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Isaiah 44:18

Isaiah 44:18 in Multiple Translations

They do not comprehend or discern, for He has shut their eyes so they cannot see and closed their minds so they cannot understand.

They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand.

They know not, neither do they consider: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand.

They have no knowledge or wisdom; for he has put a veil over their eyes, so that they may not see; and on their hearts, so that they may not give attention.

How ignorant they are, how dumb! Their eyes have been plastered over so they can't see, their minds closed so they don't have insight.

They haue not knowen, nor vnderstand: for God hath shut their eyes that they cannot see, and their heartes, that they cannot vnderstand.

They have not known, nor do they understand, For He hath daubed their eyes from seeing, Their heart from acting wisely.

They don’t know, neither do they consider, for he has shut their eyes, that they can’t see, and their hearts, that they can’t understand.

They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand.

They have not known, nor understood: for their eyes are covered that they may not see, and that they may not understand with their heart.

Those people are very stupid and ignorant [SAR]. It is as though they are blind and cannot see, and their minds are closed and they cannot think well.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 44:18

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 44:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB לֹ֥א יָדְע֖וּ וְ/לֹ֣א יָבִ֑ינוּ כִּ֣י טַ֤ח מֵֽ/רְאוֹת֙ עֵֽינֵי/הֶ֔ם מֵ/הַשְׂכִּ֖יל לִבֹּתָֽ/ם
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part
יָדְע֖וּ yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-3cp
וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
יָבִ֑ינוּ bîyn H995 to understand V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj
טַ֤ח ṭûwach H2902 to overspread V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מֵֽ/רְאוֹת֙ râʼâh H7200 Provider Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
עֵֽינֵי/הֶ֔ם ʻayin H5869 eye N-cd | Suff
מֵ/הַשְׂכִּ֖יל sâkal H7919 be prudent Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
לִבֹּתָֽ/ם lêb H3820 heart N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 44:18

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" 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.
יָדְע֖וּ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
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.
יָבִ֑ינוּ bîyn H995 "to understand" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
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.
טַ֤ח ṭûwach H2902 "to overspread" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To be smeared means to apply a layer of something, like plaster or mud. This verb is used to describe covering or overlaying a surface.
Definition: 1) to spread over, overlay, plaster, cover over, coat, besmear 1a) (Qal) to overspread, coat, overlay 1b) (Niphal) to be coated, be plastered
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: daub, overlay, plaister, smut. See also: Leviticus 14:42; Ezekiel 13:10; Isaiah 44:18.
מֵֽ/רְאוֹת֙ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
עֵֽינֵי/הֶ֔ם ʻayin H5869 "eye" N-cd | Suff
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.
מֵ/הַשְׂכִּ֖יל sâkal H7919 "be prudent" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To be circumspect means to be careful and thoughtful in your actions. In the Bible, this word is used to describe someone who is intelligent and prudent, like Solomon in 1 Kings 3:12.
Definition: 1) to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper 1a) (Qal) to be prudent, be circumspect 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to look at or upon, have insight 1b2) to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent 1b3) to have insight, have comprehension 1b3a) insight, comprehension (subst) 1b4) to cause to consider, give insight, teach 1b4a) the teachers, the wise 1b5) to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely 1b6) to prosper, have success 1b7) to cause to prosper Aramaic equivalent: se.khal (שְׂכַל "to contemplate" H7920)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(-ly), guide wittingly. See also: Genesis 3:6; Proverbs 1:3; Psalms 2:10.
לִבֹּתָֽ/ם lêb H3820 "heart" N-mp | Suff
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.

Study Notes — Isaiah 44:18

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 6:9–10 And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed. ”
2 2 Corinthians 4:3–4 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.
3 John 12:39–40 For this reason they were unable to believe. For again, Isaiah says: “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they cannot see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.”
4 2 Thessalonians 2:9–12 The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness.
5 Jeremiah 5:21 “Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear.
6 Psalms 81:12 So I gave them up to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices.
7 Proverbs 2:5–9 then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity, to guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His saints. Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity—every good path.
8 Matthew 13:14–15 In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘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.’
9 Romans 1:21–23 For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
10 John 5:44 How can you believe if you accept glory from one another, yet do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?

Isaiah 44:18 Summary

[This verse, Isaiah 44:18, is saying that when people choose to worship idols and reject God, He may allow them to become even more confused and unable to understand the truth, similar to the hardening of hearts described in Romans 1:21-25. This is not because God wants them to be unbelievers, but because they have chosen to follow their own desires rather than seeking Him, as warned in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and 2 Peter 3:3-7. As a result, they may become unable to see the error of their ways or the truth of God's Word, which can only be overcome by the work of the Holy Spirit, as promised in John 16:13-14. We should be careful not to let our own hearts become hardened, and instead seek to understand and obey God's Word, as urged in Hebrews 3:13 and Psalm 119:34.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Isaiah 44:18 say that God has shut their eyes and closed their minds?

According to Isaiah 44:18, God has shut their eyes and closed their minds because they have chosen to worship idols and reject the one true God, as seen in their actions described in Isaiah 44:16-17, similar to the hardening of hearts described in Romans 1:21-25 and Ephesians 4:18.

Is this verse saying that God forces people to be unbelievers?

No, this verse is not saying that God forces people to be unbelievers, but rather that as a consequence of their rebellious choices, God gives them over to their own desires, as seen in Romans 1:24-25, and this can lead to a hardening of their hearts, making it more difficult for them to understand and accept the truth, as also warned in Hebrews 3:13 and 2 Corinthians 4:4.

What does it mean to 'not comprehend or discern' in this verse?

To 'not comprehend or discern' means that these individuals lack understanding and spiritual insight, unable to see the error of their ways or the truth of God's Word, similar to the spiritual blindness described in 2 Corinthians 4:4 and Ephesians 4:18, which can only be overcome by the work of the Holy Spirit, as promised in John 16:13-14.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?

This verse is part of a larger passage, Isaiah 44:6-20, that condemns idolatry and describes the futility of worshipping created things rather than the Creator, as also emphasized in Isaiah 40:18-26 and Romans 1:18-23, and serves as a warning to trust in the one true God, as urged in Isaiah 44:6-8 and Psalm 96:5.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I may be 'shutting my eyes' to the truth of God's Word in my own life, and how can I seek to have my spiritual eyes opened, as promised in Ephesians 1:18 and Psalm 119:18?
  2. How can I discern when I am being led astray by my own desires or the influences of the world, and what role does the Holy Spirit play in helping me to understand and obey God's truth, as described in John 16:13-14 and 1 Corinthians 2:10-12?
  3. What are some idols in my life that I may be unknowingly worshipping, and how can I seek to repent and turn to the one true God, as urged in Isaiah 44:6-8 and 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10?
  4. In what ways can I be a witness to others who may be trapped in spiritual darkness, and how can I pray for them to have their eyes and minds opened to the truth of the Gospel, as commanded in Matthew 28:18-20 and 2 Timothy 2:25-26?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 44:18

They have not known nor understood,.... Who the true God is, nor the worship that is due to him alone; they do not know nor understand divine and spiritual things; nay, they have not the knowledge

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 44:18

They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand. He hath shut their eyes. "He," God, hath given them over to judicial blindness.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 44:18

They have not known or understood: this showeth that they want common discretion, and have not the understanding of a man in them. He, to wit, God; who is easily understood, and is oft expressed by this pronoun he; and to whom this very act is frequently ascribed in other places of Scripture. And therefore men need not to be shy in ascribing it to God here. Which yet is to be soberly understood; not as if God did make men wicked, but only permits them so to be, and orders and overrules their wickedness to his own glorious ends. And such passages as these are added in such cases to give an account of the prodigious madness of sinners herein; because, as they wilfully shut their own eyes, and harden their own hearts, so God judicially blinds and hardens them, and sends strong delusions upon them, and gives them up to believe lies, and then it is no wonder if they fall into such dotages.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 44:18

Isaiah 44:18 They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; [and] their hearts, that they cannot understand.Ver. 18. They have not known nor understood.] How should they, say, when infatuated and given up to an injudicious mind, or reprobate sense, as those? For he hath shut their eyes.] Heb., Daubed up their eyes from seeing, their hearts from understanding. “ Mons oblita Dei, vitiorumque oblita caeno. ”

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 44:18

(18) He hath shut their eyes.—Better, their eyes are smeared over. The state described is the judicial blindness of Rom 1:20-25. It will be remembered that blindness thus inflicted was one of the tortures of Eastern cruelty.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 44:18

Verse 18. He hath shut their eyes - "Their eyes are closed up"] The Septuagint, Chaldee, and Vulgate, for טח tach, read טחו, tachu. See Clarke on Isaiah 6:10.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 44:18

Ch. Isaiah 44:6-23. The Reality of Jehovah’s Godhead, evinced by His Predictions, and contrasted with the manifold absurdities of IdolatryThe passage, which is merely a restatement of ideas already expressed, consists of three divisions: i. Isaiah 44:6-8. A re-assertion and demonstration of the eternity and sole Divinity of Jehovah. ii. Isaiah 44:9-20. A fresh exposure—the most complete and remorseless that the book contains—of the irrationality of idol-worship. iii. Isaiah 44:21-23. An exhortation to the exiles to lay these truths to heart, and cleave to the God who forgives their sins and who alone can deliver. Isaiah 44:23 is a lyrical effusion, such as the thought of the redemption frequently calls forth from the prophet.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 44:18

They have not known nor understood - They are stupid, ignorant, and blind. Nothing could more strikingly show their ignorance and stupidity than this idol worship. He hath shut their eyes - God hath closed their eyes.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 44:18

18-20. The whole system of idol religion, in like manner, is simply foolish. Its votaries embrace it only to be blinded in conscience and reason. The makers and worshippers of idols are alike fools.

Sermons on Isaiah 44:18

SermonDescription
Andrew Murray The Branch by Andrew Murray The preacher delves into the meaning of 'ungodly' (asebes), describing it as a lack of interest in God and a lifestyle inconsistent with reverence for Him. The term is used in vari
Leonard Ravenhill The Enemy of Revival - Part 1 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher starts by quoting a scripture about the children of Israel doing evil in the sight of the Lord and being delivered into the hands of the Philistines fo
David Wilkerson Virgin Lock Out by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a devoted heart towards God. He highlights that many people claim to be followers of God but lack true commitment a
Alistair Begg Are We Blind Too? by Alistair Begg In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the coming of Jesus into the world brings about a division among people. He explains that encountering Jesus and his claims forces indiv
Art Katz Finn-04 Restoration of Israel in the Last Days by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker, who is a Jew from New York City, shares his personal journey of living in a remote location in North America. He explains that he was led by the word o
Art Katz Ger-06 the Apocalyptic Perspective by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging his physical fatigue but emphasizes that God's strength is perfected in weakness. He then prays for God to use him as a vessel a
Leonard Ravenhill What Is the Secret of Your Strength - Part 1 (Alternative) by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fear and anxieties that people have in today's generation. He emphasizes the importance of stillness and knowing that God is in control.

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