Isaiah 32:3

KJV

And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear shall hearken.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the eyes {H5869} of them that see {H7200} shall not be dim {H8159}, and the ears {H241} of them that hear {H8085} shall hearken {H7181}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The eyes of those seeing will not be closed, the ears of those hearing will pay close attention.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen.

American Standard Version

And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear shall hearken.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 32:3 presents a profound prophetic vision of spiritual restoration and clarity, declaring that "And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear shall hearken." This verse anticipates a transformative era, ushered in by a righteous king, where humanity's spiritual perception and responsiveness to divine truth will be supernaturally renewed, reversing previous conditions of spiritual blindness and deafness. It speaks to a future marked by clear discernment and active obedience to God's voice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 32:3 is embedded within a significant prophetic section (Isaiah 32:1-8) that foretells the coming reign of a just and righteous king. This king, widely understood as the Messiah, will establish a kingdom characterized by justice, security, and spiritual flourishing. The preceding verses (Isaiah 32:1-2) describe this ruler as a "hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land." This imagery conveys protection, refreshment, and stability. Verse 3 then directly articulates a spiritual consequence of this righteous reign: the people will experience a profound opening of their spiritual senses, enabling them to truly see and hear divine realities, which stands in stark contrast to the spiritual dullness described elsewhere in Isaiah (e.g., [the prophecy of a hardened heart in Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9-10 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - The Commission to Prophesy to a Hardened People")). The subsequent verses (Isaiah 32:4-8) continue to elaborate on the moral and intellectual transformation that will occur under this king's rule, where the rash will understand, the stammering will speak plainly, and the foolish will no longer be esteemed.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah's prophecies were delivered during a tumultuous period for Judah, marked by political instability, threats from Assyria, and widespread spiritual decline. The people often relied on human alliances rather than trusting in God, leading to moral decay and a lack of discernment. Spiritually, many were "blind" to God's truth and "deaf" to His commands, despite the prophets' warnings. The cultural landscape was one where true justice was often perverted, and the poor and needy were oppressed. In this context, the promise of a righteous king and a time of spiritual awakening would have offered immense hope. It spoke to a yearning for a return to covenant faithfulness and a society governed by divine principles, where the people would once again be attuned to the voice of God, unlike the spiritual apathy that characterized much of Israel's history, as seen in passages like [the cycles of disobedience and deliverance in Judges 2:11-19](/judges/2-11-19 "Judges 2:11-19 - Cycles of Disobedience and Deliverance")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in Isaiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Spiritual Illumination and Discernment**, promising a divinely enabled capacity to understand God's truth, discern His will, and perceive spiritual realities previously obscured. Secondly, it emphasizes **Active Attentiveness and Obedience**, as "shall hearken" implies not just passive hearing but an earnest, responsive listening that leads to obedience, a quality often lacking in Israel's history (cf. [the consequences of disobedience in Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")). Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Messianic Blessing** as the source of this transformation; the profound clarity of perception and spiritual responsiveness are direct results of the righteous reign of the promised king, echoing the hope for a new covenant where God's law is written on hearts, as prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). Lastly, it signifies a dramatic **Reversal of Spiritual Dullness**, standing in stark contrast to earlier prophecies lamenting Israel's spiritual blindness and deafness (e.g., [Isaiah 6:10](/isaiah/6-10 "Isaiah 6:10 - The Purpose of Isaiah's Message")), foretelling a time when understanding will no longer be hindered.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **eyes (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_):** From H5869, this word literally refers to the physical eye but is frequently used figuratively in Hebrew to denote perception, understanding, discernment, and even the source of light (like a fountain). In this context, "eyes" signifies the faculty of spiritual perception and insight, the means by which one apprehends truth. The promise that these eyes "shall not be dim" speaks to a restoration of clear, unobstructed spiritual vision, allowing for true understanding of divine realities.
* **dim (Hebrew, _shâʻâh'_):** From H8159, this root means to gaze at or about, to inspect, consider, or even to be bewildered. In its negative form, as used here ("shall not be dim"), it implies a state of being unfocused, impaired, or bewildered in one's perception. The promise is that this spiritual haziness or lack of clarity will be removed, replaced by sharp, precise spiritual sight, enabling a clear apprehension of divine realities.
* **hearken (Hebrew, _qâshab'_):** From H7181, this word means to prick up the ears, to attend closely, to give heed, or to listen intently. It denotes more than just passive hearing; it implies an active, focused, and receptive listening that leads to understanding and often, obedience. The promise that ears "shall hearken" signifies a restored spiritual receptivity and a willingness to respond obediently to God's word and instruction, a profound transformation from spiritual deafness and apathy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim":** This clause prophesies a profound restoration of spiritual vision. It suggests that those who possess the capacity for spiritual sight—those who are meant to perceive divine truth—will no longer suffer from impairment or obscurity in their understanding. Their perception will be sharp, clear, and unhindered, enabling them to truly discern God's ways and purposes. This implies a divine intervention that removes spiritual blindness and confusion, allowing for a direct and unclouded apprehension of God's revelation.
* **"and the ears of them that hear shall hearken":** This second clause complements the first, focusing on the faculty of hearing and responsiveness. It promises that those who are meant to hear God's voice and instruction will not only perceive it but will do so with active attention and receptivity. "Hearken" implies a deep, obedient listening, a willingness to incline one's ear to divine truth and to respond accordingly. This signifies a reversal of spiritual deafness and apathy, leading to genuine spiritual responsiveness and a life characterized by intentional obedience to divine instruction.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 32:3 effectively employs several **literary devices** to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the two clauses of the verse ("the eyes of them that see shall not be dim" and "the ears of them that hear shall hearken") express similar ideas using different but related imagery. This repetition reinforces the central theme of restored spiritual senses, emphasizing both perception and response. Furthermore, the verse uses **Metaphor** extensively, as "eyes" and "ears" are not merely physical organs but stand metaphorically for spiritual perception, understanding, and responsiveness. The "dimness" of eyes and the act of "hearkening" for ears are also metaphorical for spiritual impairment and active spiritual receptivity, respectively. There is also an implicit **Contrast** with the prevailing spiritual dullness and disobedience that Isaiah frequently laments in his prophecies, highlighting the dramatic and hopeful reversal that the coming Messianic era will bring.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 32:3 speaks powerfully to the biblical theme of divine revelation and humanity's capacity to receive it. It underscores that true spiritual understanding and responsiveness are not merely human achievements but divine gifts, enabled by God's Spirit, particularly under the reign of His righteous King. This prophecy anticipates a time when the veil of spiritual blindness, a consequence of sin and rebellion, will be lifted, allowing God's people to walk in the light of His truth. It points to the transformative power of God's presence, which not only brings external peace and justice but also internal renewal, enabling a deep, intimate relationship with the divine through clear perception and obedient listening. This spiritual awakening is a hallmark of God's eschatological kingdom, where His people will truly know Him.

* [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts")
* [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - The Promise of a New Heart and Spirit")
* [2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed by Beholding the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 32:3 offers profound encouragement and a call to spiritual intentionality for believers today. It reminds us that our ability to truly see and hear God's truth is a precious gift, not something we achieve by sheer human effort alone. In a world saturated with noise and distractions, and often clouded by spiritual confusion, this verse beckons us to pray earnestly for divine illumination—for God to open our spiritual eyes to discern His will and His truth in Scripture and in our lives. It also challenges us to cultivate a posture of active attentiveness, to "hearken" with a receptive heart, not just passively hear. This means diligently engaging with God's Word, seeking quiet moments for prayer and meditation, and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's promptings. When our spiritual senses are un-dimmed and our ears are inclined to hear, we are better equipped to navigate life's complexities, make wise decisions, and live in obedience to God, experiencing the fullness of His transforming presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I feel my spiritual "eyes" might be dim or my "ears" slow to hearken?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a greater posture of attentiveness and receptivity to God's voice and truth?**
* **How does the promise of spiritual clarity in this verse encourage me in my pursuit of knowing God more deeply?**
* **How can I pray for myself and others to experience the fulfillment of this prophecy in our daily walk with Christ?**

### FAQ
**What does "dim" mean in the context of spiritual sight?**

Answer: In Isaiah 32:3, "dim" (Hebrew: *shâʻâh*) refers to a state of spiritual impairment, obscurity, or lack of clarity. It's not about physical blindness but a spiritual inability to perceive, understand, or discern divine truth clearly. It implies a haziness or bewilderment in spiritual vision, preventing one from grasping God's ways and purposes. The promise that eyes "shall not be dim" signifies a supernatural restoration of sharp, unobstructed spiritual insight, enabling true spiritual understanding, a stark contrast to the spiritual dullness described in [Isaiah 6:10](/isaiah/6-10 "Isaiah 6:10 - The Prophecy of a Hardened Heart").

**How does this prophecy relate to the New Testament and the Christian experience?**

Answer: Isaiah 32:3 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Jesus, the promised righteous King, came to open the eyes of the blind and unstop the ears of the deaf, both physically and spiritually (cf. [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). Through His atoning work and the gift of the Holy Spirit, believers are granted new spiritual sight and hearing. The Holy Spirit illuminates Scripture, enables discernment, and empowers believers to understand and obey God's voice (cf. [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Teacher")). This verse, therefore, speaks to the ongoing work of the Spirit in every believer's life, granting them the ability to perceive and respond to divine truth.

**Is this prophecy only for a future, literal kingdom, or does it have present application?**

Answer: While Isaiah 32:3 certainly points to the ultimate, full realization of God's kingdom under the Messiah's perfect reign, it also has significant present application for believers. The "righteous king" has come in Jesus Christ, and His kingdom has been inaugurated, even if not yet fully consummated. Through faith in Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, believers can experience a foretaste of this spiritual clarity and responsiveness now. We are called to pray for open eyes and ears (cf. [Ephesians 1:17-18](/ephesians/1-17-18 "Ephesians 1:17-18 - Prayer for Wisdom and Revelation")), to diligently seek God's Word, and to cultivate a heart that is eager to "hearken" to His voice. Thus, it is both a future hope and a present reality for those in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 32:3 finds its glorious and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the promised righteous King. He is the one who perfectly embodies the "hiding place from the wind" and the "covert from the tempest" (Isaiah 32:2), providing ultimate refuge and refreshment for His people. More profoundly, Jesus came to reverse the spiritual blindness and deafness that plagued humanity since the Fall. His ministry was characterized by opening the eyes of the physically blind and unstopping the ears of the physically deaf, serving as tangible signs of His spiritual mission (cf. [Matthew 11:5](/matthew/11-5 "Matthew 11:5 - Jesus' Works as Proof of His Identity")). Spiritually, Jesus declared Himself to be the "light of the world," promising that "whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). He spoke of His sheep knowing His voice and following Him, implying a profound spiritual hearing and obedience ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")).

The fulfillment of Isaiah 32:3 is not merely in Jesus' earthly ministry but extends through His death, resurrection, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit who illumines the hearts and minds of believers, taking away the veil that once obscured understanding (cf. [2 Corinthians 3:16-18](/2_corinthians/3-16-18 "2 Corinthians 3:16-18 - The Veil Removed in Christ")). Through the Holy Spirit, the "eyes of them that see shall not be dim," as believers are granted spiritual discernment to grasp the deep truths of God's Word and His will ([1 Corinthians 2:10-14](/1_corinthians/2-10-14 "1 Corinthians 2:10-14 - The Spirit Reveals Deep Things")). Likewise, the "ears of them that hear shall hearken," as the Spirit empowers believers with a new heart and a desire to obey God's commands, enabling them to truly listen and respond to His voice, transforming them from within ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")). Thus, Isaiah 32:3 is a beautiful prophecy of the spiritual renewal and clarity that are central to the new covenant established in Christ.

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 29:18

And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.

Acts 26:18

To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

2 Corinthians 4:6

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 35:5

¶ Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.

Isaiah 35:6

Then shall the lame [man] leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.

1 John 2:20

¶ But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

1 John 2:21

I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.