Isaiah 42:18 — Word Study
WLCהַחֵרְשִׁ֖ים שְׁמָ֑עוּ וְהַעִוְרִ֖ים הַבִּ֥יטוּ לִרְאֽוֹת׃
BSAListenshâmaʻ [hear and obey] you deaf [ones]chêrêsh [those who are spiritually unresponsive, unable to hear God's voice] looknâbaṭ [regard carefully, pay attention] you blind [ones]ʻivvêr [those who are unable to see spiritually, lacking discernment] that you may seerâʼâh [perceive, understand, have spiritual insight]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| הַחֵרְשִׁ֖ים | O deaf [people] | Particle |
| שְׁמָ֑עוּ | listen | Verb, Qal, imperative second person masculine plural |
| וְהַעִוְרִ֖ים | and O blind [people] | Conjunction, particle |
| הַבִּ֥יטוּ | look | Verb, Hiphil, imperative second person masculine plural |
| לִרְאֽוֹת׃ | to see | Preposition, verb qal infinitive construct common |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Listen, you deaf ones; look, you blind ones, that you may see! |
| KJV | Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see. |
| ASV | Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see. |
| YLT | Ye deaf, hear; and ye blind, look to see. |
| WEB | “Hear, you deaf, and look, you blind, that you may see. |
| BBE | Give ear, you whose ears are shut; and let your eyes be open, you blind, so that you may see. |
The translations agree on the imperative nature of the commands to listen and look.
The verse consists of one main command followed by a purpose clause, emphasizing the urgency of the call to action.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbשָׁמַע
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Isaiah 42:18
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — A Call to Spiritual Awarenessgenerated
Isaiah 42:18 is a call to those who are spiritually deaf and blind, urging them to listen and look so that they may gain understanding. This verse highlights the importance of being attentive to God's message, contrasting with those who are unresponsive. The surrounding verses emphasize the consequences of spiritual blindness and deafness, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Isaiah 42:20.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 29:18 | 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. |
| 2 | Isaiah 43:8 | Bring out a people who have eyes but are blind, and who have ears but are deaf. |
| 3 | Exodus 4:11 | And the LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes the mute or the deaf, the sighted or the blind? Is it not I, the LORD? |
| 4 | Proverbs 20:12 | Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both. |
| 5 | Mark 7:34–37 | And looking up to heaven, He sighed deeply and said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means, “Be opened!”). |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 7 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — חֵרֵשׁ, ha.che.re.Shimgenerated
The Hebrew word חֵרֵשׁ (cheresh) means 'deaf' and can refer to both physical and spiritual deafness. It is derived from the root חָרַשׁ (charash), which relates to silence or the inability to hear. This term is used in contexts where individuals are unresponsive to God's voice or message.
In this verse, Isaiah uses חֵרֵשׁ to address those who are spiritually unresponsive, emphasizing their need to hear and obey God's call. The passive construction suggests that they are not merely lacking hearing but are actively unresponsive to the divine communication.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses Listen for שְׁמָ֑עוּ and look for הַבִּ֥יטוּ, aligning closely with the KJV and ASV.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse consists of three main verbs: שְׁמָ֑עוּ (listen), הַבִּ֥יטוּ (look), and לִרְאֽוֹת (to see), which are imperative forms directed at the audience. The structure emphasizes a call to action, urging the deaf and blind to respond.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the commands, highlighting the urgency of the prophet's message to those who are spiritually unaware.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates חֵרֵשׁ as κωφοί, meaning 'deaf', and עִוֵּר as τυφλοί, meaning 'blind'. This choice aligns closely with the Hebrew meaning but emphasizes the spiritual implications of these conditions.
The Greek rendering reflects a similar call to awareness, indicating that the deaf and blind are not merely lacking physical senses but are also spiritually unresponsive.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Isaiah 42:18 urges those who cannot hear or see to pay attention and understand. This verse highlights the importance of being spiritually aware and responsive to God's message.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Being spiritually deaf or blind refers to a lack of awareness or responsiveness to God's voice and truth, as illustrated in this verse.
Spiritual awareness can be cultivated through prayer, study of Scripture, and being open to God's guidance.
Spiritual blindness can lead to misunderstanding God's will and missing out on His blessings and guidance.
Isaiah emphasizes these actions to stress the importance of being attentive and responsive to God's message, which is vital for spiritual insight.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life might I be spiritually deaf or blind?
- How can I actively listen for God's voice in my daily life?
- What steps can I take to cultivate spiritual discernment?
- How does this verse challenge me to be more responsive to God's guidance?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers referenced this verse to discuss spiritual awareness and responsiveness, highlighting the importance of heeding God's call.
Now the blind see when they see the world, and from the exceedingly great beauty of things that have been created they contemplate the Creator corresponding in greatness and beauty to them.Early Church Fathers on Isaiah 42 →
It is evident, indeed, that some possess ears better able to hear the words of God. But to those who do not have those ears, what does he say? “Hear, you deaf, and, you blind, behold.” Also,Early Church Fathers on Isaiah 42 →
The deaf, hear! And the blind, look to see. Who is blind, if not my servant? And who is deaf, if not the one to whom I send my messengers? Who is blind, if not the one who has been sold? And who is blind,Early Church Fathers on Isaiah 42 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Isaiah 42:18 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleHear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see. Jarchi and Kimchi think these words are spoken to Israel, who, as Aben Ezra says, were deaf and blind in heart; but they are rather an exhortation
Read John Gill on Isaiah 42 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryHear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see. Hear, ye deaf - namely, to the voice of God. Look, ye blind - to your duty and interest; willfully so (Isaiah 42:20.) In this they differ from "the blind" (Isaiah 42:16).
Read Robert Jamieson on Isaiah 42 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleO you, whosoever you are, whether Jews or Gentiles, which shall resist this clear light, and obstinately continue in your former errors, attend diligently to my words, and consider these mighty works of God.
Read Matthew Poole on Isaiah 42 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsIsaiah 42:18 Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.Ver. 18. Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind.] Ye who, as so many sea monsters or deaf adders, will not hear, and as so many blind moles will not see, by a petulant blindness, and of obstinate malice; such were the scribes and Pharisees, who winked hard with their eyes, and wilfully shut the windows, lest the light should come in unto them. See more of this in the notes on Isaiah 6:1-13 Isaiah 29:1-24. That ye may see.] In nature, Caecorum mens occulatissima est. We read of Didymus Alexandrinus, that though blind, yet he wrote commentaries; and of two of Archbishop Ussher’ s aunts, that being blind from their cradles, they taught…
Read John Trapp on Isaiah 42 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(18) Hear, ye deaf . . .—The words form the beginning of a new section. The prophet feels or sees that the great argument has not carried conviction as it ought to have done. The people to whom Jehovah speaks through him are still spiritually blind and deaf, and that people is ideally the servant of the Lord (Isaiah 41:8), in whom the pattern of the personal servant ought to have been reproduced. (Comp. John 9:39-41.)
Read Charles John Ellicott on Isaiah 42 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges18–25. An expostulation with Israel for its insensibility to the privileges it has enjoyed. The passage is of considerable interest for the light which it throws on the sense in which the title “Servant of the Lord” is to be understood. The discrepancy between the description in Isaiah 42:1-4 and that here given is at first sight perplexing. There the Servant is spoken of as the perfect and successful worker for God, here he is addressed as blind and deaf and altogether unfit for Jehovah’s purpose. Yet it is extremely unnatural to suppose that the writer applies the term to two entirely different subjects. To suggest, as the prophet’s meaning, that the inefficient Servant is to be replaced…
Read Cambridge on Isaiah 42 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleHear, ye deaf - This is evidently an address to the Jews, and probably to the Jews of the time of the prophet. He had been predicting the coming of the Messiah, and the influence of his religion on the Gentile world.
Read Albert Barnes on Isaiah 42 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible18. General message. Hear, ye deaf… look, ye blind — The thoughts expressed in Isaiah 42:17-25 are all coherent, though quick leaps are apparent, as is usual with Isaiah under excited emotion.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Isaiah 42 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Listen, you deaf ones; look, you blind ones, that you may see!
“Hear, you deaf, and look, you blind, that you may see.
Listen, you deaf ones; look, you blind ones, that you may see!
“Listen, you deaf ones! Take notice, you blind ones!
Tyndale line
Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.
Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.
Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.
Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.
Heare, ye deafe: and ye blinde, regarde, that ye may see.
Strictly literal
— Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.
Ye deaf, hear; and ye blind, look to see.
You deaf, hear; and you blind, look to see.
Ye deaf, hear; and ye blind, look up, that ye may see.
Listen, you deaf; and look, you blind, that you may see.
From the Latin
Hear, ye deaf, and, ye blind, behold that you may see.
Simplified
Listen, you deaf people! Look and see, you blind people!
Give ear, you whose ears are shut; and let your eyes be open, you blind, so that you may see.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text, Septuagint, and Dead Sea Scrolls all agree on the wording of this verse, confirming the call to listen and see. The scrolls show no variation in the essential message, though one scroll has some words supplied by an editor.
הַחֵרְשִׁ֖ים שְׁמָ֑עוּ וְהַעִוְרִ֖ים הַבִּ֥יטוּ לִרְאֽוֹת׃
5 of the 5 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
החרשים שמעו והעורים הביטו לראות
5 words on the leather.
[החרשים] [שמעו] [והעורים] [הביטו] לראות
1 word on the leather — 4 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Isaiah 42:18
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
חֵרֵשׁ (cheresh) means 'deaf' in both a literal and figurative sense. It is derived from the root word חָרַשׁ (charash), which relates to silence or being unable to hear. The entries consistently define the term without any significant disagreement.
חֵרֵשׁ adj. deaf
base
H2795 חֵרֵשׁ deaf
2795 cheresh khay-rashe'
from 2790; deaf (whether literally or spir.):--deaf.
see HEBREW for 02790
חֵרֵשׁ (che.resh) — deaf.
deaf
Art | Adj — ParticleHTd/Aampa
pe'-p'-l: In English Versions of the Bible represents something over a dozen Hebrew and Greek words. Of these, in the Old Testament, `am, is overwhelmingly the most common (about 2,000 times), with le'om, and goy, next in order; but the various Hebrew words are used with very little or no difference in force (e.g. Pr 14:28; but, on the other hand, in Ps 44 contrast verses 12 and 14). Of the changes introduced by the Revised Version (British and American) the only one of significance (cited explicitly in the Preface to the English Revised Version) is the frequent use of the plural "peoples" (strangely avoided in the King James Version except Re 10:11; 17:15), where other nations than Israel are in question. So, for instance, in Ps…
The Hebrew word שָׁמַע (shama`) means 'to hear' and encompasses a range of meanings including listening, obeying, and proclaiming. It is built from a primitive root and can imply attention and understanding. The entries highlight various grammatical forms, such as Qal, Niphal, Piel, and Hiphil, indicating different nuances of hearing and obeying. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
שָׁמַע 1152 vb. hear
Qal 1052
subj. pers. hum.
י׳ (God) subj.
Niph. 42 be heard, of voice, sound
be heard of
be regarded, obeyed
= (favourable) hearing was granted to their voice.
Pi. he caused the people to hear
Hiph. 63
of man
י׳ subj.
base
H8085 שָׁמַע hear
8085 shama` shaw-mah'
a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with
implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to
tell, etc.):--X attentively, call (gather) together, X
carefully, X certainly, consent, consider, be content,
declare, X diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make
to) hear(-ken, tell), X indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be)
obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish,
regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, X surely, tell,
understand, whosoever (heareth), witness.
שָׁמַע (sha.ma) — to hear: hear.
: 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
שָׁמַע (sha.ma) — to hear: obey.
: obey
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)
V-Qal-Impv-2mp — Verb · Qal · imperative second person masculine pluralHVqv2mp
עִוֵּר (ivver) means 'blind,' and can refer to physical blindness or be used figuratively. The word is derived from a more basic form, עָוָר (avvar), and is noted in various lexicons as describing both individuals and groups who are blind.
עִוֵּר adj. blind
base
H5787 עִוֵּר blind
5787 `ivver iv-vare'
intensive from 5786; blind (literally or
figuratively):--blind (men, people).
see HEBREW for 05786
עִוֵּר (iv.ver) — blind.
1) blind
1a) blind (physically)
1b) blind (fig.)
Conj | Art | Adj — Conjunction · particleHC/Td/Aampa
pe'-p'-l: In English Versions of the Bible represents something over a dozen Hebrew and Greek words. Of these, in the Old Testament, `am, is overwhelmingly the most common (about 2,000 times), with le'om, and goy, next in order; but the various Hebrew words are used with very little or no difference in force (e.g. Pr 14:28; but, on the other hand, in Ps 44 contrast verses 12 and 14). Of the changes introduced by the Revised Version (British and American) the only one of significance (cited explicitly in the Preface to the English Revised Version) is the frequent use of the plural "peoples" (strangely avoided in the King James Version except Re 10:11; 17:15), where other nations than Israel are in question. So, for instance, in Ps…
נָבַט (nabat) is a Hebrew verb meaning to look or regard. It encompasses various nuances, such as looking intently, considering, and showing favor or care. The entries indicate its use in different grammatical forms, specifically the Piel and Hiphil stems, which emphasize the act of looking or regarding. No significant disagreements among lexicons are noted.
[נָבַט] vb. Pi., Hiph. look
Pi. look
Hiph. look
base
H5027 נָבַט look
5027 nabat naw-bat'
a primitive root; to scan, i.e. look intently at; by
implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care:--(cause
to) behold, consider, look (down), regard, have respect, see.
נָבַט (na.vat) — to look.
1) to look, regard
1a) (Piel) to look
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) tolook
1b2) to regard, show regard to, pay attention to, consider
1b3) to look upon, regard, show regard to
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp — Verb · Hiphil · imperative second person masculine pluralHVhv2mp
look:
(1) The uses of the simple verb in English Versions of the Bible are nearly all good modern English. In Isa 5:2, however, "He looked that it should bring forth grapes"--"look" is used in the sense of "expect." Compare the King James Version of Sirach 20:14; Ac 28:6, "They looked when he should have swollen" (the Revised Version (British and American) "They expected that he would have swollen"). In 1 Macc 4:54, the King James Version has inserted "look" (omitted in the Revised Version (British and American)) as a simple interjection, without a corresponding word in the Greek
(2) "Look upon" means "fix one's attention on," and is often so used in English Versions of the Bible without further significance (Ec 2:11;
רָאָה (ra'ah) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to see' and encompasses a wide range of visual and perceptual actions, including looking, observing, and causing others to see. It can refer to both literal sight and figurative understanding, with various grammatical forms indicating different nuances, such as appearing or being visible. The entries indicate a rich semantic field without significant disagreement among lexicographers.
רָאָה 1315 vb. see
Qal 1141
see, subj.
see, c. acc. rei
see, sq. acc. cl. or phr. of closer design
see, so as to learn to know
abs. see, have (power of) vision
see = perceive
look at, see, by direct volition
of mental observation
c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest
see, c. acc. rei
Niph.
appear
be seen
be visible
Pu. appar. his bones are not detected
Hithp. recipr. look at each other
Hiph.
cause one to see something, shew
cause to experience something
cause to look intently at, to behold
Hoph.
be caused to see, be shewn
be exhibited to
base
H7200a רָאָה see .. . see, subj.
. see, c. acc. rei
. see, sq. acc. + cl. or phr. of closer design
. see, so as to learn to know
. abs. see, have (power of) vision
. see = perceive
. look at, see, by direct volition
. of mental observation
. . c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest
. see, c. acc. rei
. . appear
. be seen
. be visible
. appar. his bones are not detected
. recipr. look at each other
. . . cause one to see something, shew
. cause to experience something
. cause to look intently at, to behold
. . be caused to see, be shewn
. be exhibited to
H7200b רְאוּת look
7200 ra'ah raw-aw'
a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in
numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive,
intransitive and causative):--advise self, appear, approve,
behold, X certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have
experience, gaze, take heed, X indeed, X joyfully, lo, look
(on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up,
upon), mark, meet, X be near, perceive, present, provide,
regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one
another), shew (self), X sight of others, (e-)spy, stare, X
surely, X think, view, visions.
רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: see.
: see/show
1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to see
1a2) to see, perceive
1a3) to see, have vision
1a4) to look at, see, regard, look after, see after, learn about, observe, watch, look upon, look out, find out
1a5) to see, observe, consider, look at, give attention to, discern, distinguish
1a6) to look at, gaze at
1a7) to provide, choose
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to appear, present oneself
1b2) to be seen
1b3) to be visible
1c) (Pual) to be seen
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to cause to see, show
1d2) to cause to look intently at, behold, cause to gaze at
1e) (Hophal)
1e1) to be caused to see, be shown
1e2) to be exhibited to
1f) (Hithpael) to look at each other, face
רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: examine.
: examine/consider
1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to see
1a2) to see, perceive
1a3) to see, have vision
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a — Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct commonHR/Vqcc
se: In addition to the ordinary sense of perceiving by the eye, we have
(1) chazah, "to see" (in vision): "Words of Amos .... which he saw concerning Israel" (Am 1:1). The revelation was made to his inward eye. "The word of Yahweh .... which he (Micah) saw concerning Samaria" (Mic 1:1), describing what he saw in prophetic vision (compare Hab 1:1); see REVELATION, III, 4;