Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 42:19
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
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.
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
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.
A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.
Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
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.
This verb means to be at peace or to make peace with someone. It is used in the Bible to describe a state of safety or friendship. In the KJV, it is translated as 'make amends' or 'be at peace'.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be sound 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be finished, be ended 1a2) to be sound, be uninjured 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, finish 1b2) to make safe 1b3) to make whole or good, restore, make compensation 1b4) to make good, pay 1b5) to requite, recompense, reward 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be performed 1c2) to be repaid, be requited 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to complete, perform 1d2) to make an end of Aramaic equivalent: she.lam (שְׁלֵם "be complete" H8000)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 44:4; Psalms 7:5; Psalms 22:26.
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.
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Context — Israel Is Deaf and Blind
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.”
21The LORD was pleased, for the sake of His righteousness, to magnify His law and make it glorious.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
2 Corinthians 4:4 |
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. |
| 2 |
Ezekiel 12:2 |
“Son of man, you are living in a rebellious house. They have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house. |
| 3 |
Jeremiah 5:21 |
“Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear. |
| 4 |
Isaiah 29:9–14 |
Stop and be astonished; blind yourselves and be sightless; be drunk, but not with wine; stagger, but not from strong drink. 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.” Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men. Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of the wise will vanish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden. ” |
| 5 |
Isaiah 26:3 |
You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You. |
| 6 |
Romans 2:17–23 |
Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? You who forbid adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? |
| 7 |
Isaiah 6:9 |
And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ |
| 8 |
Jeremiah 4:22 |
“For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.” |
| 9 |
John 9:41 |
“If you were blind,” Jesus replied, “you would not be guilty of sin. But since you claim you can see, your guilt remains.” |
| 10 |
Mark 8:17–18 |
Aware of their conversation, Jesus asked them, “Why are you debating about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Do you have such hard hearts? ‘Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear?’ And do you not remember? |
Isaiah 42:19 Summary
[Isaiah 42:19 is a call to self-examination, asking us to consider whether we are truly hearing and seeing God's message, despite our claims to be His servants or covenant partners. This verse reminds us that being a servant of God is not just about outward actions, but about being spiritually aware and responsive to His voice, as seen in John 10:27. We must ask ourselves if we are truly listening to God's words and following His path, or if we are blindly following our own ways, as warned against in Matthew 15:14.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the servant being referred to in Isaiah 42:19?
The servant in Isaiah 42:19 is likely Israel, as seen in Isaiah 41:8-10, where God calls Israel His servant, but it can also be applied to anyone who claims to follow God, as seen in Isaiah 20:3, where the prophet is called a servant of the LORD.
What does it mean to be blind and deaf in this context?
To be blind and deaf in Isaiah 42:19 means to be spiritually unaware and unresponsive to God's message, despite having the ability to see and hear, much like the Israelites in Isaiah 6:9-10 who were called to repentance but refused to listen.
Is Isaiah 42:19 saying that God's servants are always blind and deaf?
No, Isaiah 42:19 is not saying that God's servants are always blind and deaf, but rather that those who claim to be God's servants or covenant partners should be aware of their spiritual condition and respond to God's message, as seen in Isaiah 50:4-5, where the servant of the LORD is given a hearing ear to listen to God's words.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like the servant in Isaiah 42:19, may be blind or deaf to God's message in my life?
- How can I, as a child of God, cultivate a listening ear and a seeing heart to respond to God's call?
- What are some idols or distractions in my life that may be causing me to be spiritually blind or deaf, as warned against in Isaiah 42:17?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 42:19
Who is blind, but my servant?.... Kimchi, taking the former words to be spoken to the Jews, thinks this is their reply; who will say in answer to it, why do ye call us blind and deaf?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 42:19
Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the LORD's servant? Who is blind, but my servant? - namely, Israel. Who of the pagan is so blind?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 42:19
Who is blind, but my servant? but no people under heaven are so blind as the Jews, who call themselves my servants and people, who will not receive their Messiah, though he be recommended to them with such evident and illustrious signs and miraculous works, as force belief from the most unbelieving and obstinate Gentiles. My messenger; my messengers, the singular number being put for the plural, as it is commonly in Scripture. That I sent; the priests and other teachers whom I appointed to instruct my people in the right way. As he that is perfect; as the most eminent teachers and rulers of the Jews, whom he calleth perfect, either because it was their duty to know and teach the way and truth of God perfectly; or rather sarcastically, because they pretended to greater perfection, and proudly called themselves rabbies and masters, as our Saviour observed, and despised the people as cursed, and not knowing the law, , and derided Christ for calling them blind, . As the Lord’ s servant; which rifle, as it was given to the Jewish people in the first clause of the verse, so here it scents to be given to the priests, because they were called and obliged to be the Lord’ s servants in a special and eminent manner.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 42:19
Isaiah 42:19 Who [is] blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger [that] I sent? who [is] blind as [he that is] perfect, and blind as the LORD’ S servant?Ver. 19. Who is blind, but my servant?] Who so blind as he that will not see? Israel was God’ s peculiar, and had the light of his law, yet were blind as beetles. Or deaf, as my messenger?] The priests and Levites. Such were the Papist dolts till awakened by the Reformation. Who is blind as he that is perfect?] The elders of the people, who arrogated to themselves perfection as likewise the Popish perfectists, the Jewish doctors with their pretended Mashlamnuthas, and the Turkish Mussulmans - i.e., perfectionaries. Buxtorf. Tiber. p. 5.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 42:19
(19) Deaf, as my messenger . . .—The work of the messenger of God had been the ideal of Isaiah, as it was of the servant in whom the ideal was realised (Romans 10:15; Isaiah 42:1). But how could a blind and deaf messenger, like the actual Israel, do his work effectually? (Psalms 123:2). As he that is perfect.—Strictly speaking, the devoted, or surrendered one. The Hebrew meshullam is interesting, as connected with the modern Moslem and Islam, the man resigned to the will of God. The frequent use of this, or a cognate form, as a proper name after the exile (1 Chronicles 9:21; Ezra 8:6; Ezra 10:15; Nehemiah 3:4) may (on either assumption as to the date of 2 Isaiah) be connected with it by some link of causation. Other meanings given to it have been “perfect” as in the Authorised Version, “confident,” “recompensed,” “meritorious.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 42:19
Verse 19. As my messenger that I sent - "As he to whom I have sent my messengers"] כמלכי אשלח kemalachey eshlach, ut ad quem nuncios meos misi. The Vulgate and Chaldee are almost the only interpreters who render it rightly, in consistence with the rest of the sentence, and in perfect agreement with the Hebrew idiom; according to which the ellipsis is to be thus supplied: כלאשר מלאכי אשלח kelaasher malachey eshlach; "As he to whom I have sent my messengers." As he that is perfect - "As he who is perfectly instructed"] See Clarke on Isaiah 44:2. And blind as the Lord's servant - "And deaf, as the servant of JEHOVAH"] For ועור veivver, and blind, we must read וחרש vecheresh, and deaf: κωφος, Symmachus, and so a MS. The mistake is palpable, and the correction self-evident, and admissible though there had been no authority for it.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 42:19
19. Israel is the blind and deaf nation par excellence, because no other nation has been so tested by the opportunity of seeing and hearing (see on Isaiah 42:21). my messenger that I send (R.V.)] Cf. ch. Isaiah 44:26, where “messengers” is parallel to “servant.” as he that is perfect] R.V. has, “as he that is at peace with me.” The meaning of the Heb. mìshullâm (a proper name in 2 Kings 22:3; Ezra 8:16, and often) is uncertain. Many take it as the equivalent of the Arabic “Moslim,” = “the surrendered one” (Cheyne, Comm.). It is no objection to this that it is based on an Aramaic use of the verb; but the idea seems hardly suitable, inasmuch as it implies a state of character which the actual Israel does not possess. Probably a better rendering is the befriended one (sc. by Jehovah), after the analogy of Job 5:23. Another possible translation would be “the requited one” (see R.V. marg.), but it is difficult to attach any definite meaning to the expression in this context. blind in the last clause should no doubt be deaf, as is read in some MSS.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 42:19
Who is blind, but my servant? - Some of the Jewish expositors suppose that by ‘servant’ here, the prophet himself is intended, who, they suppose is here called blind and deaf by the impious Jews who rejected his message.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 42:19
19. Who is blind, but my servant? — Gentiles are now out of the account. The “servant” is Israel, still so stupid that Jehovah can scarcely think of the blindness elsewhere.
Sermons on Isaiah 42:19
| Sermon | Description |
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The Reproach of the Solemn Assembly - Part 2
by David Wilkerson
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In this sermon, Pastor Wilkinson calls on the congregation to come forward and seek deliverance and strength from the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of repentance and ke |
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Isaiah Chapter 42
by Stephen Kaung
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having the attitude of a servant towards the world. He encourages humility and the willingness to listen to constructive cr |
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Listen to God Constantly
by Zac Poonen
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This sermon emphasizes the importance of abiding in God's Word and listening to His voice daily. It highlights the need to prioritize spiritual growth over worldly desires, focusin |
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Sounding an Alarm
by George Warnock
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with God and walking in His ways. He references the story of Jacob's encounter with God at B |
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The Glory of Jesus
by Zac Poonen
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Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of being upheld by God as His true servants, rather than relying on human agencies or material possessions. He emphasizes the ministry of enco |
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The Glory of a True Servant of God
by Zac Poonen
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Zac Poonen emphasizes that a true servant of God is upheld solely by the Lord, not by human means or material wealth. He highlights the compassionate nature of God, who encourages |
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Isaiah Chapter 20 the Servant of the Lord
by A.B. Simpson
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A.B. Simpson emphasizes the multifaceted role of the 'servant of the Lord' as depicted in Isaiah, highlighting that this title applies to Israel, Jesus Christ, and individual belie |