Isaiah 64:4
For since the beginning of the world [men] have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, [what] he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.
For since the beginning of the world {H5769} men have not heard {H8085}, nor perceived by the ear {H238}, neither hath the eye {H5869} seen {H7200}, O God {H430}, beside {H2108} thee, what he hath prepared {H6213} for him that waiteth {H2442} for him.
No one has ever heard, no ear perceived, no eye seen, any God but you. You work for him who waits for you.
From ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.
For from of old men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen a God besides thee, who worketh for him that waiteth for him.
Cross-References
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1 Corinthians 2:9
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. -
1 Corinthians 2:10
But God hath revealed [them] unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. -
Psalms 31:19
ยถ [Oh] how great [is] thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; [which] thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! -
Isaiah 25:9
ยถ And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this [is] our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this [is] the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. -
James 5:7
Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. -
Colossians 1:26
[Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: -
Colossians 1:27
To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Commentary
Isaiah 64:4 is a profound declaration within a prayer of the prophet Isaiah, expressing humanity's inability to fully grasp the magnificent plans and provisions of God. It highlights the unparalleled nature of the divine, emphasizing that what God has prepared for His faithful is beyond human comprehension and perception.
Context
This verse is part of a passionate prayer of repentance and plea for divine intervention (Isaiah 63:7-64:12). The prophet, speaking on behalf of a sinful nation, acknowledges their unworthiness but appeals to God's past mighty acts and His unique character. The people are in a state of spiritual and national desolation, crying out for God to reveal His power and restore them. In this context, Isaiah 64:4 serves as a powerful reminder of God's unmatched ability and faithfulness, providing a glimmer of hope amidst despair by pointing to His incredible, unseen preparations for those who trust Him.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew phrasing emphasizes the totality of human sensory and intellectual limitation regarding God's prepared blessings. The repetition of "not heard," "nor perceived by the ear," and "neither hath the eye seen" powerfully conveys that these divine provisions are utterly outside the scope of human experience and discovery apart from God's revelation. The phrase "beside thee" (ืึดืึผึทืึฐืขึธืึถืืึธ - mibbalโadรชka) reinforces God's exclusive knowledge and unique capacity to prepare such things, setting Him apart from all human or created beings.
Related Scriptures
This verse is famously echoed by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:9, where he applies it to the spiritual wisdom and truths that God has revealed through the Holy Spirit to believers, which were hidden from the world's wisdom. The theme of waiting on God is also prominent in Psalm 27:14 and Lamentations 3:25, emphasizing God's goodness to those who patiently hope in Him. Ultimately, these preparations point to incredible future blessings, perhaps even hinting at the new heaven and new earth and the eternal glories awaiting God's faithful people.
Practical Application
Isaiah 64:4 offers immense encouragement and a call to faith. In a world often filled with uncertainty and disappointment, this verse reminds us that God is always working behind the scenes, preparing things far greater than we can imagine. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of patient waiting, trusting in God's perfect timing and His boundless love. For those who feel their circumstances are bleak, it offers a profound hope that God has unseen blessings and a glorious future for those who remain faithful to Him. It encourages us to look beyond immediate difficulties and fix our spiritual eyes on the transcendent, all-knowing God who holds our future in His hands.
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