Acts 28:26

KJV

Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:

KJV (with Strong's)

Saying {G3004}, Go {G4198} unto {G4314} this {G5126} people {G2992}, and {G2532} say {G2036}, Hearing {G189} ye shall hear {G191}, and {G2532} shall {G4920} not {G3364} understand {G4920}; and {G2532} seeing {G991} ye shall see {G991}, and {G2532} not {G3364} perceive {G1492}:

Complete Jewish Bible

‘Go to this people and say,
“You will keep on hearing but never understand,
and you will keep on seeing but never perceive,

Berean Standard Bible

‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.”

American Standard Version

saying, Go thou unto this people, and say, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall in no wise understand; And seeing ye shall see, and shall in no wise perceive:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 28:26 records the Apostle Paul's somber declaration to the Jewish leaders in Rome, a direct quotation from Isaiah 6:9-10. This pivotal verse encapsulates the tragic spiritual condition of those who, despite direct exposure to divine truth through hearing and seeing, remain unable to comprehend or accept it, highlighting a profound and persistent spiritual blindness that marked a significant turning point in the early propagation of the gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the book of Acts, marking the culmination of Paul’s ministry as recorded by Luke. Having arrived in Rome under house arrest, Paul's immediate priority was to engage with the leading Jews, explaining his imprisonment as being "for the hope of Israel" ([Acts 28:20](/acts/28-20 "Acts 28:20 - Paul's Reason for Imprisonment")). He spent an entire day expounding the kingdom of God and persuading them about Jesus, drawing evidence from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets ([Acts 28:23](/acts/28-23 "Acts 28:23 - Paul Preaches in Rome")). Despite his earnest efforts, a significant division emerged among them, with some believing and others rejecting his message. It is in response to this persistent unbelief and division that Paul utters the words of [Acts 28:26-27](/acts/28-26-27 "Acts 28:26-27 - Paul Quotes Isaiah"), signaling a profound shift in the narrative of the early church's outreach. This quotation serves as a prophetic explanation for their rejection and immediately precedes Paul's declaration that salvation would now be sent to the Gentiles ([Acts 28:28](/acts/28-28 "Acts 28:28 - Salvation Sent to the Gentiles")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's arrival in Rome was the fulfillment of his long-held desire and a divine directive to bear witness to Christ in the imperial capital ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord Appears to Paul")). At this time, Rome had a significant Jewish population, and the synagogue was often the first point of contact for gospel proclamation. The Jewish leaders Paul addressed were representatives of this community, steeped in the traditions of the Law and the Prophets, and awaiting the Messiah. However, their expectation was often for a political deliverer rather than a suffering servant. The cultural context involved a deep-seated national identity tied to their covenant with God, which made it challenging for many to accept a Messiah who did not conform to their preconceived notions, particularly one who was crucified. Paul's quotation from Isaiah was not new to them; it was a familiar prophecy from their own scriptures, yet its application to their current spiritual state was profoundly challenging and culturally confrontational, implying that their spiritual dullness was a long-standing, divinely observed pattern within Israel.

* **Key Themes:** The passage significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Spiritual Blindness and Hardness of Heart**. Despite having the Law and Prophets, and now the direct proclamation of the gospel by an apostle, many within Israel demonstrated an inability to truly comprehend or respond to divine truth. This is not merely intellectual ignorance but a spiritual recalcitrance, a willful refusal to perceive what is evident, as described in [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9-10 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - The Prophet's Commission and Israel's Hardness"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Prophetic Fulfillment**. Paul's use of Isaiah's prophecy highlights that the Jewish people's rejection of the Messiah was not unforeseen but was part of God's sovereign plan, foretold centuries earlier. This theme is echoed by Jesus Himself, who used the same prophecy to explain why He taught in parables, to reveal truth to some while veiling it from others ([Matthew 13:14-15](/matthew/13-14-15 "Matthew 13:14-15 - Jesus Explains Parables")). Finally, and perhaps most significantly for the book of Acts, this verse serves as a crucial theological justification for **The Turning to the Gentiles**. Paul's declaration in [Acts 28:28](/acts/28-28 "Acts 28:28 - Salvation Sent to the Gentiles") directly follows this quotation, signifying that because many Jews rejected the message, God's salvation would now be extended more fully to the Gentiles, who would be receptive. This marks a pivotal shift in the trajectory of the gospel's propagation, from primarily Jewish audiences to the wider Gentile world, fulfilling ancient prophecies of Gentile inclusion ([Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Gentiles")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hearing (Greek, _akoḗ'_):** From G191 (akoúō), this word refers to the act of hearing, the sense of hearing, or the thing heard. In this context, it emphasizes the physical reception of sound, specifically the words of Paul and, by extension, the words of God. The repetition "Hearing ye shall hear" (from _akoḗ_ and _akoúō_) stresses the undeniable fact that the message was indeed delivered and audibly received, yet without the intended spiritual effect.
* **understand (Greek, _syníēmi'_):** From G4920, meaning "to put together" or "to comprehend mentally." By implication, it can also mean "to act piously" or "to be wise." Here, it signifies the lack of spiritual discernment or comprehension. Despite hearing, they fail to integrate the information, to grasp its true meaning, or to respond with spiritual wisdom. This indicates a deficiency not in intellect, but in spiritual receptivity.
* **perceive (Greek, _eídō'_):** From G1492, a primary verb meaning "to see (literally or figuratively)." By implication, in the perfect tense, it means "to know." This word highlights the failure of spiritual perception. Just as "hearing" refers to the auditory input, "seeing" (from G991, _blépō_) refers to visual input, and "perceive" refers to the cognitive and spiritual processing of that input. The inability to "perceive" means they fail to recognize the spiritual reality or truth that is laid before their eyes, leading to a lack of saving knowledge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Saying, Go unto this people, and say,"**: This initial phrase establishes the divine mandate behind Paul's words. Paul is not speaking his own opinion but delivering a message given to him, ultimately from God, as it is a direct quotation from the prophet Isaiah. The command "Go unto this people" highlights the specific target audience – the Jewish people – with whom God had a covenant relationship, making their spiritual condition all the more poignant.
* **"Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand;"**: This clause describes the auditory aspect of their spiritual condition. It emphasizes a paradox: they will physically hear the message (the repetition "Hearing ye shall hear" intensifies this), but they will not grasp its true spiritual meaning. Their ears are open to sound, but their hearts and minds are closed to comprehension, leading to a failure to internalize or respond to the truth.
* **"and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:"**: This clause parallels the previous one, focusing on the visual aspect. They will physically see the evidence, the miracles, the life and ministry of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit through the apostles, but they will fail to spiritually discern or recognize what these signs truly signify. Their eyes are open to sights, but their spiritual perception is dulled, preventing them from acknowledging the divine reality before them.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 28:26 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound message. The most prominent is **Prophetic Quotation**, as Paul directly cites [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9-10 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - The Prophet's Commission and Israel's Hardness"). This device lends immense authority and weight to Paul's words, demonstrating that the spiritual condition he observes in his contemporary Jewish audience is not new but a fulfillment of ancient prophecy, underscoring God's sovereign knowledge and plan. The verse also employs striking **Parallelism** and **Repetition** ("Hearing ye shall hear... seeing ye shall see"). This Hebrew poetic structure intensifies the paradox and emphasizes the absolute certainty of the outcome: despite sensory input, there will be no spiritual comprehension. This creates a powerful **Irony**, where the very faculties designed for reception (ears for hearing, eyes for seeing) become instruments of non-reception due to a hardened heart. Furthermore, the passage presents a profound **Paradox**: the act of hearing and seeing leads not to understanding and perception, but to their absence. This highlights a spiritual inability that transcends mere intellectual capacity, pointing to a deeper, volitional resistance to truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 28:26 serves as a theological linchpin in the narrative of salvation history, illustrating the tragic reality of spiritual blindness that can afflict even those most privileged to receive God's revelation. It underscores the biblical truth that mere exposure to divine truth is insufficient for salvation; true understanding and perception require a work of the Holy Spirit and a receptive heart. This passage connects deeply with the theme of God's sovereignty in revealing truth and humanity's responsibility in responding to it. While God foreknew and even ordained this spiritual dullness as a consequence of persistent rebellion, it does not negate human culpability. It also highlights the continuity of God's dealings with Israel, where a pattern of hearing without heeding, and seeing without perceiving, is consistently observed throughout their history, culminating in their rejection of the Messiah. This rejection, however, providentially opens the door for the inclusion of the Gentiles, demonstrating God's expansive redemptive plan.

* [Deuteronomy 29:4](/deuteronomy/29-4 "Deuteronomy 29:4 - God Has Not Given Them a Heart to Understand")
* [Jeremiah 5:21](/jeremiah/5-21 "Jeremiah 5:21 - A Foolish and Senseless People")
* [Romans 11:7-8](/romans/11-7-8 "Romans 11:7-8 - Israel's Hardening")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 28:26 offers a sobering reflection on the nature of spiritual receptivity and the consequences of persistent unbelief. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we truly hearing and seeing God's truth, or are we merely going through the motions, allowing spiritual apathy to dull our senses? The verse reminds us that intellectual assent or mere exposure to biblical teaching is not enough; genuine understanding requires an open heart, a willingness to be transformed, and the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit. For those who proclaim the gospel, it provides a realistic perspective on the challenges of evangelism, acknowledging that not all will receive the message, even when presented clearly and powerfully. It calls us to pray for spiritual awakening in ourselves and others, recognizing that the ability to truly "understand" and "perceive" is a gift of God's grace, and to share the good news faithfully, trusting God with the results.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "hearing" or "seeing" God's truth, yet failing to "understand" or "perceive" its implications for my life?**
* **How does this verse challenge my assumptions about how people come to faith or respond to the gospel message?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a more receptive heart and mind to God's Word, ensuring I am not merely hearing but truly understanding and perceiving?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean God actively prevents people from understanding the truth?**

Answer: This verse, a quotation from [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9-10 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - The Prophet's Commission and Israel's Hardness"), describes a judicial hardening by God, but it's crucial to understand the context. This hardening is not arbitrary but is a consequence of persistent, willful rebellion and rejection of God's prior revelation. God, in His sovereignty, allows and even uses humanity's persistent unbelief to fulfill His broader redemptive purposes, such as turning to the Gentiles as seen in [Acts 28:28](/acts/28-28 "Acts 28:28 - Salvation Sent to the Gentiles"). It reflects a divine judgment where continued rejection of light leads to greater darkness, rather than an initial, unprovoked act of God to prevent understanding. It's a response to human obstinacy, not its cause.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 28:26 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus, who perfectly embodies the divine truth that many in Israel failed to comprehend. Jesus Himself quoted this very prophecy from Isaiah to explain why He spoke in parables ([Matthew 13:10-15](/matthew/13-10-15 "Matthew 13:10-15 - The Purpose of Parables")), revealing that His teaching method was designed to both illuminate truth for those with receptive hearts and obscure it from those who willfully closed their eyes and ears. He is the "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), yet many "loved darkness rather than light" ([John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - Men Loved Darkness")). The spiritual blindness described in Isaiah and reiterated by Paul is precisely what Jesus came to heal, offering "sight to the blind" ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Nazareth Sermon")). His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate revelation of God's redemptive plan, yet for those whose hearts remained hardened, even the Son of God standing before them could not break through their spiritual dullness. Thus, this verse highlights the profound tragedy of rejecting the very one who offers true understanding and spiritual perception, underscoring the necessity of Christ as the sole source of genuine spiritual enlightenment and salvation ([2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - God's Light in Our Hearts")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 6:9

¶ And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.

Isaiah 6:10

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.

Ezekiel 12:2

Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they [are] a rebellious house.

Isaiah 42:19

Who [is] blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger [that] I sent? who [is] blind as [he that is] perfect, and blind as the LORD'S servant?

Isaiah 42:20

Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not.

Matthew 13:14

And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:

Matthew 13:15

For this people's heart is waxed gross, and [their] ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.