Isaiah 42:7
Isaiah 42:7 in Multiple Translations
to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house.
To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.
to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison-house.
To give eyes to the blind, to make free the prisoners from the prison, to let out those who are shut up in the dark.
You will make the blind see, set free those who are locked up, and lead those who sit in darkness out from prison.
That thou maist open the eyes of the blind, and bring out the prisoners from the prison: and them that sitte in darkenesse, out of the prison house.
To open the eyes of the blind, To bring forth from prison the bound one, From the house of restraint those sitting in darkness.
to open the blind eyes, to bring the prisoners out of the dungeon, and those who sit in darkness out of the prison.
To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison-house.
That thou mightest open the eyes of the blind, and bring forth the prisoner out of prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.
You will enable blind [IDM] people to see, you will free those who are in prison (OR, who are bound by the guilt of their sins) [MET] and release those who are in dark dungeons.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 42:7
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 42:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לִ/פְקֹ֖חַ
עֵינַ֣יִם
עִוְר֑וֹת
לְ/הוֹצִ֤יא
מִ/מַּסְגֵּר֙
אַסִּ֔יר
מִ/בֵּ֥ית
כֶּ֖לֶא
יֹ֥שְׁבֵי
חֹֽשֶׁךְ
לִ/פְקֹ֖חַ
pâqach
H6491
to open
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
עֵינַ֣יִם
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd
עִוְר֑וֹת
ʻivvêr
H5787
blind
Adj
לְ/הוֹצִ֤יא
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
מִ/מַּסְגֵּר֙
maçgêr
H4525
locksmith
Prep | N-ms
אַסִּ֔יר
ʼaççîyr
H616
prisoner
N-ms
מִ/בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
כֶּ֖לֶא
keleʼ
H3608
prison
N-ms
יֹ֥שְׁבֵי
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal
חֹֽשֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
darkness
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 42:7
לִ/פְקֹ֖חַ
pâqach
H6491
"to open"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
עֵינַ֣יִם
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.
עִוְר֑וֹת
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.
לְ/הוֹצִ֤יא
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
מִ/מַּסְגֵּר֙
maçgêr
H4525
"locksmith"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a locksmith or a smith who builds or repairs things like prisons or strongholds. It is used in the Bible to describe the work of skilled craftsmen like Huram-abi in 2 Chronicles 4:11-18. The word can also mean a prison or dungeon.
Definition: 1) a shutting up, locksmith, smith, dungeon, enclosure, builder of bulwarks 1a) locksmith, smith 1b) dungeon
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: prison, smith. See also: 2 Kings 24:14; Isaiah 24:22; Psalms 142:8.
אַסִּ֔יר
ʼaççîyr
H616
"prisoner"
N-ms
A prisoner is someone who is bound or captive, as seen in the story of Joseph in Genesis 39:20. The word describes a person held against their will.
Definition: 1) prisoners (collective) 2) (CLBL) prisoner, captive
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: prisoner. See also: Psalms 79:11; Isaiah 24:22; Isaiah 10:4.
מִ/בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
כֶּ֖לֶא
keleʼ
H3608
"prison"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for prison or a place of confinement, used in the Bible to describe a physical space where people are held captive. It appears in books like Genesis and Jeremiah, where it talks about imprisonment. This word is usually translated as 'prison' in English Bibles.
Definition: imprisonment, confinement, restraint
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: prison. Compare H3610 (כִּלְאַיִם), H3628 (כְּלִיא). See also: 1 Kings 22:27; Isaiah 42:7; Isaiah 42:22.
יֹ֥שְׁבֵי
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
חֹֽשֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
"darkness"
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.
Study Notes — Isaiah 42:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 42:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 42:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 42:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 42:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 42:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 42:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 42:7
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 42:7
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 42:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 42:7
- Sermons on Isaiah 42:7
Context — Here Is My Servant
5This is what God the LORD says— He who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and its offspring, who gives breath to the people on it and life to those who walk in it:
6“I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations,
7to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house.
8I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not yield My glory to another or My praise to idols. 9Behold, the former things have happened, and now I declare new things. Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 61:1 | The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, |
| 2 | Ephesians 1:17–18 | 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, |
| 3 | Isaiah 35:5 | Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. |
| 4 | Isaiah 49:9 | to say to the prisoners, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.’ They will feed along the pathways, and find pasture on every barren hill. |
| 5 | 2 Timothy 2:26 | Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will. |
| 6 | Hebrews 2:14–15 | Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. |
| 7 | 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. |
| 8 | Luke 24:45 | Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. |
| 9 | Luke 4:18–21 | “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then He rolled up the scroll, returned it to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on Him, and He began by saying, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” |
| 10 | John 9:39 | Then Jesus declared, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind may see and those who see may become blind.” |
Isaiah 42:7 Summary
Isaiah 42:7 tells us that God's purpose is to open the eyes of the blind and free those who are prisoners in darkness. This means He wants to help people understand and know Him, and to set them free from the things that are holding them back in life, as seen in John 8:36 and Galatians 5:1. God wants to bring light and freedom into our lives, and He does this through His love and salvation. As we trust in Him and His power, we can experience this freedom and help others to do the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of blindness is being referred to in Isaiah 42:7?
The blindness in Isaiah 42:7 is likely spiritual blindness, as seen in 2 Corinthians 4:4, where Satan blinds the minds of unbelievers to the gospel of Christ, but God opens the eyes of the blind to understand His truth and salvation.
What does it mean to be a prisoner in darkness in this verse?
Being a prisoner in darkness refers to being held captive by sin and its consequences, as described in Romans 6:16-17, but God brings freedom and light to those in darkness through His salvation and redemption, as seen in Isaiah 61:1 and Luke 4:18-19.
How does God open the eyes of the blind and free prisoners?
God opens the eyes of the blind and frees prisoners through the power of the gospel, as seen in Acts 26:18 and Ephesians 1:18, where the eyes of our understanding are enlightened to know God and His plan of salvation.
Is this verse only referring to physical blindness and imprisonment?
No, while physical healing and freedom are important aspects of God's work, Isaiah 42:7 is primarily referring to spiritual blindness and captivity, as seen in Matthew 9:27-31, where Jesus heals physical blindness but also points to spiritual sight and understanding.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be spiritually blind, and how can I ask God to open my eyes to see His truth?
- In what ways am I, or have I been, a prisoner to sin or darkness, and how can I experience God's freedom and redemption?
- How can I be a part of bringing light and freedom to those around me who are in spiritual darkness or captivity?
- What does it mean for me to trust in God's power to bring light and freedom, rather than relying on my own strength or abilities?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 42:7
To open the blind eyes,.... Of the idolatrous Gentiles, who were spiritually blind, and knew not the wretchedness of their case; the exceeding sinfulness of sin; their need of a Saviour, and who he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 42:7
To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. To open the blind eyes - spiritually (Isaiah 42:16; Isaiah 42:18-19; Isaiah 35:5; John 9:39).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 42:7
The blind eyes; the eyes of their minds blinded with long ignorance, and deep prejudice, and inveterate error, and by the power and policy of the god of this world, , which nothing but the almighty power of God could cure. The prisoners; sinners, unto are taken captive by the devil at his will, as we read, , and as daily experience showeth, and who are enslaved and chained by their own lusts, and made free-men only by Christ, ,36. Compare this portion of Scripture with , and both with , where it is said to be fulfilled in and by Christ.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 42:7
Isaiah 42:7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, [and] them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.Ver. 7. To open the blind eyes.] By the preaching of the gospel. To bring out the prisoners from the prison.] To free poor souls from the tyranny of sin and terror of hell. This should make us say to Christ, as one did once to Augustus for a deliverance nothing so great, Effecisti, Ceesar, ut viverem et morerer ingratus, Let me do mine utmost, I must live and die in thy debt.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 42:7
(7) To open the blind eyes.—The prophet must have felt the contrast between this and his own mission (Isaiah 6:10). The words all point to spiritual blessings. (Comp. St. Paul’s call in Acts 26:18.) The “prison” is that of the selfishness and sin which hinder men from being truly free. In the “prisoners of hope” of Zechariah 9:11, and the “spirits in prison” of 1 Peter 3:18, we have different aspects of the same thought.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 42:7
Verse 7. To open the blind eyes] In this verse the prophet seems to set forth the spiritual redemption, under images borrowed from the temporal deliverance. Out of the prison house - "And from the dungeon."] The Septuagint, Syriac, and four MSS., one ancient, add the conjunction ו vau, ומבית umibbeith, and from the house.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 42:7
7. to open [the] blind eyes] The subject of this and the following verb might be either Jehovah or His Servant, and the point is not quite settled by ch. Isaiah 49:8. The latter, however, seems more probable from Isaiah 49:6. The reference is no doubt to the Servant’s work on Israel. The “blindness” spoken of is spiritual (see Isaiah 42:18-20); imprisonment is a metaphor for the Captivity (Isaiah 42:22); although a spiritual application may be included here also.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 42:7
To open the blind eyes - This is equivalent to saying that he would impart instruction to those who were ignorant. It relates to the Jews as well as to the Gentiles. He would acquaint them with God, and with the way of salvation.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 42:7
7. To open the blind eyes — That is, to quicken the intellect to discern moral distinctions — the conscience to feel, and the will to bestir itself, in view of them.
Sermons on Isaiah 42:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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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Rev. 3:8. the Church's Little Strength, and the Lord's Great Love by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the tender love and gracious character of Christ as depicted in Revelation 3:8, where He acknowledges the Church's little strength while offering an open |
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The Blind Child by D.L. Moody | D.L. Moody shares a poignant story of a mother whose child is declared blind, illustrating the deep sorrow and anguish that accompanies such a loss. He emphasizes that while physic |
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Reading From the Beatitudes by D.L. Moody | D.L. Moody emphasizes the profound blessings found in the Beatitudes, particularly focusing on the comfort promised to those who mourn and the meek. He explains that mourning signi |
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The Anointing of the Holy Spirit by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the transformative power of God's mercy and grace. He shares a personal experience of being freed from chains and following God. The speaker |
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Eyes to See (1 of 2) by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeing and having a clear vision from the beginning. They share personal experiences of witnessing the plight of the unborn |
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A Revival of Power Is Coming by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a consistent Christian life, not being swayed by the ups and downs of circumstances. He encourages the congregation |