Isaiah 32:3

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

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}.

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

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

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

Isaiah 32:3 (KJV) offers a powerful prophetic vision of spiritual restoration and clarity. The verse declares: "And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear shall hearken." This speaks to a profound transformation in human perception and responsiveness to divine truth.

Context

This verse is situated within a broader prophecy in Isaiah 32:1-8, which describes the coming reign of a righteous king, widely understood to be the Messiah. This future ruler will establish justice and righteousness, providing protection and stability for his people. In contrast to periods of spiritual blindness and deafness that plagued Israel, this Messianic era will usher in a time of spiritual awakening. The preceding verses paint a picture of a king who is like a hiding place from the wind and a covert from the tempest, and princes who rule in judgment. Verse 3 is a direct consequence of this divine leadership, indicating that under such a reign, people's spiritual senses will be supernaturally opened.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Illumination and Discernment: The primary theme is the granting of clear spiritual sight. It implies a divinely enabled ability to understand God's truth, discern His will, and perceive spiritual realities that were previously obscured.
  • Active Attentiveness: "Shall hearken" signifies more than just passive hearing; it means to listen intently, to pay close attention, and to obey. This points to a restored willingness and capacity to respond obediently to God's word and instruction.
  • Messianic Blessing: This profound clarity of perception and spiritual responsiveness is a direct result of the righteous reign of the promised king. It is a hallmark of the spiritual transformation and renewal that accompanies the establishment of God's kingdom, echoing promises of a new covenant where God's law is written on hearts.
  • Reversal of Spiritual Dullness: The verse stands in stark contrast to earlier prophecies lamenting Israel's spiritual blindness and deafness (Isaiah 6:10). It foretells a dramatic reversal, indicating a time when spiritual understanding will no longer be hindered.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "dim" is kāhāh (כָּהָה), which means to be faint, dull, or obscure. It describes a lack of clarity or vigor in sight, suggesting impairment. The phrase "shall not be dim" therefore promises a restoration to sharp, unobstructed spiritual vision. The word "hearken" comes from qāshab (קָשַׁב), meaning to pay close attention, to incline the ear, or to listen intently. It emphasizes active, obedient listening, indicating a deep spiritual receptivity and a willingness to respond to what is heard.

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 32:3 offers a profound encouragement regarding the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It reminds us that true spiritual understanding and the ability to hear God's voice are divine gifts. We can pray for God to open our spiritual eyes and ears, enabling us to grasp the truths of Scripture more deeply and to discern His guidance in our daily lives. This verse highlights the importance of cultivating a posture of attentiveness and seeking divine wisdom. Just as Jesus opened the understanding of His disciples, God continues to grant spiritual clarity and receptivity to those who earnestly seek Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • 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.

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