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>Isaiah 42:20 Though seeing many things, you do not keep watch. Though your ears are open, you do not hear."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/42-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/23_Isa_42_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 42:20 - Israel is Deaf and Blind" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Though seeing many things, you do not keep watch. Though your ears are open, you do not hear." /><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/isaiah/42-20.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/isaiah/42-20.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="/isaiah/">Isaiah</a> > <a href="/isaiah/42.htm">Chapter 42</a> > Verse 20</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="/ad20.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="/isaiah/42-19.htm" title="Isaiah 42:19">◄</a> Isaiah 42:20 <a href="/isaiah/42-21.htm" title="Isaiah 42:21">►</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"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/isaiah/42.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/isaiah/42.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />You have seen many things, but you pay no attention; your ears are open, but you do not listen.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/isaiah/42.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />You see and recognize what is right but refuse to act on it. You hear with your ears, but you don’t really listen.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/42.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />He sees many things, but does not observe them; his ears are open, but he does not hear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/42.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Though seeing many things, you do not keep watch. Though your ears are open, you do not hear.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/42.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/42.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Seeing many things, but you do not observe; Opening the ears, but he does not hear.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/42.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />You have seen many things, but you do not retain <i>them;</i> <i>Your</i> ears are open, but no one hears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/42.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />You have seen many things, but you do not observe them; Your ears are open, but none hears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/42.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />You have seen many things, but you do not observe <i>them;</i> <i>Your</i> ears are open, but none hears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/42.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />You have seen many things, but you do not keep <i>them</i>; <i>Your</i> ears are open, but none hears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/42.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />You have seen many things, but you do not observe them; <i>Your</i> ears are open, but no one hears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/42.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Though seeing many things, you pay no attention. Though his ears are open, he does not listen.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/42.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Though seeing many things, you do not obey. Though his ears are open, he does not listen.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/42.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Thou seest many things, but thou observest not; his ears are open, but he heareth not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/42.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />who sees and hears so much, but pays no attention. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/42.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Thou seest many things, but thou observest not; his ears are open, but he heareth not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/42.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />You have seen much, but you do not observe anything. Your ears are open, but you hear nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/isaiah/42.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Israel, you have seen so much, but what has it meant to you? You have ears to hear with, but what have you really heard?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/42.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />You've seen many things, but you pay no attention. His ears are open, but he doesn't listen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/42.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Though seeing many things, you do not keep watch. Though your ears are open, you do not hear.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/42.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You see many things, but don't comprehend; their ears are open, but do not hear." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/42.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />You see many things, but do not observe. His ears are open, but he doesn't listen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/42.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/42.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />You see many things, but don’t observe. His ears are open, but he doesn’t listen. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/42.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Seeing many things, and you do not observe, "" Opening ears, and he does not hear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/42.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Seeing many things, and thou observest not, Opening ears, and he heareth not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/42.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Seeing many things, and thou wilt not watch; opening the ears, and he will not bear.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/42.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />20. Thou that seest many things, wilt thou not observe them? thou that hast ears open, wilt thou not hear? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/42.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />You who see many things, will you not keep them? You who have open ears, will you not listen?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/42.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You see many things but do not observe; ears open, but do not hear. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/42.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He sees many things, but does not observe them; his ears are open, but he does not hear.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/42.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I gave you counsel, but you observed it not; I opened your ears, but you heard not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/42.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />I beheld much and you do not observe, and I opened ears and you are not hearing<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/42.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Seeing many things, thou observest not; Opening the ears, he heareth not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/42.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Ye have often seen, and have not taken heed; <i>your</i> ears have been opened, and ye have not heard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/42-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=9300" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/42.htm">Israel is Deaf and Blind</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>Who is blind but My servant, or deaf like the messenger I am sending? Who is blind like My covenant partner, or blind like the servant of the LORD? <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rå̄·ʾī·ṯå̄ (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">Though seeing</a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: rab·bō·wṯ (Adj-fp) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">many things,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">you do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: ṯiš·mōr (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">keep watch.</a> <a href="/hebrew/241.htm" title="241: ’ā·zə·na·yim (N-fd) -- An ear. From 'azan; broadness. I.e. the ear.">Though your ears</a> <a href="/hebrew/6491.htm" title="6491: pā·qō·w·aḥ (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To open, to be observant. A primitive root; to open; figuratively, to be observant.">are open,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">you do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: yiš·mā‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">hear.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>The LORD was pleased, for the sake of His righteousness, to magnify His law and make it glorious.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-21.htm">Jeremiah 5:21</a></span><br />“Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-14.htm">Matthew 13:14-15</a></span><br />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.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/12-2.htm">Ezekiel 12:2</a></span><br />“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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/8-18.htm">Mark 8:18</a></span><br />‘Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear?’ And do you not remember?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-8.htm">Romans 11:8</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/29-4.htm">Deuteronomy 29:4</a></span><br />Yet to this day the LORD has not given you a mind to understand, eyes to see, or ears to hear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-40.htm">John 12:40</a></span><br />“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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/28-26.htm">Acts 28:26-27</a></span><br />‘Go to this people and say, “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.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/115-5.htm">Psalm 115:5-6</a></span><br />They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/135-16.htm">Psalm 135:16-17</a></span><br />They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/3-14.htm">2 Corinthians 3:14-15</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/7-11.htm">Zechariah 7:11-12</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14</a></span><br />Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/8-10.htm">Luke 8:10</a></span><br />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.’</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Seeing many things, but you observe not; opening the ears, but he hears not.</p><p class="hdg">seeing</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/1-3.htm">Isaiah 1:3</a></b></br> The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: <i>but</i> Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/48-6.htm">Isaiah 48:6-8</a></b></br> Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare <i>it</i>? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/14-22.htm">Numbers 14:22</a></b></br> Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;</p><p class="hdg">opening</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/58-2.htm">Isaiah 58:2</a></b></br> Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/42-2.htm">Jeremiah 42:2-5</a></b></br> And said unto Jeremiah the prophet, Let, we beseech thee, our supplication be accepted before thee, and pray for us unto the LORD thy God, <i>even</i> for all this remnant; (for we are left <i>but</i> a few of many, as thine eyes do behold us:) … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/33-31.htm">Ezekiel 33:31</a></b></br> And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee <i>as</i> my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, <i>but</i> their heart goeth after their covetousness.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/41-22.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-19.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-18.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-26.htm">Heareth</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-6.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-26.htm">Hears</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-17.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-20.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-1.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/job/13-27.htm">Observest</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-18.htm">Open</a> <a href="/isaiah/35-5.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-14.htm">Opening</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-2.htm">Paid</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-19.htm">Seest</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/42-23.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-8.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-23.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-23.htm">Heareth</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-1.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/jeremiah/19-3.htm">Hears</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-2.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-18.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-10.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/job/13-27.htm">Observest</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-1.htm">Open</a> <a href="/isaiah/48-8.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Opening</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-25.htm">Paid</a> <a href="/isaiah/58-3.htm">Seest</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 42</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/42-1.htm">The office of Christ, graced with meekness and constancy.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/42-5.htm">God's promise unto him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/42-10.htm">An exhortation to praise God for his Gospel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/42-13.htm">God will manifest himself, and check idolatry</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/42-18.htm">He reproves the people of incredulity.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/isaiah/42.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/isaiah/42.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Though seeing many things,</b><br>This phrase highlights the spiritual blindness of the people. Despite witnessing numerous signs and wonders, they fail to perceive God's work. This echoes the condition of Israel throughout the Old Testament, where they repeatedly saw God's miracles yet turned away (e.g., <a href="/exodus/14-31.htm">Exodus 14:31</a>; <a href="/psalms/78-11.htm">Psalm 78:11-12</a>). It also foreshadows the New Testament, where Jesus performs miracles, yet many do not believe (<a href="/john/12-37.htm">John 12:37-40</a>).<p><b>you do not keep watch.</b><br>The call to "keep watch" suggests vigilance and attentiveness to God's actions and commands. In the cultural context, watchmen were crucial for a city's safety, symbolizing spiritual alertness (<a href="/ezekiel/3-17.htm">Ezekiel 3:17</a>). The failure to keep watch indicates a neglect of spiritual duties and a lack of discernment, similar to the parable of the ten virgins in <a href="/matthew/25.htm">Matthew 25:1-13</a>, where some were unprepared for the bridegroom's arrival.<p><b>Though your ears are open,</b><br>This phrase suggests an ability to hear physically but a failure to understand or heed spiritually. It reflects the condition of the Israelites who heard the prophets but did not obey (<a href="/jeremiah/6-10.htm">Jeremiah 6:10</a>). In the New Testament, Jesus often says, "He who has ears, let him hear" (<a href="/matthew/11-15.htm">Matthew 11:15</a>), emphasizing the need for spiritual receptivity.<p><b>you do not hear.”</b><br>The inability to hear spiritually is a recurring theme in Scripture, indicating a hardened heart (<a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a>). This condition is not just a lack of understanding but a willful rejection of God's message. It parallels the Pharisees' response to Jesus, who, despite hearing His teachings, refused to accept Him as the Messiah (<a href="/john/9-39.htm">John 9:39-41</a>). This phrase serves as a warning to remain open and responsive to God's voice.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaiah.htm">Isaiah</a></b><br>A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is traditionally credited with writing the Book of Isaiah. His prophecies often addressed the spiritual blindness and deafness of Israel.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation to whom Isaiah's message was primarily directed. Israel is often depicted as God's chosen people who frequently turned away from Him.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The speaker in this passage, expressing His frustration with Israel's lack of spiritual perception despite having been given the law and the prophets.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/prophetic_ministry.htm">Prophetic Ministry</a></b><br>The context of Isaiah's ministry, which involved calling Israel back to faithfulness and warning them of the consequences of their disobedience.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/messianic_prophecy.htm">Messianic Prophecy</a></b><br>Isaiah 42 is part of a larger section that includes prophecies about the coming Messiah, who would bring justice and healing.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_awareness.htm">Spiritual Awareness</a></b><br>We must cultivate a heart that is open to God's voice, actively seeking to understand His will and purpose for our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/active_listening.htm">Active Listening</a></b><br>Hearing God's word is not enough; we must also listen with the intent to obey and apply His teachings in our daily lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a></b><br>Regularly examine your spiritual life to ensure you are not spiritually blind or deaf to God's guidance and correction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responsibility_of_knowledge.htm">Responsibility of Knowledge</a></b><br>With the privilege of knowing God's word comes the responsibility to act upon it. We are accountable for what we have seen and heard.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">Role of the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>Depend on the Holy Spirit to open your eyes and ears to the truth of God's word, enabling you to live a life that honors Him.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_42.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 42</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_the_bible_view_evil.htm">How does the Bible explain evil and suffering?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_live_for_christ's_return.htm">How should we live in anticipation of Christ's return?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_psalm_12_5_with_ongoing_suffering.htm">How do we resolve the seeming conflict between Psalm 12:5, where God promises protection for the poor, and other biblical passages where the suffering of the righteous continues unabated?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_indescribable_gift.htm">Will you come, Lord Jesus?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/42.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) <span class= "bld">Seeing many things . . .</span>--With a clear vision into the future, the prophet sees that the future Israel will be as far from the ideal as his contemporaries had been. In the actual work of <span class= "ital">the </span>Servant we find the fulfilment of his vision. Scribes and Pharisees are as those who "learn nothing and forget nothing," on whom all the lessons of experience are cast away, reproducing the state from which Isaiah started (<a href="/isaiah/6-10.htm" title="Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.">Isaiah 6:10</a>; <a href="/matthew/13-14.htm" title="And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which said, By hearing you shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you shall see, and shall not perceive:">Matthew 13:14</a>; <a href="/mark/4-12.htm" title="That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.">Mark 4:12</a>; <a href="/luke/8-10.htm" title="And he said, To you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.">Luke 8:10</a>; <a href="/john/12-40.htm" title="He has blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.">John 12:40</a>; <a href="/acts/28-26.htm" title="Saying, Go to this people, and say, Hearing you shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you shall see, and not perceive:">Acts 28:26</a>). The transfer of the words to the sufferings of the Christ, who bore them as though He neither heard nor saw, is scarcely tenable. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/42.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Seeing many things</span>, but, etc. Israel had "seen many things;" <span class="accented">i.e.</span> passed through a long experience, but not profited by it - not been "observant," as they should have been. They had had their ears open in a certain sense, and heard the words that the prophets addressed to them, but had not taken in their true import. (The mixture of persons is like that in <a href="/isaiah/1-29.htm">Isaiah 1:29</a> and Isaiah 14:30.) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/42-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Though seeing</span><br /><span class="heb">רָא֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(rā·’ō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">many things,</span><br /><span class="heb">רַבּ֖וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(rab·bō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> </span><span class="str2">Much, many, great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you do not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">observe.</span><br /><span class="heb">תִשְׁמֹ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(ṯiš·mōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Though your ears</span><br /><span class="heb">אָזְנַ֖יִם</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·zə·na·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - fd<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_241.htm">Strong's 241: </a> </span><span class="str2">Broadness, the ear</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are open,</span><br /><span class="heb">פָּק֥וֹחַ</span> <span class="translit">(pā·qō·w·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6491.htm">Strong's 6491: </a> </span><span class="str2">To open, to be observant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you hear</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׁמָֽע׃</span> <span class="translit">(yiš·mā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">nothing.”</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/42-20.htm">Isaiah 42:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/42-20.htm">Isaiah 42:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/42-20.htm">Isaiah 42:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/42-20.htm">Isaiah 42:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/42-20.htm">Isaiah 42:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/42-20.htm">Isaiah 42:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/42-20.htm">Isaiah 42:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/42-20.htm">Isaiah 42:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/42-20.htm">Isaiah 42:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/42-20.htm">Isaiah 42:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/42-20.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 42:20 You see many things but don't observe (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/42-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 42:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 42:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/42-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 42:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 42:21" /></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>