Isaiah 42:19

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

Who is blind {H5787}, but my servant {H5650}? or deaf {H2795}, as my messenger {H4397} that I sent {H7971}? who is blind {H5787} as he that is perfect {H7999}, and blind {H5787} as the LORD'S {H3068} servant {H5650}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Who is as blind as my servant, or as deaf as the messenger I send? Who is as blind as the one I rewarded, as blind as the servant of ADONAI?"

Berean Standard Bible

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?

American Standard Version

Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I send? who is blind as he that is at peace with me, and blind as Jehovah’s servant?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 42:19 presents a profound rhetorical lament from God, questioning the spiritual insensitivity of His chosen servant, Israel. Despite being divinely appointed as a messenger and entrusted with a covenant, the nation is depicted as tragically blind and deaf to divine truth. This verse highlights the stark paradox of a people called to be a light to the nations, yet failing to perceive or respond to God's revelation, underscoring their deep spiritual insensitivity and disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 42 is a pivotal chapter within the "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 42:1-4, 49:1-6, 50:4-9, 52:13-53:12), which are central to the book of Isaiah's prophetic message concerning God's chosen instrument for salvation. The chapter begins by introducing an ideal, righteous Servant of the Lord who will bring justice to the nations, establish a new covenant, and open the eyes of the blind, as detailed in [Isaiah 42:1-7](/isaiah/42-1-7 "Isaiah 42:1-7 - The Ideal Servant"). This introduction of a perfect, future Servant sets up a stark contrast with the servant addressed in verse 19. While the opening verses portray the Messiah, verse 19 abruptly shifts focus to the current, flawed servant—Israel. The immediate preceding verse, [Isaiah 42:18](/isaiah/42-18 "Isaiah 42:18 - Israel's Deafness and Blindness"), explicitly calls out Israel's deafness and blindness, directly leading into the rhetorical questions of verse 19, which amplify God's lament over their spiritual condition. This juxtaposition powerfully emphasizes the nation's profound failure to fulfill its divine calling.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah is primarily situated against the tumultuous backdrop of the Assyrian and Babylonian empires, a period marked by significant political instability and spiritual decline for the kingdom of Judah. Though chosen by God and recipients of His covenant and law, the people of Israel frequently succumbed to idolatry, social injustice, and a persistent failure to heed the warnings of the prophets. Culturally, prophets served as God's direct messengers, and the concept of a "servant" (Hebrew: `ʻebed`) was multifaceted, referring to individuals like Moses or David, groups such as the prophets, or the nation of Israel as a collective entity. The imagery of blindness and deafness was a common prophetic idiom used to describe spiritual dullness, obstinacy, and an inability to perceive God's truth or respond to His commands. This spiritual insensitivity stood in stark contrast to the physical senses and represented a direct violation of the covenant relationship, where hearing and obeying God's voice were paramount for national well-being and faithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 42:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes developed throughout the book of Isaiah. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Israel's Failure and Faithlessness**, portraying the chosen nation as profoundly disobedient despite their privileged status and divine election. This stands in sharp contrast to God's unwavering faithfulness and covenant loyalty. Secondly, it highlights the pervasive theme of **Spiritual Blindness and Deafness**, which is a recurring motif throughout Isaiah, lamenting the people's inability to comprehend God's revelation and purposes, as seen earlier in [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9-10 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - Spiritual Hardening and Blindness"). Thirdly, the verse implicitly introduces the theme of **The Need for a True Servant**, foreshadowing the ultimate necessity of a perfect, obedient Servant who *will* fulfill God's mission flawlessly, unlike the flawed nation of Israel. This sets the theological stage for the later, more detailed descriptions of the Suffering Servant in chapters such as [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). Finally, it deeply expresses the theme of **Divine Disappointment and Lament**, as God expresses profound sorrow and rhetorical indignation over the spiritual condition of His own people, whom He had "sent" as His messenger to the world.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blind (Hebrew, _ʻivvêr'_):** This term (H5787), repeated multiple times in the verse, signifies not merely a physical inability to see but, more profoundly, a spiritual incapacity. Derived from a root meaning "to be blind," it denotes an internal dullness, obstinacy, or willful ignorance that prevents one from perceiving divine truth, understanding God's ways, or recognizing His presence and purposes. In this context, it highlights Israel's tragic failure to discern God's will despite abundant revelation and miraculous intervention.
* **Servant (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** This word (H5650) carries significant theological weight, referring to one who serves, whether in bondage or by choice. In Isaiah, "servant" can refer to individuals (like the prophet himself), the nation of Israel as a collective, or the Messiah. Here, it primarily refers to Israel, emphasizing their chosen status and their intended role as God's instrument and representative. The irony is poignant: the very people chosen to serve God and be His eyes and ears to the world are depicted as the epitome of spiritual blindness and deafness.
* **Perfect (Hebrew, _shâlam'_):** This word (H7999), often translated as "perfect," "complete," or "at peace," comes from a primitive root implying wholeness, soundness, or fulfillment. In the context of the verse, "he that is perfect" could ironically refer to Israel's self-perception of completeness or righteousness under the covenant, or perhaps their status as a nation "made whole" or brought into covenant peace by God's choice. Yet, this supposed "perfection" is starkly juxtaposed with profound spiritual blindness, highlighting a tragic discrepancy between their privileged status or self-assessment and their actual spiritual condition of unresponsiveness to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who [is] blind, but my servant?":** This rhetorical question initiates God's poignant lament and indictment. It challenges the listener to consider who could be more spiritually insensitive, more oblivious to divine truth, than God's very own chosen people, Israel. The implication is that Israel, despite being uniquely privileged with divine revelation and a covenant relationship, has become the prime, paradoxical example of spiritual blindness, failing to see God's truth and purposes clearly.
* **"or deaf, as my messenger [that] I sent?":** Continuing the rhetorical challenge, this clause expands the indictment to include spiritual deafness. Israel, designated as God's "messenger" (from `mălʼâk`, one `shâlach` - "sent away" or "dispatched" with a message), is accused of being utterly unresponsive to the very voice of the God who commissioned them. This highlights their profound failure to hear and obey divine commands, rendering them ineffective and unfaithful in their sacred mission.
* **"who [is] blind as [he that is] perfect,":** This phrase introduces another layer of searing irony. "He that is perfect" (from `shâlam`, meaning "complete" or "whole") could refer to Israel's covenant status, implying they *should* be complete or in a right, harmonious relationship with God. Yet, they are depicted as profoundly blind, suggesting a spiritual deficiency despite their privileged standing or a self-deceptive sense of wholeness that masks their true, lamentable spiritual state.
* **"and blind as the LORD'S servant?":** The verse concludes by reiterating and intensifying the initial charge of spiritual blindness. The repetition of "blind" four times throughout the verse, coupled with the reaffirmation of "the LORD'S servant," underscores the pervasive, profound, and tragic nature of Israel's spiritual condition. It emphasizes that those who bear the very name and calling of the Lord are precisely the ones who demonstrate the most acute spiritual insensitivity, failing to see or understand God's will and work for their lives and for the nations.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 42:19 is rich in literary artistry, powerfully conveying God's lament. The most prominent device is **Rhetorical Questions**, used not to elicit an answer but to make a forceful, indignant statement and express profound emotion—in this case, God's disappointment and exasperation. The verse employs striking **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where "blind" is paired with "deaf," and "my servant" is paralleled with "my messenger" and "the LORD's servant." This structural repetition reinforces the central idea of spiritual insensitivity and the identity of the unfaithful party. The most impactful device is **Irony**: the very entity chosen and sent by God to see and hear on His behalf (Israel, the servant/messenger) is depicted as the most blind and deaf. This creates a powerful, tragic paradox. Furthermore, **Metaphor** is central, as physical blindness and deafness serve as potent symbols for spiritual insensitivity, disobedience, and an inability to perceive divine truth or respond to divine revelation. The deliberate **Repetition** of "blind" four times emphasizes the pervasive and severe nature of this spiritual malady, driving home the depth of Israel's failure and God's lament.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 42:19 serves as a stark theological commentary on the nature of covenant responsibility and the devastating consequences of spiritual apathy and unresponsiveness. It highlights the profound disappointment of God when His chosen instruments fail to fulfill their divine mandate, demonstrating a tragic disconnect between privilege and obedience. The verse underscores that being "sent" by God carries an immense responsibility to truly see and hear His voice, and that privilege without faithful obedience leads to spiritual barrenness. This lament over the "servant" Israel's failure sets the profound theological stage for the necessity of a new, perfect Servant who will truly embody God's will and flawlessly fulfill the mission that Israel tragically abandoned.

* [Jeremiah 5:21](/jeremiah/5-21 "Jeremiah 5:21 - Spiritual Blindness and Deafness")
* [Isaiah 43:10](/isaiah/43-10 "Isaiah 43:10 - Israel as God's Witnesses")
* [Romans 11:25](/romans/11-25 "Romans 11:25 - Israel's Partial Hardening")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 42:19 serves as a powerful and convicting mirror for contemporary believers and the church today. Just as ancient Israel was God's chosen servant and messenger, so too are Christians called to be His representatives in the world, entrusted with the message of the Gospel and the profound privilege of hearing His voice through His Word and Spirit. This verse challenges us to critically examine our own spiritual condition: are we truly listening to the Holy Spirit's promptings, or have we become deaf to His whispers amidst the clamor of the world and the distractions of daily life? Do we genuinely perceive God's active hand in our lives, in our communities, and in the unfolding of history, or are we blind to His presence and purposes? The insidious danger of spiritual complacency, self-righteousness, or a superficial understanding of our faith can lead to the very same tragic blindness and deafness that afflicted Israel. This passage calls us to cultivate a posture of profound humility, constant vigilance, and a fervent desire to see and hear God clearly, ensuring that our privilege as His servants translates into faithful obedience and effective witness, rather than becoming a source of spiritual impediment or a cause for divine lament.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be spiritually blind or deaf to God's truth or leading?**
* **How does my understanding of being "God's servant" or "messenger" align with my actual responsiveness and obedience to His Word?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater spiritual sensitivity and attentiveness to God's voice in my daily life?**
* **How does the warning in this verse challenge any sense of spiritual complacency or self-sufficiency I might hold regarding my faith?**

### FAQ
**What does "he that is perfect" mean in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "he that is perfect" (Hebrew: `shâlam`) in Isaiah 42:19 is a point of scholarly discussion, but in context, it most likely refers ironically to Israel's status or self-perception. `Shâlam` means "complete," "whole," or "at peace." It could imply that Israel, as God's covenant people, *should* be whole or in a right, harmonious relationship with Him, having received His perfect law and covenant. Yet, despite this privileged status and the expectation of wholeness, they are profoundly blind. Alternatively, it might allude to a false sense of security or self-righteousness on Israel's part, where they believed themselves "perfect" or complete in their religious observances, while spiritually lacking true discernment and obedience. This ironic juxtaposition highlights the tragic paradox of their spiritual condition, where their outward status or self-assessment belied their inner spiritual deficiency.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 42:19, with its poignant lament over the spiritual blindness and deafness of God's chosen servant Israel, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While Israel, the chosen nation, tragically failed to be the light to the Gentiles and became spiritually insensitive, Jesus perfectly embodies the ideal Servant of the Lord introduced at the very beginning of [Isaiah 42:1](/isaiah/42-1 "Isaiah 42:1 - The Ideal Servant"). He is the one who truly "sees" and "hears" God's will with perfect clarity, perfectly discerning and obeying the Father in every aspect of His life and ministry, declaring, "I always do what pleases him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")). Unlike the blind and deaf servant Israel, Jesus came precisely to "open the blind eyes" and "bring out the prisoners from the prison" ([Isaiah 42:7](/isaiah/42-7 "Isaiah 42:7 - Jesus Opens Blind Eyes")), fulfilling this prophecy both physically and, more significantly, spiritually. He is the ultimate "messenger" who perfectly delivered God's message, embodying the very Word of God made flesh ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")). His life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection overcome the spiritual blindness and deafness that plagued humanity, including Israel, offering true sight and hearing to all who believe, so that "those who do not see may see" ([John 9:39](/john/9-39 "John 9:39 - Jesus Came for Judgment and Sight")). Thus, where the first servant failed, the second, perfect Servant succeeded, becoming the light of the world and the way to spiritual understanding and life.

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

2 Corinthians 4:4

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Jeremiah 5:21

Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not:

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 29:9

¶ Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink.

Isaiah 29:14

Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, [even] a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise [men] shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent [men] shall be hid.

Matthew 23:16

Woe unto you, [ye] blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!

Matthew 23:24

[Ye] blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.