CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 28:27 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.'</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/28-27.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/44_Act_28_27.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 28:27 - Paul Preaches at Rome" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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.'" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/acts/28-27.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/acts/28-27.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/acts/">Acts</a> > <a href="/acts/28.htm">Chapter 28</a> > Verse 27</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/28-26.htm" title="Acts 28:26">◄</a> Acts 28:27 <a href="/acts/28-28.htm" title="Acts 28:28">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/28.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/28.htm">New International Version</a> For this people&#8217s heart has become calloused; 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.&#8217 <a href="/nlt/acts/28.htm">New Living Translation</a> For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes— so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’ <a href="/esv/acts/28.htm">English Standard Version</a> For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ <a href="/bsb/acts/28.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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.’ <a href="/blb/acts/28.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For the heart of this people has grown dull, and with the ears they barely hear, and they have closed their eyes, lest ever they should see with the eyes, and they should hear with the ears, and they should understand with the heart, and should turn, and I will heal them.' <a href="/kjv/acts/28.htm">King James Bible</a> For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. <a href="/nkjv/acts/28.htm">New King James Version</a> For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.” ’ <a href="/nasb_/acts/28.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> FOR THE HEARTS OF THIS PEOPLE HAVE BECOME INSENSITIVE, AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY HARDLY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES; OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT SEE WITH THEIR EYES, AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I WOULD HEAL THEM.”’ <a href="/nasb/acts/28.htm">NASB 1995</a> FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES; OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT SEE WITH THEIR EYES, AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I WOULD HEAL THEM."&#8217 <a href="/nasb77/acts/28.htm">NASB 1977 </a> FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES; LEST THEY SHOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I SHOULD HEAL THEM.”’ <a href="/lsb/acts/28.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES; LEST THEY MIGHT SEE WITH THEIR EYES, AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I HEAL THEM.”’ <a href="/amp/acts/28.htm">Amplified Bible</a> FOR THE HEART (the understanding, the soul) OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL (calloused), AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE SHUT THEIR EYES [to the truth]; OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT SEE WITH THEIR EYES, AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN [to Me], AND I WOULD HEAL THEM.”’ <a href="/csb/acts/28.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For the hearts of these people have grown callous, their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; otherwise they might see with their eyes and hear with their ears, understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them. <a href="/hcsb/acts/28.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For the hearts of these people have grown callous, their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; otherwise they might see with their eyes and hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and be converted, and I would heal them. <a href="/asv/acts/28.htm">American Standard Version</a> For this people's heart is waxed gross, And their ears are dull of hearing, And their eyes they have closed; Lest, haply they should perceive with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart, And should turn again, And I should heal them. <a href="/cev/acts/28.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> All of you have stubborn hearts. Your ears are stopped up, and your eyes are covered. You cannot see or hear or understand. If you could, you would turn to me, and I would heal you.'" <a href="/erv/acts/28.htm">English Revised Version</a> For this people's heart is waxed gross, And their ears are dull of hearing, And their eyes they have closed; Lest haply they should perceive with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart, And should turn again, And I should heal them. <a href="/gwt/acts/28.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> These people have become close-minded and hard of hearing. They have shut their eyes so that their eyes never see. Their ears never hear. Their minds never understand. And they never turn to me for healing."' <a href="/gnt/acts/28.htm">Good News Translation</a> because this people's minds are dull, and they have stopped up their ears and closed their eyes. Otherwise, their eyes would see, their ears would hear, their minds would understand, and they would turn to me, says God, and I would heal them.'" <a href="/isv/acts/28.htm">International Standard Version</a> For this people's minds have become stupid, and their ears can barely hear, and they have shut their eyes so that they may never see with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn and let me heal them."' <a href="/msb/acts/28.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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.? <a href="/net/acts/28.htm">NET Bible</a> For the heart of this people has become dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have closed their eyes, so that they would not see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them."' <a href="/nheb/acts/28.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For this people's heart has grown callous. Their ears are dull of hearing. Their eyes they have closed. Lest they should see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and would turn again, and I would heal them.' <a href="/wbt/acts/28.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For the heart of this people is become gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. <a href="/wey/acts/28.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For this people's mind has grown callous, their hearing has become dull, and their eyes they have closed; to prevent their ever seeing with their eyes, or hearing with their ears, or understanding with their minds, and turning back, so that I might cure them.' <a href="/web/acts/28.htm">World English Bible</a> For this people’s heart has grown callous. Their ears are dull of hearing. Their eyes they have closed. Lest they should see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and would turn again, then I would heal them.’ <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/28.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for the heart of this people was made obtuse, and with the ears they barely heard, and they closed their eyes, lest they may see with the eyes, and may understand with the heart, and should turn, and I may heal them. <a href="/blb/acts/28.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For the heart of this people has grown dull, and with the ears they barely hear, and they have closed their eyes, lest ever they should see with the eyes, and they should hear with the ears, and they should understand with the heart, and should turn, and I will heal them.' <a href="/ylt/acts/28.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for made gross was the heart of this people, and with the ears they heard heavily, and their eyes they did close, lest they may see with the eyes, and with the heart may understand, and be turned back, and I may heal them. <a href="/slt/acts/28.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For the heart of this people was thickened, and with ears heard they heavily, and their eyes they closed; lest they should see with the eyes, and with ears should hear, and with the heart they should understand, and turn back, and I should heal them.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/28.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For the heart of this people is grown gross, and with their ears have they heard heavily, and their eyes they have shut; lest perhaps they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. <a href="/cpdv/acts/28.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For the heart of this people has grown dull, and they have listened with reluctant ears, and they have closed their eyes tightly, lest perhaps they might see with the eyes, and hear with the ears, and understand with the heart, and so be converted, and I would heal them.’ <a href="/nabre/acts/28.htm">New American Bible</a> Gross is the heart of this people; they will not hear with their ears; they have closed their eyes, so they may not see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and be converted, and I heal them.’ <a href="/nrsvce/acts/28.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn— and I would heal them.’<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/28.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For the heart of this people is hardened and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and repent before me, and I should forgive them. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/28.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> The heart of this people has become hard, their hearing they have dulled and their eyes they have shut, lest they shall see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand in their hearts and turn to me and I would forgive them.'”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/28.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For the heart of this people has become fat, and with their ears they hear heavily, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should turn, and I should restore them to health. <a href="/godbey/acts/28.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> for the heart of this people is waxed gross, and they heard with their ears heavily, and closed their eyes; lest they may see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I shall heal them. <a href="/haweis/acts/28.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and with their ears they are thick of hearing, and their eyes have they shut; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and become converts, and I should heal them.?<RX 23.6.9-10> <a href="/mace/acts/28.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for the heart of this people is become gross, their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted and I should heal them." <a href="/wey/acts/28.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For this people's mind has grown callous, their hearing has become dull, and their eyes they have closed; to prevent their ever seeing with their eyes, or hearing with their ears, or understanding with their minds, and turning back, so that I might cure them.' <a href="/worrell/acts/28.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> for the heart of this people was made gross; and with their ears they heard heavily; and their eyes they closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should turn, and I should heal them.' <a href="/worsley/acts/28.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> and they hear heavily with their ears, and have closed their eyes; least they should see at all with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. <a href="/parallel/acts/28-27.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=9558" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/28.htm">Paul Preaches at Rome</a> …26‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” 27<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: toutou (DPro-GMS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2992.htm" title="2992: laou (N-GMS) -- Apparently a primary word; a people.">people’s</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2588.htm" title="2588: kardia (N-NFS) -- Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.">heart</a> <a href="/greek/3975.htm" title="3975: epachynthē (V-AIP-3S) -- To fatten, thicken; pass. fig: I become stupid, dull, unfeeling. From a derivative of pegnumi; to thicken, i.e. to fatten.">has grown callous;</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: ēkousan (V-AIA-3P) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">they hardly hear</a> <a href="/greek/917.htm" title="917: bareōs (Adv) -- Heavily, with difficulty. Adverb from barus; heavily."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">with their</a> <a href="/greek/3775.htm" title="3775: ōsin (N-DNP) -- (a) the ear, (b) met: the faculty of perception. Apparently a primary word; the ear.">ears,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2576.htm" title="2576: ekammysan (V-AIA-3P) -- To close, shut the eyes. From a compound of kata and the base of musterion; to shut down, i.e. Close the eyes.">they have closed</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">their</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3788.htm" title="3788: ophthalmous (N-AMP) -- The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy.">eyes.</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">Otherwise</a> <a href="/greek/4219.htm" title="4219: pote (Conj) -- When, at what time. From the base of pou and te; interrogative adverb, at what time."></a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: idōsin (V-ASA-3P) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">they might see</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">with their</a> <a href="/greek/3788.htm" title="3788: ophthalmois (N-DMP) -- The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy.">eyes,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akousōsin (V-ASA-3P) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">hear</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">with their</a> <a href="/greek/3775.htm" title="3775: ōsin (N-DNP) -- (a) the ear, (b) met: the faculty of perception. Apparently a primary word; the ear.">ears,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/4920.htm" title="4920: synōsin (V-ASA-3P) -- To consider, understand, perceive. From sun and hiemi; to put together, i.e. to comprehend; by implication, to act piously.">understand</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">with their</a> <a href="/greek/2588.htm" title="2588: kardia (N-DFS) -- Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.">hearts,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1994.htm" title="1994: epistrepsōsin (V-ASA-3P) -- From epi and strepho; to revert.">turn,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2390.htm" title="2390: iasomai (V-FIM-1S) -- To heal, generally of the physical, sometimes of spiritual, disease. Middle voice of apparently a primary verb; to cure.">I would heal</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autous (PPro-AM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them.’</a> 28Be advised, therefore, that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a> 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.” <a href="/matthew/13-14.htm">Matthew 13:14-15</a> 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.’ <a href="/john/12-39.htm">John 12:39-40</a> 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.” <a href="/romans/11-8.htm">Romans 11:8</a> as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear, to this very day.” <a href="/ezekiel/12-2.htm">Ezekiel 12:2</a> “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. <a href="/mark/4-12.htm">Mark 4:12</a> so that, ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven.’” <a href="/luke/8-10.htm">Luke 8:10</a> He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’ <a href="/jeremiah/5-21.htm">Jeremiah 5:21</a> “Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear. <a href="/deuteronomy/29-4.htm">Deuteronomy 29:4</a> Yet to this day the LORD has not given you a mind to understand, eyes to see, or ears to hear. <a href="/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21</a> 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. <a href="/2_corinthians/3-14.htm">2 Corinthians 3:14-15</a> But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. / And even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. <a href="/psalms/119-70.htm">Psalm 119:70</a> Their hearts are callous and insensitive, but I delight in Your law. <a href="/zechariah/7-11.htm">Zechariah 7:11-12</a> But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder; they stopped up their ears from hearing. / They made their hearts like flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of Hosts. <a href="/hebrews/3-7.htm">Hebrews 3:7-8</a> Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear His voice, / do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness, <a href="/matthew/15-7.htm">Matthew 15:7-8</a> You hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you: / ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/12-40.htm">Callous</a> <a href="/matthew/13-15.htm">Calloused</a> <a href="/john/18-12.htm">Closed</a> <a href="/acts/15-3.htm">Converted</a> <a href="/acts/4-30.htm">Cure</a> <a href="/mark/8-17.htm">Dull</a> <a href="/acts/22-15.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/acts/26-18.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/matthew/13-15.htm">Gross</a> <a href="/acts/4-4.htm">Grown</a> <a href="/acts/27-16.htm">Hardly</a> <a href="/acts/9-34.htm">Heal</a> <a href="/acts/28-26.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/acts/28-26.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/acts/28-15.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/acts/26-7.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/acts/26-25.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/acts/28-6.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/matthew/24-12.htm">People's</a> <a href="/acts/28-26.htm">Perceive</a> <a href="/acts/27-42.htm">Prevent</a> <a href="/acts/27-25.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/acts/27-38.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/acts/28-26.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/acts/28-26.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/acts/13-46.htm">Waxed</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ephesians/4-19.htm">Callous</a> <a href="/isaiah/6-10.htm">Calloused</a> <a href="/romans/3-19.htm">Closed</a> <a href="/psalms/51-13.htm">Converted</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-28.htm">Cure</a> <a href="/romans/2-20.htm">Dull</a> <a href="/romans/10-18.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/romans/3-18.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-21.htm">Gross</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-6.htm">Grown</a> <a href="/romans/5-7.htm">Hardly</a> <a href="/james/5-15.htm">Heal</a> <a href="/acts/28-28.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/romans/10-17.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/romans/1-9.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/romans/1-24.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/romans/1-28.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/romans/1-21.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-5.htm">People's</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-8.htm">Perceive</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-29.htm">Prevent</a> <a href="/romans/5-12.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/romans/11-30.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/romans/7-15.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/romans/1-21.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-11.htm">Waxed</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 28</div>1. <a href="/acts/28-1.htm">Paul, after his shipwreck, is kindly entertained on Malta.</a> 5. <a href="/acts/28-5.htm">The snake on his hand hurts him not.</a> 8. <a href="/acts/28-8.htm">He heals many diseases in the island.</a> 11. <a href="/acts/28-11.htm">They depart toward Rome.</a> 17. <a href="/acts/28-17.htm">He declares to the Jews the cause of his coming.</a> 24. <a href="/acts/28-24.htm">After his preaching some were persuaded, and some believed not.</a> 30. <a href="/acts/28-30.htm">Yet he preaches there two years.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/28.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/28.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For this people’s heart has grown callous; This phrase reflects a spiritual condition where the heart becomes insensitive to God's message. In biblical context, a callous heart is often associated with stubbornness and rebellion against God (<a href="/ezekiel/3-7.htm">Ezekiel 3:7</a>). The Israelites frequently exhibited this behavior, as seen in their repeated disobedience throughout the Old Testament. The hardening of the heart is a recurring theme, notably in Pharaoh's resistance to Moses in Exodus. This condition is a warning against spiritual apathy and the dangers of ignoring divine truth.they hardly hear with their ears, This indicates a lack of spiritual perception and understanding. In the cultural context of the time, hearing was a primary means of learning and receiving instruction. The phrase suggests a deliberate refusal to listen, akin to the Israelites' rejection of the prophets. Jesus often used similar language to describe those who were spiritually deaf (<a href="/matthew/13-15.htm">Matthew 13:15</a>). The inability to hear God's word is a sign of spiritual blindness and resistance to the Holy Spirit.and they have closed their eyes. Closing one's eyes symbolizes a willful ignorance or rejection of truth. In biblical symbolism, eyes represent understanding and insight. The act of closing them indicates a conscious decision to ignore or reject God's revelation. This mirrors the behavior of the religious leaders who refused to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah. The closing of eyes is a metaphor for spiritual blindness, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/6-10.htm">Isaiah 6:10</a>, which is the source of this quotation.Otherwise they might see with their eyes, This phrase suggests the potential for spiritual awakening and enlightenment. Seeing with one's eyes implies gaining true understanding and recognizing God's work. In the New Testament, Jesus often healed physical blindness as a sign of spiritual sight (<a href="/john/9-39.htm">John 9:39</a>). The possibility of seeing indicates that repentance and acceptance of God's message can lead to spiritual clarity and salvation.hear with their ears, Hearing with ears signifies the ability to comprehend and accept God's word. In the biblical narrative, hearing is often linked to obedience and faith (<a href="/romans/10-17.htm">Romans 10:17</a>). The phrase implies that if the people were willing to listen, they could receive divine truth and guidance. This is a call to be attentive to God's voice, as exemplified by the Shema in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4</a>, which emphasizes the importance of hearing and obeying God.understand with their hearts, Understanding with the heart denotes a deep, internal comprehension that goes beyond intellectual knowledge. In Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of emotion, will, and intellect. This understanding leads to transformation and aligns one's life with God's will. The phrase echoes the promise of a new heart and spirit found in <a href="/ezekiel/36-26.htm">Ezekiel 36:26</a>, highlighting the transformative power of God's word when truly understood.and turn, Turning signifies repentance, a fundamental concept in both the Old and New Testaments. It involves a change of direction, turning away from sin and towards God. This action is essential for reconciliation with God and is a central message of the prophets and the teachings of Jesus (<a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">Matthew 4:17</a>). Repentance is the first step towards spiritual renewal and healing.and I would heal them. Healing here refers to spiritual restoration and salvation. God's promise to heal is contingent upon the people's willingness to repent and turn to Him. This healing is not just physical but encompasses the whole being, restoring the relationship between God and humanity. The concept of divine healing is prevalent throughout Scripture, from the physical healings performed by Jesus to the ultimate healing of sin through His sacrifice (<a href="/isaiah/53-5.htm">Isaiah 53:5</a>). This promise underscores God's desire for reconciliation and wholeness for His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The primary speaker in <a href="/bsb/acts/28.htm">Acts 28</a>, Paul is addressing the Jewish leaders in Rome, explaining why he has come to them and sharing the message of the Gospel. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jewish_leaders_in_rome.htm">Jewish Leaders in Rome</a> These are the individuals Paul is speaking to in this passage. They represent the Jewish community in Rome, who are curious about Paul's teachings and the sect of Christianity. 3. <a href="/topical/r/rome.htm">Rome</a> The setting of this chapter, Rome is the center of the Roman Empire and a significant location for the spread of Christianity. Paul is under house arrest here, awaiting trial. 4. <a href="/topical/i/isaiah_the_prophet.htm">Isaiah the Prophet</a> The quote in <a href="/acts/28-27.htm">Acts 28:27</a> is a reference to <a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a>, where God commissions Isaiah to speak to a people who will not understand or perceive His message. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_holy_spirit.htm">The Holy Spirit</a> The divine inspiration behind Paul's message, guiding him to use the words of Isaiah to address the spiritual condition of his audience.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_sensitivity.htm">Spiritual Sensitivity</a> We must guard against becoming spiritually callous. Regular self-examination and repentance keep our hearts sensitive to God's voice. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a> The Holy Spirit is essential in opening our eyes and ears to understand God's truth. We should pray for His guidance and illumination. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_rejection.htm">The Danger of Rejection</a> Persistent rejection of God's message can lead to a hardened heart. We should be quick to respond to God's call and not delay obedience. <a href="/topical/t/the_promise_of_healing.htm">The Promise of Healing</a> God promises healing and restoration to those who turn to Him. This is a message of hope and encouragement for all who seek Him. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_scripture.htm">The Importance of Scripture</a> Understanding and applying Scripture is crucial for spiritual growth. We should diligently study the Bible and seek to apply its truths in our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_28.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 28</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_spiritual_authority.htm">What defines spiritual authority?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_brain_differences_affect_spirituality.htm">Why do some people lack a sense of spirituality due to brain differences?</a> <a href="/q/is_paul's_malta_healing_in_acts_28_credible.htm">How credible is the account of Paul miraculously healing many people on Malta in Acts 28:8-9 without any contemporary corroboration?</a> <a href="/q/did_jesus_appear_to_12_or_11_disciples.htm">How many disciples did Jesus appear to after his resurrection: Twelve (1 Cor 15:5) or Eleven (Matt 27:3-5; Acts 1:9-26; Matt 28:16; Mark 16:14; Luke 24:9, 33)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/28.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 27. - This people's heart for the heart of this people, A.V.; they have for have they, A.V.; lest haply they should perceive for lest they should see, A.V.; turn again for be con-vetted, A.V. This people's heart, etc. So the LXX. But the Hebrew has the imperative form, "make fat.," "make heavy.... shut," in the prophetical style (comp. <a href="/jeremiah/1-10.htm">Jeremiah 1:10</a>). They have closed (ἐκάμμυσαν). The verb καμμύω, contracted from καταμύω (μύω, to close, from the action of the lips in pronouncing the sound μυ), means "to shut" or "close" the eyes. It is found repeatedly in the LXX., and, in the form καταμύω, in classical writers. The word "mystery" is etymologically connected with it. The word here expresses the willfulness of their unbelief: "Ye will not come to me that ye might have life." <a href="/commentaries/acts/28-27.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. this τούτου (toutou) Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. people’s λαοῦ (laou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2992.htm">Strong's 2992: </a> Apparently a primary word; a people. heart καρδία (kardia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2588.htm">Strong's 2588: </a> Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. has grown callous; ἐπαχύνθη (epachynthē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3975.htm">Strong's 3975: </a> To fatten, thicken; pass. fig: I become stupid, dull, unfeeling. From a derivative of pegnumi; to thicken, i.e. to fatten. they hardly hear ἤκουσαν (ēkousan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. with [their] τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. ears, ὠσὶν (ōsin) Noun - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3775.htm">Strong's 3775: </a> (a) the ear, (b) met: the faculty of perception. Apparently a primary word; the ear. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. they have closed ἐκάμμυσαν (ekammysan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2576.htm">Strong's 2576: </a> To close, shut the eyes. From a compound of kata and the base of musterion; to shut down, i.e. Close the eyes. their αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. eyes. ὀφθαλμοὺς (ophthalmous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3788.htm">Strong's 3788: </a> The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy. Otherwise μή‿ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. they might see ἴδωσιν (idōsin) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. with [their] τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. eyes, ὀφθαλμοῖς (ophthalmois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3788.htm">Strong's 3788: </a> The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy. hear ἀκούσωσιν (akousōsin) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. with [their] τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. ears, ὠσὶν (ōsin) Noun - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3775.htm">Strong's 3775: </a> (a) the ear, (b) met: the faculty of perception. Apparently a primary word; the ear. understand συνῶσιν (synōsin) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4920.htm">Strong's 4920: </a> To consider, understand, perceive. From sun and hiemi; to put together, i.e. to comprehend; by implication, to act piously. with [their] τῇ (tē) Article - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. hearts, καρδίᾳ (kardia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2588.htm">Strong's 2588: </a> Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. turn, ἐπιστρέψωσιν (epistrepsōsin) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1994.htm">Strong's 1994: </a> From epi and strepho; to revert. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. I would heal ἰάσομαι (iasomai) Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2390.htm">Strong's 2390: </a> To heal, generally of the physical, sometimes of spiritual, disease. Middle voice of apparently a primary verb; to cure. them.’ αὐτούς (autous) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/28-27.htm">Acts 28:27 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/28-27.htm">Acts 28:27 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/28-27.htm">Acts 28:27 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/28-27.htm">Acts 28:27 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/28-27.htm">Acts 28:27 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/28-27.htm">Acts 28:27 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/28-27.htm">Acts 28:27 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/28-27.htm">Acts 28:27 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/28-27.htm">Acts 28:27 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/28-27.htm">Acts 28:27 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/28-27.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 28:27 For this people's heart has grown callous (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/28-26.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 28:26"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 28:26" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/28-28.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 28:28"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 28:28" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>