Isaiah 46:12

KJV

Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that [are] far from righteousness:

KJV (with Strong's)

Hearken {H8085} unto me, ye stouthearted {H47}{H3820}, that are far from {H7350} righteousness {H6666}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Listen to me, you stubborn people, so far from righteousness:

Berean Standard Bible

Listen to Me, you stubborn people, far removed from righteousness:

American Standard Version

Hearken unto me, ye stout-hearted, that are far from righteousness:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 46:12 presents an urgent and profound divine summons from the Lord, directly addressing those characterized by spiritual obstinacy and moral alienation. It targets individuals whose hearts are hardened against God's truth and who, by their own volition, remain distant from His righteous standards. This verse stands in stark contrast to God's preceding declarations of His unwavering faithfulness and unique power to save, serving as a powerful challenge for the unyielding to abandon their self-reliance and turn towards the one true God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the latter portion of the Book of Isaiah (chapters 40-55), often referred to as the "Book of Comfort" or "Second Isaiah." This section primarily focuses on God's redemptive plan for His exiled people and His absolute sovereignty over all nations and their impotent idols. Chapter 46, in particular, draws a sharp distinction between the true God, Yahweh, who carries His people from their birth to their old age ([Isaiah 46:3-4](/isaiah/46-3-4 "Isaiah 46:3-4 - God Carries His People Through Life")), and the lifeless idols of Babylon, which are a burden to their worshippers and must themselves be carried by beasts ([Isaiah 46:1-2](/isaiah/46-1-2 "Isaiah 46:1-2 - The Burden of Idols")). The direct call to the "stouthearted" in verse 12 immediately follows God's powerful declaration of His unrivaled ability to declare the end from the beginning and to accomplish all His purposes ([Isaiah 46:9-11](/isaiah/46-9-11 "Isaiah 46:9-11 - God's Unrivaled Sovereignty and Purpose")). This immediate juxtaposition underscores that the stubbornness of the "stouthearted" is a direct and defiant rejection of an all-powerful, all-knowing God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for this prophecy is the impending or ongoing Babylonian exile of Judah, spanning from 586 BC to 539 BC. Though God's covenant people, the Israelites had frequently succumbed to idolatry and rebellion, leading to divine judgment and their eventual displacement. During this period, Babylon reigned as the preeminent world power, and its extensive pantheon of gods, especially Marduk, was revered as supreme. Isaiah's prophetic message directly challenges this polytheistic worldview, emphatically asserting the singular omnipotence of Yahweh over all false deities. The term "stouthearted" would have encompassed those among the exiles who remained resistant to repentance, perhaps clinging to their own ways, their perceived self-sufficiency, or even the seeming power of foreign gods, rather than fully trusting in God's promise of deliverance. The concept of "righteousness" (Hebrew: *tsedaqah*) was deeply ingrained in Israelite covenant theology, signifying not merely legal rectitude but a right relationship with God, manifested through ethical living and adherence to His divine commands.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 46:12 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Authority and Sovereignty**, as God issues a direct, authoritative command ("Hearken unto me") from His position as the unrivaled Creator and Sustainer of all things. This contrasts His active, purposeful power with the inertness of idols, reinforcing His supreme rule. Secondly, the verse powerfully underscores the theme of **Human Stubbornness and Rebellion**, vividly portraying those who resist God's truth and steadfastly refuse to yield their wills, even in the face of His clear declarations of power and salvation. This persistent stubbornness is a recurring motif throughout prophetic literature, frequently leading to divine judgment. Finally, the phrase "far from righteousness" speaks to **Spiritual Alienation and Moral Distance**. It signifies a state of estrangement from God's holy character, His just standards, and the covenant relationship He desires with His people. This spiritual separation is the natural consequence of a hardened heart and a refusal to align with God's perfect will, setting the theological stage for God's subsequent promise to bring His salvation near ([Isaiah 46:13](/isaiah/46-13 "Isaiah 46:13 - God's Near Salvation")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hearken (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** From H8085, this primitive root means "to hear intelligently," implying much more than mere auditory perception. It carries the strong connotation of attention, understanding, and, crucially, obedience. When God commands "Hearken unto me," it is a call not merely to listen passively, but to heed, to obey, and to align one's will with His divine pronouncements. It signifies a demand for a responsive heart that acts upon what is heard.
* **Stouthearted (Hebrew, _ʼabbîyr lêb'_):** This powerful phrase combines H47 (*ʼabbîyr*), meaning "mighty," "strong," or "valiant," with H3820 (*lêb*), referring to the "heart." In Hebrew thought, the *lêb* (heart) encompasses the feelings, the will, the intellect, and the very core of a person's being. While *ʼabbîyr* can denote positive strength or valor, when combined with *lêb* in this context, it carries a distinctly negative connotation. It describes those whose hearts are "mighty" or "strong" in their obstinacy, arrogance, and unyielding resistance to God's truth. It speaks of a stubborn, unbendable will that refuses to submit to divine authority or acknowledge God's purposes.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh'_):** From H6666, derived from the root *tsâdaq* (to be just or righteous), *tsᵉdâqâh* refers to "rightness" in various senses: abstractly (rectitude), subjectively (moral uprightness), objectively (justice), and even figuratively (the prosperity or well-being that results from right living). In this context, it primarily signifies God's divine standard of justice, holiness, and moral perfection. To be "far from righteousness" means to be estranged from God's character and His just requirements, living in a state of moral and spiritual deviation from His perfect will.
* **Far from (Hebrew, _râchôwq'_):** From H7350, this word signifies being "remote" or "distant," literally or figuratively, in terms of place or time. In Isaiah 46:12, it is used figuratively to describe a profound spiritual and moral separation. It emphasizes the significant chasm between the "stouthearted" and God's standard of righteousness, highlighting their alienation from His character and covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hearken unto me":** This is a direct, authoritative imperative issued by God Himself. It is a command for the audience to pay close attention, not merely to hear sounds, but to listen with understanding, a receptive spirit, and a willingness to respond in obedience. This opening phrase immediately establishes God's sovereignty and His inherent right to demand the attention and submission of His creation.
* **"ye stouthearted":** This clause precisely identifies the specific audience of God's command. It refers to those individuals who are stubborn, arrogant, and unyielding in their defiance against God. Their "strong hearts" are not indicative of faith or courage, but rather of an unbendable resistance and rebellion, an unwillingness to yield to God's will or acknowledge His truth and authority.
* **"that are far from righteousness":** This descriptive clause further defines the spiritual and moral condition of the "stouthearted." It indicates a profound moral and spiritual distance from God's holy character, His just standards, and the ethical requirements of His covenant. This is not a mere geographical separation, but an alienation from God's very nature and a life lived outside of His divine will and moral order, characterized by sin and unrighteousness.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 46:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message and underscore its theological weight. The most prominent device is **Direct Address**, as God speaks immediately and personally to the "stouthearted," creating a sense of urgency, confrontation, and direct accountability. This is a hallmark of prophetic literature, where the prophet serves as God's direct mouthpiece. The phrase "stouthearted" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** and **Epithet**, vividly likening the internal disposition of defiance and obstinacy to a physical quality of unyielding strength. It effectively portrays the spiritual stubbornness and moral arrogance of the audience. Furthermore, the verse uses **Contrast** implicitly but powerfully. The "stouthearted" who are "far from righteousness" stand in stark opposition to the righteous and faithful character of God, who has just declared His unique power, unwavering purpose, and ability to deliver in the preceding verses. This profound contrast highlights the vast chasm between human rebellion and divine holiness, setting the stage for God's subsequent promise to bring His salvation near.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 46:12 serves as a profound theological statement on the pervasive nature of humanity's rebellion and God's persistent, gracious call to repentance. It underscores the biblical truth that humanity, in its fallen state, is prone to spiritual deafness and a hardened heart, often choosing self-reliance, pride, and defiance over humble submission to divine authority. The "stouthearted" represent all who resist God's truth and remain distant from His perfect standard of righteousness, a condition that has plagued humanity throughout history. Yet, even in this confrontational address, there is an underlying invitation, revealing God's enduring desire for humanity to turn from its waywardness and embrace His saving grace. This verse not only diagnoses the human condition but also sets the stage for the glorious promise of salvation that God is about to bring near, emphasizing that this salvation is a sovereign gift extended even to those who are most resistant.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel")
* [Romans 3:10](/romans/3-10 "Romans 3:10 - None Is Righteous")
* [Hebrews 3:8](/hebrew/3-8 "Hebrews 3:8 - Do Not Harden Your Hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 46:12 delivers a timeless and piercing challenge, prompting deep introspection regarding our own spiritual posture before God. Are we, like the "stouthearted," clinging to our own wisdom, pride, or self-sufficiency, unwilling to truly "hearken" to God's voice and yield to His sovereign will? In what areas of our lives do we find ourselves "far from righteousness," perhaps neglecting God's commands, compromising His holy standards, or allowing unconfessed sin to create distance in our relationship with Him? This verse serves as a powerful call to humility and repentance, urging us to actively soften our hearts, to diligently listen for and obey God's Word, and to earnestly pursue His perfect righteousness. It reminds us that despite our spiritual failings and inherent distance, God graciously continues to call us to Himself, offering the path to reconciliation, profound transformation, and true peace that only He can provide.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might I be "stouthearted" in my relationship with God, stubbornly resisting His will or truth in my life?**
* **What particular areas of my life or character might currently be "far from righteousness," and what tangible steps can I take to draw nearer to God's holy standards?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that truly "hearkens" to God, moving beyond mere passive listening to active obedience and surrendered submission?**
* **How does understanding God's absolute sovereignty and unwavering purpose (as powerfully presented in Isaiah 46) impact my willingness to surrender my own "stoutheartedness" and trust in Him completely?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "stouthearted" mentioned in Isaiah 46:12?**

Answer: The "stouthearted" (Hebrew: *ʼabbîrey lêb*) refers to those who are stubborn, arrogant, and unyielding in their defiance against God. Their hearts are "strong" not in positive courage or faith, but in their obstinate resistance to divine truth and authority. In the immediate context of Isaiah, it likely refers to those among the exiles who remained rebellious, refusing to acknowledge God's sovereignty or repent of their idolatry and sin, even as God declared His unique power to save. More broadly, it encompasses anyone whose will is hardened against God's call and purposes, demonstrating an unbendable will that refuses to submit to divine authority, as seen in passages like [Psalm 78:8](/psalm/78-8 "Psalm 78:8 - A Stubborn and Rebellious Generation").

**What does it mean to be "far from righteousness"?**

Answer: To be "far from righteousness" signifies a state of profound spiritual and moral alienation from God. It implies a significant distance from His holy character, His just standards, and the covenant relationship He desires with humanity. This is not merely a geographical separation but a condition of living outside of God's divine will and moral order, characterized by sin and a lack of conformity to His perfect justice. It highlights humanity's inherent fallenness and desperate need for divine intervention to be brought near to God's righteousness, a theme further developed in passages like [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned and Fall Short").

**How does one "hearken" to God, as commanded in this verse?**

Answer: To "hearken" (Hebrew: *shâmaʻ*) to God means much more than just hearing His words; it implies listening intelligently, with focused attention, deep understanding, and, crucially, a commitment to obedience. It's an active and responsive listening that leads to transformed action. In practice, it involves diligently engaging with God's Word ([Psalm 1:2](/psalm/1-2 "Psalm 1:2 - Delight in God's Law")), seeking His will through consistent prayer, being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance, and intentionally choosing to align one's thoughts, desires, and actions with His commands and character. It's a call to a transformed life of humble submission and unwavering trust, exemplified by those who "hear the word of God and keep it" ([Luke 11:28](/luke/11-28 "Luke 11:28 - Blessed are those who hear and obey")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 46:12, with its stark portrayal of the "stouthearted" who are "far from righteousness," finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Humanity's inherent condition, as precisely described in this verse, is one of spiritual rebellion and deep alienation from God's holy standards. No amount of human effort, self-will, or religious striving could ever bridge this vast chasm. However, God, in His infinite love and boundless mercy, did not leave us in our distant, lost state. The very salvation that God promises to bring near in the subsequent verse ([Isaiah 46:13](/isaiah/46-13 "Isaiah 46:13 - God's Salvation Draws Near")) is perfectly embodied in Jesus. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), making it uniquely possible for those who were "far off" to be "brought near by the blood of Christ" ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by Christ's Blood")). Through His perfect life, atoning sacrifice on the cross, and victorious resurrection, Jesus fully satisfied the righteous demands of God's holy law, offering reconciliation and peace to those who were once enemies of God due to their hardened hearts and sinful nature ([Romans 5:8-10](/romans/5-8-10 "Romans 5:8-10 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Death")). Furthermore, Christ's transformative work extends beyond mere justification; it includes the radical transformation of the "stouthearted." The New Covenant, inaugurated by His death and resurrection, promises a miraculous heart change: God declares, "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts" ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrew/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant")), replacing the "heart of stone" with a "heart of flesh" ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")). Thus, Jesus not only provides the divine means for the unrighteous to be declared righteous before God but also supernaturally empowers the stubborn to finally "hearken" to God's voice, drawing them into a living, obedient, and eternally reconciled relationship with their Creator.

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

Jeremiah 2:5

Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain?

Isaiah 46:3

Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne [by me] from the belly, which are carried from the womb:

Psalms 119:150

¶ They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.

Isaiah 48:4

Because I knew that thou [art] obstinate, and thy neck [is] an iron sinew, and thy brow brass;

Proverbs 1:22

How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

Proverbs 1:23

Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

Psalms 119:155

¶ Salvation [is] far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.