings) 1c6) books of the canon, scripture 1c7) record book (of God) 1d) book-learning, writing 1d1) be able to read (after verb 'to know')
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: bill, book, evidence, [idiom] learn(-ed) (-ing), letter, register, scroll. See also: Genesis 5:1; 2 Chronicles 17:9; Psalms 40:8.
וּ/מֵ/אֹ֣פֶל
ʼôphel
H652
"darkness"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
This word describes a state of darkness or gloom, both physically and spiritually. In the book of Isaiah, it is used to describe a time of spiritual darkness and calamity. The term can also imply secrecy or stealth.
Definition: 1) darkness, gloom 2) spiritual unreceptivity, calamity (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: darkness, obscurity, privily. See also: Job 3:6; Job 30:26; Psalms 11:2.
וּ/מֵ/חֹ֔שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
"darkness"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
This word refers to darkness, both physical and spiritual. It can also mean misery, destruction, or wickedness. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a state of being without light or hope.
Definition: 1) darkness, obscurity 1a) darkness 1b) secret place
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: dark(-ness), night, obscurity. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 35:6; Psalms 18:12.
עֵינֵ֥י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
עִוְרִ֖ים
ʻivvêr
H5787
"blind"
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.
תִּרְאֶֽינָה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
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 29:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 29:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 29:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 29:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 29:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 29:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 29:18
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 29:18
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 29:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 29:18
- Sermons on Isaiah 29:18
Context — Sanctification for the Godly
16You have turned things upside down, as if the potter were regarded as clay. Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, “He did not make me”? Can the pottery say of the potter, “He has no understanding”?
17In a very short time, will not Lebanon become an orchard, and the orchard seem like a forest?
18On that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of the deep darkness the eyes of the blind will see.
19The humble will increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. 20For the ruthless will vanish, the mockers will disappear, and all who look for evil will be cut down—Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 35:5 | Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. |
| 2 | Matthew 11:5 | 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. |
| 3 | Mark 7:37 | The people were utterly astonished and said, “He has done all things well! He makes even the deaf hear and the mute speak!” |
| 4 | Proverbs 20:12 | Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both. |
| 5 | Psalms 119:18 | Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law. |
| 6 | Isaiah 32:3 | Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen. |
| 7 | Ephesians 1:17–19 | that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength, |
| 8 | Acts 26:18 | to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’ |
| 9 | 2 Corinthians 4:2–6 | Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. |
| 10 | Isaiah 29:10–12 | For the LORD has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep. He has shut your eyes, O prophets; He has covered your heads, O seers. And the entire vision will be to you like the words sealed in a scroll. If it is handed to someone to read, he will say, “I cannot, because it is sealed.” Or if the scroll is handed to one unable to read, he will say, “I cannot read.” |
Isaiah 29:18 Summary
Isaiah 29:18 is a beautiful promise that one day, people who have been unable to hear or understand God's Word will be given the ability to do so. This is a spiritual healing, where God opens our ears and eyes to see and understand His truth, as seen in passages like Matthew 11:5 and Acts 26:18. It's a reminder that God is a God of restoration and redemption, and He wants to bring light and understanding into our lives. As we seek to follow Him, we can ask for His help to hear and see spiritual truth, and to be a part of helping others to do the same (see Romans 10:17 and Ephesians 1:18).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the deaf to hear the words of the scroll in Isaiah 29:18?
This verse is referring to a future time when those who have been spiritually deaf will hear and understand God's Word, as prophesied in Isaiah 29:18, similar to what is described in Isaiah 35:5 and Matthew 11:5.
How can people see out of deep darkness according to this verse?
The deep darkness in Isaiah 29:18 symbolizes spiritual blindness, and this verse is saying that God will open the eyes of the blind, giving them spiritual sight, as also described in 2 Corinthians 4:6 and Ephesians 1:18.
Is this verse talking about physical healing or spiritual healing?
While physical healing may be a part of God's plan, Isaiah 29:18 is primarily talking about spiritual healing, where people who have been unable to hear or see spiritual truth will be given the ability to do so, as seen in John 9:39-41 and Acts 26:18.
When will this take place, according to the verse?
The verse says 'on that day', which refers to a future time of God's restoration and redemption, as described in Isaiah 29:17 and other prophetic passages like Isaiah 2:2-4 and Revelation 21:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be spiritually deaf or blind, and how can I ask God to open my ears and eyes?
- How can I be a part of helping others to hear and see spiritual truth, as described in this verse?
- What are some things that might be causing spiritual darkness in my life, and how can I seek God's light to overcome them?
- How does this verse relate to Jesus' ministry, as described in the Gospels, and what does that mean for me today?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 29:18
And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book,.... That is, in the Gospel day, or times of the Gospel dispensation, when that should be preached to the Gentiles; who before were deaf, but
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 29:18
And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. Deaf ... the blind shall see - (cf.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 29:18
The deaf; who were deaf before God by his word and grace did open their ears; even the deaf and blind Gentiles, as was now noted. Compare . Shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness; being, by God’ s grace, brought out of that gross and worse than Egyptian darkness of ignorance and wickedness, in which they formerly lived, unto a clear and saving knowledge of the truth.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 29:18
Isaiah 29:18 And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.Ver. 18. In that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book,] i.e., The deaf and blind Gentiles being by the preaching of the gospel drawn out of darkness into God’ s marvellous light, shall see and hear that which eye never saw nor ear heard, neither hath entered into the heart of any natural man to conceive. They shall first be enlightened; secondly, to be cheered. The words of the book.] The Holy Scriptures, that book which the proud would not read, the ignorant could not. Shall see out of obscurity.] See the Saviour, as Simeon; see that blissful vision. See Job 9:3-9.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 29:18
(18) In that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book.—The open vision of the future is contrasted with the self-chosen ignorance of Isa 29:11. The “book” (the Hebrew has, however, no definite article) is, perhaps, the prophet’s own message, or the book of the law of the Lord, which will then be understood in all its spiritual fulness. The doom of the “closed eyes” of Isaiah 6:10 shall then be in force no more.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 29:18
18. the words of the book] There is a reference implied to Isaiah 29:11-12. “Deafness” and “blindness” are metaphors for the spiritual obtuseness which at present characterises the nation (Isaiah 29:10).
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 29:18
Shall the deaf hear the words of the book - They who now have the law and do not understand it, the people who seem to be deaf to all that God says, shall hear and understand it.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 29:18
18, 19. That day — The period of moral changes to be wrought by Jehovah, mentioned in the preceding verse. The revolution is to be complete. Hinderances to teaching the law, through blind leaders, shall be removed.
Sermons on Isaiah 29:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Isaiah) the Cause & Cure of Spiritual Blindness by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on God's message to the spiritually blind people of Jerusalem. He emphasizes that it is not enough to speak spiritually and honor God with word |
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Closing Address on Communion Sabbath, January 27, 1889. by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar emphasizes the prophetic role of Christ in his closing address on Communion Sabbath, reflecting on the Samaritan woman's statement about the coming Prophet. He highlig |
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Jerusalem – Center of Worship and Government by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of Jerusalem as the center of worship and government, asserting that the Jewish people will be the royal nation under Christ's dominio |
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Mark 10:46 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith shares the story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar who, despite the discouragement from the crowd, cries out to Jesus for mercy, recognizing Him as the Messiah. Bartimaeus' |
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Our Lord's Second Rejection at Nazareth Matthew 9:27-34; Mark 6:1-6 by R.A. Torrey | R.A. Torrey discusses the profound implications of Jesus' second rejection in Nazareth, emphasizing His miraculous powers over blindness and demons as well as the limitations impos |
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The Day of Power by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the spiritual conditions of the professing church, highlighting the dangers of general slumber, ignorance, hypocrisy, perversion, and rebellion. He emph |
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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 |