Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closedThis phrase suggests a future time of enlightenment and understanding. In the context of Isaiah, it points to a period of spiritual awakening and clarity. Historically, the Israelites often struggled with spiritual blindness, failing to recognize God's work among them. This prophecy anticipates a reversal of that condition. The imagery of eyes being opened is reminiscent of other biblical passages, such as
Psalm 146:8, where the Lord opens the eyes of the blind, and in the New Testament, where Jesus heals physical and spiritual blindness (
John 9:39). This can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is the light of the world (
John 8:12), bringing truth and understanding.
and the ears of those who hear will listen
This part of the verse emphasizes the ability to truly hear and understand God's message. In biblical times, hearing was often associated with obedience and comprehension. The Israelites frequently heard God's words through the prophets but did not heed them, as seen in passages likeJeremiah 6:10. This prophecy indicates a future change where people will not only hear but also respond to God's voice. It aligns with the New Testament teachings where Jesus often said, "He who has ears, let him hear" (Matthew 11:15), urging people to not just hear but to understand and act upon His words. This transformation is indicative of a deeper spiritual renewal and receptivity to divine truth.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah's ministry spanned the reigns of several kings of Judah. He is known for his prophecies concerning both judgment and redemption.
2.
JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, often the focus of Isaiah's prophecies. During Isaiah's time, Judah faced threats from surrounding nations and internal corruption.
3.
Messianic ProphecyIsaiah 32 is often seen as a prophecy concerning the coming of a righteous king, which Christians interpret as a reference to Jesus Christ.
Teaching Points
Spiritual AwakeningIsaiah 32:3 speaks to a time of spiritual awakening where understanding and perception are restored. This is a call for believers to seek clarity and discernment through the Holy Spirit.
The Role of the Holy SpiritThe opening of eyes and ears is symbolic of the work of the Holy Spirit in revealing truth. Believers are encouraged to rely on the Spirit for guidance and understanding.
The Importance of ListeningThe verse highlights the importance of being attentive to God's word. In a world full of distractions, Christians are called to prioritize listening to God's voice.
Transformation through ChristThe prophecy points to the transformative power of Christ's reign. Believers are reminded that true change comes through a relationship with Jesus.
Hope for RestorationThis verse offers hope for restoration and renewal, encouraging believers to trust in God's promise of a future where understanding and righteousness prevail.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 32:3?
2.How can we ensure our "eyes" and "ears" are open to God's truth?
3.What does Isaiah 32:3 teach about spiritual awareness and discernment?
4.How does Isaiah 32:3 connect with Jesus' teachings on spiritual blindness?
5.In what ways can we apply Isaiah 32:3 to our daily lives?
6.How can church leaders help others "see" and "hear" as Isaiah 32:3 describes?
7.How does Isaiah 32:3 relate to spiritual awakening and understanding in a believer's life?
8.What historical context influenced the message of Isaiah 32:3?
9.How does Isaiah 32:3 challenge modern interpretations of prophecy?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 32?
11.What was the purpose of Jesus' miracles?
12.Why does God cause people's hearts to harden?
13.In Isaiah 55:3, how can the everlasting covenant with David still hold significance after Israel's monarchy ended historically?
14.Do the promises of restoration in Isaiah 35 conflict with other biblical prophecies about judgment and desolation of the land?What Does Isaiah 32:3 Mean
Then• “Then” anchors the promise to the reign of the righteous King portrayed inIsaiah 32:1—“Behold, a king will reign in righteousness.”
• The adverb signals a specific moment: when that King rules, immediate change follows.
• Scripture consistently ties moral and spiritual awakening to the coming of God’s chosen ruler (cf.Isaiah 11:1–4;Revelation 20:4).
the eyes of those who see• Isaiah speaks of people already granted sight—individuals who possessed some measure of spiritual perception.
• Yet their vision had been hazy, hindered by complacency and societal corruption (Isaiah 29:10–13).
• In Christ’s earthly ministry this began to unfold—“Blessed are your eyes, because they see” (Matthew 13:16)—and it will reach fullness when He reigns physically on earth (Zechariah 12:10).
will no longer be closed• Literal brightness: “The LORD opens the eyes of the blind” (Psalm 146:8).
• Spiritual clarity: deception and dullness are removed (2 Corinthians 4:4;Ephesians 1:18).
• Moral courage: once-passive observers now perceive truth and act upon it (James 1:22).
and the ears of those who hear• God’s people had heard prophetic warnings yet stayed indifferent (Isaiah 6:9–10).
• The phrase targets covenant members—those positioned to receive revelation but slow to respond.
• Jesus echoed this dynamic: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Mark 4:9), anticipating a future generation that finally listens.
will listen• Listening here carries the Hebrew sense of obedient hearing—embracing and doing (Deuteronomy 6:4–5;Luke 11:28).
• Under the righteous King, distraction and rebellion give way to eager submission (Jeremiah 31:33–34;John 10:27).
• This listening restores communal justice, ending the folly condemned earlier in the chapter (Isaiah 32:5–6).
summaryIsaiah 32:3 promises that when the righteous King takes His throne, spiritual perception is renewed: eyes once clouded see clearly, and ears once indifferent gladly obey. The verse foretells literal healing and deep moral transformation, fulfilled in part at Christ’s first coming and completed in His future reign, ensuring a people who both see God’s truth and live by it.
(3)
The eyes of them that see . . .--Another reversal, like that of
Isaiah 29:18, of the sentence of judicial blindness with which Isaiah's work as a prophet had begun (
Isaiah 6:10).
Verse 3. -
The eyes of them that see shall not be dim. In Messiah's kingdom there shall be no judicial blindness, such as that threatened in
Isaiah 6:9, 10, and described in
Isaiah 29:10, 11; but men shall see the truth clearly (comp.
Isaiah 29:18;
Isaiah 35:5;
Matthew 13:16, etc.).
The ears.., shall hearken;i.e. "shall both hear and
understated" (compare "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear").
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Then the eyesעֵינֵ֣י(‘ê·nê)Noun - cdc
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountainof those who seeרֹאִ֑ים(rō·’îm)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 7200:To seewill no longerוְלֹ֥א(wə·lō)Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nobe closed,תִשְׁעֶ֖ינָה(ṯiš·‘e·nāh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine plural
Strong's 8159:To gaze at, about, to inspect, consider, compassionate, be nonplussed, bewilderedand the earsוְאָזְנֵ֥י(wə·’ā·zə·nê)Conjunctive waw | Noun - fdc
Strong's 241:Broadness, the earof those who hearשֹׁמְעִ֖ים(šō·mə·‘îm)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlywill listen.תִּקְשַֽׁבְנָה׃(tiq·šaḇ·nāh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine plural
Strong's 7181:To prick up the ears, hearken
Links
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 32:3 The eyes of those who see will (Isa Isi Is) 
