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Isaiah 42:20

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Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not.

Seeing {H7200}{H7200} many things {H7227}, but thou observest {H8104} not; opening {H6491} the ears {H241}, but he heareth {H8085} not.

You see much but don't pay attention; you open your ears, but you don't listen.

Though seeing many things, you do not keep watch. Though your ears are open, you do not hear.”

Thou seest many things, but thou observest not; his ears are open, but he heareth not.

Commentary

Isaiah 42:20 delivers a poignant indictment against spiritual apathy and unresponsiveness. It is part of a section in the book of Isaiah that introduces the "Servant of the Lord" (Isaiah 42:1-9), often interpreted as a prophecy pointing to Jesus Christ, but also having a corporate application to Israel. This verse, however, shifts focus to Israel's failure to live up to its divine calling.

Context

This verse falls within a lament concerning Israel's spiritual condition. While God has chosen Israel to be a light to the nations (as implied in Isaiah 42:6) and His witnesses (Isaiah 43:10), they have become spiritually dull. Despite being exposed to God's mighty acts and His revealed word, they have failed to truly comprehend or obey. The preceding verses in Isaiah 42 describe the Servant who brings justice and opens the eyes of the blind; ironically, the very people who should benefit from this divine intervention are themselves spiritually blind and deaf.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Blindness and Deafness: The core message of the verse is a severe critique of Israel's inability to perceive divine truth despite ample evidence. They have physical senses but lack spiritual understanding.
  • Lack of Discernment: It's not merely a physical inability, but a willful or habitual failure to "observe" (understand, pay attention to) and "hear" (listen, obey) what God has revealed. This echoes similar condemnations found elsewhere, such as in Jeremiah 5:21 and Jesus' parables in Matthew 13:13.
  • God's Frustration: The verse reflects God's sorrow and frustration over His chosen people's unresponsiveness to His gracious dealings and clear instructions.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verbs used here carry more weight than simple physical actions:

  • "Observest" (Hebrew: nabat): This word implies more than just casual seeing. It means to look intently, to gaze, to behold, or to consider. The accusation is that despite having the opportunity to truly consider God's works and ways, they fail to do so meaningfully.
  • "Heareth" (Hebrew: shama): This word, foundational to the famous "Shema" in Deuteronomy 6:4, means more than just hearing a sound. It encompasses listening attentively, understanding, and most importantly, obeying. Thus, "he heareth not" signifies a profound lack of spiritual comprehension and obedience to God's word.

Practical Application

Isaiah 42:20 serves as a timeless warning and a call to introspection for all believers:

  • Self-Examination: Am I truly "observing" God's work in my life and the world around me, or am I merely seeing without understanding? Am I truly "hearing" His word (through scripture, prayer, and community), or am I merely listening without obedience?
  • Active Engagement: The verse challenges us to move beyond passive exposure to spiritual truths. It calls for active discernment, reflection, and a responsive heart. The call to "hear and keep" God's word is a recurring theme, as seen in Luke 11:28.
  • Prayer for Discernment: We should pray for open eyes and ears, asking God to give us the spiritual insight to truly see and understand His will, and the willingness to obey it. This openness is a mark of a renewed heart, a promise found in passages like Ezekiel 36:26.

This verse reminds us that true spiritual perception is not automatic; it requires a receptive heart and a conscious effort to engage with divine truth.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 9:10 (2 votes)

    And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as [it is] this day.

  • Nehemiah 9:17 (2 votes)

    And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou [art] a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.

  • Romans 2:21 (2 votes)

    Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

  • Acts 28:22 (2 votes)

    But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

  • Acts 28:27 (2 votes)

    For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

  • Psalms 107:43 (2 votes)

    Whoso [is] wise, and will observe these [things], even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.

  • Deuteronomy 29:2 (2 votes)

    And Moses called unto all Israel, and said unto them, Ye have seen all that the LORD did before your eyes in the land of Egypt unto Pharaoh, and unto all his servants, and unto all his land;