to open the eyes of the blindThis phrase is often understood both literally and metaphorically. In a literal sense, it refers to the miraculous healings performed by Jesus, as seen in the Gospels (e.g.,
John 9:1-7). Metaphorically, it signifies spiritual enlightenment and understanding, a theme prevalent throughout the Bible. The "blind" can represent those who are spiritually ignorant or unaware of God's truth. This aligns with the prophetic role of the Messiah, who brings light and understanding to those in spiritual darkness (
Isaiah 9:2). The opening of the eyes is a divine act, emphasizing God's power to transform and renew.
to bring prisoners out of the dungeon
This phrase can be interpreted as a reference to liberation from physical captivity, which was a common experience for the Israelites, such as during the Babylonian exile. However, it also symbolizes spiritual liberation from sin and bondage. The "dungeon" represents a place of confinement and despair, and the act of bringing prisoners out signifies redemption and freedom. This is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus is seen as the one who sets captives free (Luke 4:18-19), fulfilling the messianic prophecy and offering salvation to all who believe.
and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house
The imagery of "sitting in darkness" conveys a state of hopelessness and ignorance, often associated with life apart from God. The "prison house" symbolizes the constraints of sin and the absence of divine truth. This phrase highlights the transformative power of the Messiah, who brings light and hope to those trapped in spiritual darkness. It connects to the broader biblical theme of light overcoming darkness, as seen inJohn 1:5. The deliverance from the "prison house" is a metaphor for the salvation and new life offered through Christ, who is the light of the world (John 8:12).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is traditionally credited with writing the Book of Isaiah. His prophecies often focus on the coming of the Messiah and the salvation of God's people.
2.
The ServantIn
Isaiah 42, the "Servant" is a prophetic figure often understood by conservative Christians to refer to Jesus Christ, who fulfills these prophecies through His ministry.
3.
The BlindSymbolically represents those who are spiritually blind or ignorant of God's truth, needing enlightenment and revelation.
4.
PrisonersRepresents those who are bound by sin or oppression, needing liberation and freedom through divine intervention.
5.
DarknessSymbolizes ignorance, sin, and separation from God, from which people need to be delivered.
Teaching Points
Spiritual EnlightenmentJust as physical blindness is a barrier to seeing the world, spiritual blindness prevents us from seeing God's truth. We must seek Jesus, the Light of the World, to open our eyes.
Freedom from SinSin is a prison that holds us captive. Jesus came to set us free from this bondage, offering forgiveness and a new life.
Hope for the OppressedThose who feel trapped in difficult circumstances can find hope in Christ, who promises liberation and deliverance.
Role of the ChurchAs followers of Christ, we are called to participate in His mission by helping others find spiritual sight and freedom.
Living in the LightWalking in the light of Christ means living according to His teachings and reflecting His love and truth to others.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 42:7?
2.How does Isaiah 42:7 inspire us to help those in spiritual darkness?
3.What does "open eyes that are blind" symbolize in our spiritual journey?
4.How does Isaiah 42:7 connect with Jesus' mission in the New Testament?
5.In what ways can we "bring out prisoners" in our daily lives?
6.How can Isaiah 42:7 guide our prayers for those in bondage to sin?
7.How does Isaiah 42:7 relate to the mission of Jesus in the New Testament?
8.What historical context influenced the message of Isaiah 42:7?
9.How does Isaiah 42:7 address the concept of spiritual blindness?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 42?
11.What happens when the blind lead the blind?
12.If Isaiah 45:7 claims God creates both light and darkness, does this contradict other passages suggesting evil originates solely from humanity or Satan?
13.Could Isaiah 42:6-7 be an ex eventu prophecy, written after the outcomes it predicts already occurred?
14.Does the author's emphasis on the limitation of human understanding in Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 conflict with other biblical texts that claim revelations of divine mysteries?What Does Isaiah 42:7 Mean
to open the eyes of the blindIsaiah’s Servant is first pictured literally restoring physical sight. Jesus fulfilled this openly, touching Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46–52) and the man born blind (John 9). Scripture is precise: “Then the eyes of the blind will be opened” (Isaiah 35:5), and Jesus applied that promise to Himself in Nazareth: “He has sent Me … for recovery of sight to the blind” (Luke 4:18).
Yet the verse also speaks of spiritual vision:
• Sin blinds minds (2 Corinthians 4:4), but Christ “shines in our hearts” (2 Corinthians 4:6).
• Paul’s mandate echoes Isaiah—“to open their eyes” (Acts 26:18).
• Believers now carry the same gospel light so others can truly see.
to bring prisoners out of the dungeonThe Servant liberates captives. Historically, the promise pointed to Israel’s release from exile, showing that God acts in real time and space. Jesus broadened the picture: “to proclaim liberty to the captives” (Luke 4:18).Psalm 146:7 rejoices, “The LORD sets the prisoners free.”
What kind of prison?
• Chains of sin—“Once slaves to sin… you have been set free” (Romans 6:17-18).
• Addictions, fears, oppressive systems—areas where the gospel still breaks locks.
• Even literal jails felt His power: Peter walked out by angelic escort (Acts 12); Paul and Silas sang the doors open (Acts 16).
and those sitting in darkness out from the prison houseDarkness pictures ignorance, despair, and death. Isaiah earlier promised, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2);Matthew 4:16 testifies that Jesus is that dawn. He proclaims, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).
Christ’s rescue:
• Transfers us “from the dominion of darkness” to the kingdom of the Son (Colossians 1:13).
• Makes us “a people… called out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
• Guarantees a future where “the Lamb is its lamp” and night is gone forever (Revelation 21:23).
summaryIsaiah 42:7 sketches the Servant’s triple mission: restore sight, release captives, and lead souls from darkness to light. Jesus accomplished each literally and spiritually, proving Scripture’s accuracy and revealing God’s heart. As His followers we celebrate our own freedom and gladly carry the same liberating light to a world still blind, bound, and darkened.
(7)
To open the blind eyes.--The prophet must have felt the contrast between this and his own mission (
Isaiah 6:10). The words all point to spiritual blessings. (Comp. St. Paul's call in
Acts 26:18.) The "prison" is that of the selfishness and sin which hinder men from being truly free. In the "prisoners of hope" of
Zechariah 9:11, and the "spirits in prison" of
1Peter 3:18, we have different aspects of the same thought.
Verse 7. -
To open the blind eyes. The Messiah was to cure both physical and. spiritual blindness (see
Isaiah 29:18;
Isaiah 32:3;
Isaiah 35:5, etc.). Here it is spiritual blindness that is specially intended, as appears both by the symbolic language of the two conjoined clauses, and by the comment of vers. 16-19.
To bring out the prisoners from the prison; rather,
to bring out prisoners. To deliver from the bondage of sin such as are its slaves, and shut up in its prison-houses. The promise is general, but, like all spiritual promises, conditioned by the willingness of those who are its objects to avail themselves of it.
Them that sit in darkness (comp.
Isaiah 9:2).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
to openלִפְקֹ֖חַ(lip̄·qō·aḥ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6491:To open, to be observantthe eyesעֵינַ֣יִם(‘ê·na·yim)Noun - cd
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountainof the blind,עִוְר֑וֹת(‘iw·rō·wṯ)Adjective - feminine plural
Strong's 5787:Blindto bringלְהוֹצִ֤יא(lə·hō·w·ṣî)Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3318:To go, bring, out, direct and proximprisonersאַסִּ֔יר(’as·sîr)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 616:Bound, a captiveout of the dungeon,מִמַּסְגֵּר֙(mim·mas·gêr)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4525:A fastener, a smith, a prisonand those sittingיֹ֥שְׁבֵי(yō·šə·ḇê)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3427:To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marryin darknessחֹֽשֶׁךְ׃(ḥō·šeḵ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2822:The dark, darkness, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickednessout from the prisonכֶּ֖לֶא(ke·le)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3608:Confinement, restraint, imprisonmenthouse.מִבֵּ֥ית(mib·bêṯ)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004:A house
Links
Isaiah 42:7 NIVIsaiah 42:7 NLTIsaiah 42:7 ESVIsaiah 42:7 NASBIsaiah 42:7 KJV
Isaiah 42:7 BibleApps.comIsaiah 42:7 Biblia ParalelaIsaiah 42:7 Chinese BibleIsaiah 42:7 French BibleIsaiah 42:7 Catholic Bible
OT Prophets: Isaiah 42:7 To open the blind eyes to bring (Isa Isi Is) 
