Isaiah 33:13

KJV

¶ Hear, ye [that are] far off, what I have done; and, ye [that are] near, acknowledge my might.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hear {H8085}, ye that are far off {H7350}, what I have done {H6213}; and, ye that are near {H7138}, acknowledge {H3045} my might {H1369}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You living far off, hear what I have done! You who are near, acknowledge my strength!"

Berean Standard Bible

You who are far off, hear what I have done; you who are near, acknowledge My might.”

American Standard Version

Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 33:13 delivers a majestic divine summons, calling all inhabitants of the earth, regardless of their spiritual or geographical proximity, to attentively perceive the mighty works God has accomplished and to profoundly acknowledge His supreme power. This declaration serves as a universal proclamation of God's active sovereignty and an imperative for all humanity to recognize His undeniable presence and irresistible strength in the affairs of the world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 33 is a dramatic prophetic chapter that masterfully weaves together themes of judgment, lament, and glorious restoration. It opens with a "woe" against the treacherous Assyrian invader, describing the desolation and fear gripping Judah (e.g., [Isaiah 33:1](/isaiah/33-1 "Isaiah 33:1 - Woe to the Destroyer")). The narrative then shifts to a desperate prayer for God's mercy (e.g., [Isaiah 33:2](/isaiah/33-2 "Isaiah 33:2 - Prayer for Mercy")), followed by a powerful declaration of God's imminent intervention: "Now will I rise; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself" ([Isaiah 33:10](/isaiah/33-10 "Isaiah 33:10 - God's Promise to Rise")). Immediately following this divine resolve to act, Isaiah 33:13 issues a global call to attention, inviting everyone—both "far off" and "near"—to witness the consequences of God's rising power. This verse acts as a pivotal moment, setting the stage for the subsequent descriptions of the righteous who will dwell securely with God ([Isaiah 33:14-16](/isaiah/33-14-16 "Isaiah 33:14-16 - The Righteous Dwelling in Zion")) and the glorious future of Zion under divine protection.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The immediate historical backdrop for Isaiah 33 is the Assyrian invasion of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah, specifically Sennacherib's campaign around 701 BC. Jerusalem was besieged, and the people of Judah faced existential dread. The Assyrians were renowned for their brutal military might and their policy of deportation, striking terror into the hearts of conquered peoples. In this context of overwhelming human power and despair, God's declaration in Isaiah 33:13 is a direct counter-narrative. It asserts that despite the apparent invincibility of Assyria, it is God, the Lord of Hosts, who truly holds ultimate power and who will demonstrate His might through a decisive act of deliverance for His people and judgment against their oppressors. The call to "hear" and "acknowledge" would have resonated deeply with a people accustomed to public declarations and the recognition of a reigning monarch's authority.

* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 33:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **universal scope of God's sovereignty and revelation**. The distinction between "far off" and "near" transcends geographical boundaries, implying that God's actions and His call for recognition extend to all peoples, not just Israel. Secondly, it highlights **God's demonstrative power in history**. The phrase "what I have done" points to concrete, historical acts of judgment and deliverance—specifically, God's impending defeat of Assyria and the miraculous preservation of Jerusalem. These acts serve as undeniable proof of His might and justice. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the theme of **divine judgment and salvation**. God's "might" is manifested both in bringing down the proud and treacherous (like Assyria) and in faithfully defending and saving His covenant people. This dual aspect of God's power is a recurring motif throughout Isaiah, demonstrating His control over all nations and His unwavering commitment to His promises (e.g., [Isaiah 45:22](/isaiah/45-22 "Isaiah 45:22 - Look to Me and Be Saved")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This primitive root (H8085) signifies more than just auditory perception; it implies intelligent hearing, often with the profound implication of attention, comprehension, and obedience. In this context, it is a divine imperative for all to listen intently and grasp the significance of God's actions, leading to a proper response. It's not passive hearing, but active engagement with God's revelation.
* **acknowledge (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** The verb (H3045) from the root _yada_ means "to know," but it encompasses a rich spectrum of understanding. It's not merely intellectual awareness but a deep, personal, and experiential recognition that often leads to respect, honor, and submission. Here, it calls for a profound internalizing of God's power and a responsive posture of reverence and awe, moving beyond simple observation to genuine recognition and submission.
* **might (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwrâh'_):** This feminine passive participle (H1369) denotes force, valor, victory, power, or strength. It refers to God's inherent, irresistible power, demonstrated through His mighty acts. It speaks of His capacity to overcome all opposition, to execute His will, and to bring about both judgment and deliverance. It is a power that commands attention and demands acknowledgment from all creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hear, ye [that are] far off, what I have done;":** This opening clause is a universal summons. "Hear" is an imperative, demanding active attention. "Ye that are far off" refers to those geographically distant, perhaps even the Gentile nations or those spiritually estranged from God's covenant. The object of their hearing is "what I have done," pointing to God's past and imminent historical interventions, particularly His decisive acts of judgment against Assyria and deliverance for Judah. These actions serve as undeniable evidence of His power and sovereignty, intended to be observed and understood by all.
* **"and, ye [that are] near, acknowledge my might.":** This second clause parallels the first, extending the summons to "ye that are near"—likely referring to the people of Judah, those who are geographically and covenantally close to God. The command here is to "acknowledge my might." This goes beyond mere hearing; it requires a deep, personal recognition and internalization of God's inherent power and demonstrated strength. For those "near," who have witnessed God's presence and promises firsthand, the call is to respond with profound reverence, trust, and obedience to the God whose power is now being unmistakably displayed.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Parallelism** is evident in the structure, contrasting "ye that are far off" with "ye that are near," and implicitly paralleling "what I have done" with "my might." This highlights the universal scope of God's address and the dual nature of His revelation—through His actions and His inherent power. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Hear," "acknowledge") underscores the divine authority behind the summons, making it an undeniable command rather than a mere suggestion. Furthermore, the verse functions as **Divine Speech**, directly quoting God's own words ("what I have done," "my might"), which lends immense weight and authority to the proclamation. The concise and direct nature of the language also contributes to its powerful, declarative tone, emphasizing the urgency and universality of God's call.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 33:13 profoundly articulates God's universal self-revelation, demonstrating that His power and works are not confined to a specific people or place, but are manifest for all humanity to behold. It asserts that God is not a distant, passive deity, but an active, sovereign ruler who intervenes in human history, executing justice and delivering His people. The call to "hear" and "acknowledge" is a divine invitation to recognize His active involvement and irresistible strength, demanding a response of awe and submission from all creation. This recognition forms the basis for true worship and proper human orientation before the Creator.

* [Psalm 46:10](/psalms/46-10 "Psalm 46:10 - Be Still and Know God")
* [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Attributes Clearly Seen")
* [Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by Christ's Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 33:13 serves as an enduring call for every generation to recognize and respond to the active sovereignty of God. For believers, it is a reminder to continually observe God's hand at work in the world, in history, and in our personal lives, discerning His "doings" and acknowledging His "might" with gratitude and trust. This active observation should deepen our worship and strengthen our faith, encouraging us to lean on His strength rather than our own. For those who are "far off," this verse is a testament to God's universal self-revelation, asserting that His power is evident even to those who do not yet know Him. It challenges us to proclaim His greatness and His works to a world that desperately needs to hear and acknowledge His might, inviting them into a relationship with the God who acts. Ultimately, acknowledging God's might should lead to humility, reverence, and a confident reliance on His sovereign control over all things, prompting us to live in alignment with His revealed will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have you personally witnessed "what God has done" in your life or in the world around you?**
* **How does acknowledging God's "might" impact your daily choices, your fears, and your trust in His provision?**
* **What practical steps can you take to help those who are "far off" to "hear" and "acknowledge" God's power and love?**
* **How does the context of distress (Assyrian threat) make God's call to "hear" and "acknowledge" even more profound and relevant for times of crisis today?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "far off" and "near" in Isaiah 33:13?**

Answer: The terms "far off" and "near" in Isaiah 33:13 carry both literal and figurative meanings. Literally, they refer to those geographically distant from Jerusalem (the "far off") and those residing within Judah or Jerusalem itself (the "near"). Figuratively and prophetically, "far off" often refers to the Gentile nations, who were outside the covenant relationship with God, while "near" refers to Israel, God's covenant people. The verse's power lies in its universal scope: God's actions and His call for recognition extend to all humanity, transcending national, geographical, or even spiritual boundaries. This foreshadows the New Testament truth that salvation is offered to both Jew and Gentile, bringing those who were once [far off near through Christ's blood](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by Christ's Blood").

**What specific "doing" or "done" is God referring to in this verse?**

Answer: In the immediate context of Isaiah 33, "what I have done" primarily refers to God's decisive and miraculous intervention against the Assyrian army that was besieging Jerusalem during King Hezekiah's reign. This event, described in detail in [Isaiah 37](/isaiah/37 "Isaiah 37 - Sennacherib's Defeat"), involved the supernatural destruction of 185,000 Assyrian soldiers by the angel of the Lord, leading to Sennacherib's retreat and eventual assassination. This act was a dramatic demonstration of God's "might" in defending His people and executing judgment upon their oppressors. More broadly, "what I have done" also encompasses God's ongoing acts of judgment and salvation throughout history, which serve as continuous evidence of His power and sovereignty to all nations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 33:13, a powerful call to "hear" and "acknowledge" God's mighty "doings," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "might" of God, once demonstrated through historical interventions like the defeat of Assyria, is supremely revealed in the incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. He is the ultimate "doing" of God, the full and final revelation of the Father's power and love. In Christ, the "far off" (Gentiles) and the "near" (Jews) are brought together, united in the call to hear the Gospel and acknowledge His Lordship. The [Word became flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), embodying God's power to save, heal, and ultimately conquer sin and death. The cross, though appearing as weakness, is the supreme demonstration of God's [power unto salvation](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel"). Through Christ's resurrection, God's "might" is undeniably proclaimed, demanding acknowledgment from every knee and tongue ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Thus, the ancient call of Isaiah 33:13 resonates with renewed urgency in the New Covenant: to hear the good news of Christ and to acknowledge His supreme might as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the [heir of all things](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Speaks Through His Son"), and the one by whom all things were created and sustained ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")).

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

Psalms 48:10

According to thy name, O God, so [is] thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.

Ephesians 2:11

¶ Wherefore remember, that ye [being] in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

Ephesians 2:18

For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

Isaiah 49:1

¶ Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.

Daniel 3:27

And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.

Daniel 4:3

How great [are] his signs! and how mighty [are] his wonders! his kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion [is] from generation to generation.

Isaiah 57:19

I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to [him that is] far off, and to [him that is] near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him.