New International VersionLead out those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf.
New Living TranslationBring out the people who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf.
English Standard VersionBring out the people who are blind, yet have eyes, who are deaf, yet have ears!
Berean Standard BibleBring out a people who have eyes but are blind, and who have ears but are deaf.
King James BibleBring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears.
New King James VersionBring out the blind people who have eyes, And the deaf who have ears.
New American Standard BibleBring out the people who are blind, even though they have eyes, And those who are deaf, even though they have ears.
NASB 1995Bring out the people who are blind, even though they have eyes, And the deaf, even though they have ears.
NASB 1977Bring out the people who are blind, even though they have eyes, And the deaf, even though they have ears.
Legacy Standard BibleBring out the people who are blind, even though they have eyes, And the deaf, even though they have ears.
Amplified BibleBring out the people who are blind, even though they have eyes, And the deaf, even though they have ears.
Christian Standard BibleBring out a people who are blind, yet have eyes, and are deaf, yet have ears.
Holman Christian Standard BibleBring out a people who are blind, yet have eyes, and are deaf, yet have ears.
American Standard VersionBring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears.
Contemporary English VersionBring my people together. They have eyes and ears, but they can't see or hear.
English Revised VersionBring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationBring the people who are blind but still have eyes, the people who are deaf but still have ears.
Good News TranslationGod says, "Summon my people to court. They have eyes, but they are blind; they have ears, but they are deaf!
International Standard Version"Bring out the people who are blind, yet still have eyes, who are deaf, yet still have ears!
NET BibleBring out the people who are blind, even though they have eyes, those who are deaf, even though they have ears!
New Heart English BibleBring out the blind people who have eyes, and the deaf who have ears.
Webster's Bible TranslationBring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBring out a people who have eyes but are blind, and who have ears but are deaf.
World English BibleBring out the blind people who have eyes, and the deaf who have ears. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionHe brought out a blind people who have eyes, "" And deaf ones who have ears.
Young's Literal Translation He brought out a blind people who have eyes, And deaf ones who have ears.
Smith's Literal TranslationBring forth the blind people, and there are eyes; and the deaf, and ears to them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBring forth the people that are blind, and have eyes: that are deaf, and have ears.
Catholic Public Domain VersionLead forth the people who are blind and have eyes, who are deaf and have ears.
New American BibleLead out the people, blind though they have eyes, deaf though they have ears.
New Revised Standard VersionBring forth the people who are blind, yet have eyes, who are deaf, yet have ears! Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBring forth the blind people who have eyes, and the deaf who have ears.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedBring out the blind people who have eyes and do not see, and have ears and are deaf OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The blind people that have eyes shall be brought forth, And the deaf that have ears.
Brenton Septuagint Translationand I have brought forth the blind people; for their eyes are alike blind, and they that have ears are deaf.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Israel's Only Savior… 7everyone called by My name and created for My glory, whom I have indeed formed and made.” 8Bring outa peoplewho haveeyesbut are blind,and who have earsbut are deaf.9All the nations gather together and the peoples assemble. Who among them can declare this, and proclaim to us the former things? Let them present their witnesses to vindicate them, so that others may hear and say, “It is true.”…
Cross References Jeremiah 5:21“Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear.
Matthew 13:13-15This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’ / In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’
Ezekiel 12:2“Son of man, you are living in a rebellious house. They have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house.
Mark 8:18‘Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear?’ And do you not remember?
John 9:39-41Then Jesus declared, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind may see and those who see may become blind.” / Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard this, and they asked Him, “Are we blind too?” / “If you were blind,” Jesus replied, “you would not be guilty of sin. But since you claim you can see, your guilt remains.”
Romans 11:8as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear, to this very day.”
Deuteronomy 29:4Yet to this day the LORD has not given you a mind to understand, eyes to see, or ears to hear.
Acts 28:26-27‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’
Psalm 115:5-6They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell;
2 Corinthians 3:14-15But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. / And even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.
Psalm 135:16-17They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths.
Revelation 3:17You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.
Proverbs 20:12Ears that hear and eyes that see—the LORD has made them both.
John 12:40“He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they cannot see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.”
Zechariah 7:11-12But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder; they stopped up their ears from hearing. / They made their hearts like flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of Hosts.
Treasury of Scripture Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears. Isaiah 6:9 And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Isaiah 42:18-20 Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see… Isaiah 44:18-20 They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see;and their hearts, that they cannot understand… Jump to Previous BlindDeafEarsEyesForthLeadOnesShutJump to Next BlindDeafEarsEyesForthLeadOnesShutIsaiah 43 1.The Lord comforts the church with his promises.8.He appeals to the people for witness of his omnipotence14.He foretells them the destruction of Babylon18.And his wonderful deliverance of his people22.He reproves the people as inexcusableBring out a peopleThis phrase calls for the gathering of a specific group, likely referring to the Israelites. Historically, the Israelites were often called out by God for a purpose, such as being His chosen people ( Deuteronomy 7:6). This calling out can also be seen as a summons to witness or testify, a common theme in Isaiah where God calls His people to be witnesses to His power and faithfulness ( Isaiah 43:10). who have eyes but are blind
The reference to having eyes but being blind is a metaphor for spiritual blindness. Despite having the ability to see physically, the people are unable to perceive or understand God's truth and works. This blindness is often attributed to idolatry and disobedience (Isaiah 42:18-20). In the New Testament, Jesus frequently addressed spiritual blindness, particularly among the Pharisees (John 9:39-41), highlighting the need for spiritual insight and understanding. and who have ears but are deaf
Similar to the previous phrase, this refers to spiritual deafness. The people have the ability to hear but fail to listen to God's voice and commandments. This deafness is a recurring issue in the Old Testament, where the Israelites often ignored the prophets' warnings (Jeremiah 6:10). In the New Testament, Jesus often used the phrase "He who has ears, let him hear" (Matthew 11:15) to emphasize the importance of truly listening and understanding His teachings. This phrase underscores the need for a responsive and obedient heart to God's word. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book bearing his name. He prophesied to the Kingdom of Judah during a time of moral and spiritual decline. 2. The People of IsraelThe primary audience of Isaiah's message. They are often depicted as spiritually blind and deaf due to their disobedience and idolatry. 3. Babylonian ExileAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of Isaiah 43 includes the impending Babylonian exile, a significant event where the Israelites were taken captive due to their unfaithfulness. Teaching Points Spiritual AwarenessJust as physical sight and hearing are crucial for navigating the world, spiritual sight and hearing are essential for understanding God's will and purpose. We must seek God to open our eyes and ears to His truth. Repentance and RenewalThe call to bring out the blind and deaf is an invitation to repentance. Acknowledge areas of spiritual blindness and seek God's forgiveness and renewal. God's Sovereignty and GraceDespite Israel's spiritual blindness, God remains sovereign and gracious, offering redemption and restoration. Trust in His ability to transform and renew. The Role of the ChurchThe church is called to be a light to those who are spiritually blind and deaf, sharing the gospel and living out the truth of God's Word. Personal ReflectionRegularly examine your spiritual condition. Are there areas where you are blind or deaf to God's leading? Pray for discernment and clarity. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 43:8?
2.How does Isaiah 43:8 challenge us to witness to spiritual blindness today?
3.What does "deaf" and "blind" symbolize in Isaiah 43:8 for believers?
4.How can Isaiah 43:8 inspire us to pray for spiritual discernment?
5.Connect Isaiah 43:8 with Jesus healing the blind in the Gospels.
6.How can we ensure we are not spiritually "blind" or "deaf" today?
7.What is the historical context of Isaiah 43:8?
8.How does Isaiah 43:8 challenge our understanding of spiritual blindness?
9.What theological themes are present in Isaiah 43:8?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 43?
11.Do the promises of restoration in Isaiah 35 conflict with other biblical prophecies about judgment and desolation of the land?
12.What does 'Not Known, Not Heard' mean?
13.Isaiah 6:9-10 - How does a just God justify hardening people's hearts so they cannot understand or repent?
14.What is the concept of the Fourfold Witness?What Does Isaiah 43:8 Mean Bring outGod issues a summons, pulling His chosen nation into the spotlight so no one can miss what He is about to do. He is the One who “forms light and creates darkness” (Isaiah 45:7), so when He says, “Bring out,” it carries divine authority. Think of Israel’s earlier “coming out” of Egypt (Exodus 3:10) and the future regathering from exile (Isaiah 43:5-7). Both pictures remind us that the Lord takes personal responsibility for His people’s movement and mission.
A peopleThe phrase underscores Israel’s covenant identity. •Deuteronomy 7:6 calls them “a holy people to the LORD.” •Isaiah 43:1 repeats, “I have called you by name; you are Mine.” •1 Peter 2:9 applies the same truth to every believer in Christ—a “people for His own possession.” God is not dealing with anonymous masses; He is addressing a distinct community He formed for His glory.
Who have eyesIsrael possesses the very “oracles of God” (Romans 3:2) along with a long history of divine intervention—solid reasons to see spiritual reality clearly.Psalm 19:8 says, “The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” The physical organ is there, and so is the revelation.
But are blindDespite all that light, many fail to perceive what God is showing them.Isaiah 6:9-10 foretold this dullness;Isaiah 42:19 singles out the servant-nation itself: “Who is blind but My servant?” In the Gospels Jesus confronts the same condition (John 9:39-41). Spiritual blindness is not a lack of data but a refusal to respond to it—“the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelieving” (2 Corinthians 4:4).
And who have earsHearing in Scripture means more than detecting sound; it implies readiness to obey. Israel heard the Shema daily—“Hear, O Israel” (Deuteronomy 6:4). The Lord still whispers, “This is the way; walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21). Believers today likewise receive repeated invitations: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Mark 4:9).
But are deafThe capacity to hear is present, yet the heart resists.Jeremiah 6:10 laments, “Their ears are closed, so they cannot listen.”Ezekiel 12:2 andActs 7:51 echo the same charge. Persistent deafness invites discipline, but God’s goal is restoration—He promises to open ears and loose tongues (Isaiah 35:5-6) through the saving work of the Messiah.
summaryIsaiah 43:8 pictures God escorting His covenant people onto center stage to expose a paradox: they own the faculties of sight and hearing, backed by unparalleled revelation, yet remain spiritually unresponsive. The verse warns against complacency while affirming the Lord’s relentless purpose to rescue, correct, and ultimately redeem. Eyes can be opened, ears unstopped, and hearts warmed—when we turn to the One who calls us out, we finally see and hear the truth that sets us free. (8) Bring forth the blind people . . .--The command comes abruptly, as from a Divine voice, and is, as it were, a reversed echo of Isaiah 42:18-20. There Israel saw but did not observe, had eyes and yet was blind. Here the blind and deaf-- i.e.,the heathen, or the Israel that had fallen into heathenism--are spoken of as having capacities for sight and hearing which will one day be developed. Verses 8-13. - A RENEWED CHALLENGE TO THE NATIONS. The nations are once more challenged (comp. Isaiah 41:1, 21-26) to set forth the claims of their gods against those of Jehovah. Israel is summoned on the one hand (ver. 8); the nations on the other (ver. 9). What prophecy can the nations produce, either old or new? The Israelites can abundantly witness on behalf of Jehovah (ver. 10). Jehovah adds a further witness of himself (vers. 11-13). Verse 8. - Bring forth the blind people that have eyes. A tribunal is supposed to have been prepared, before which the contending parties are summoned to appear and plead. Israel is first summoned, as "a blind people that have eyes;" i.e. a people long blind ( Isaiah 29:18; Isaiah 35:5; Isaiah 42:7, 18, 19), who have now, to some extent, recovered their sight ( Isaiah 32:3; Isaiah 35:5), and are ready to witness for God. Next, the nations are summoned (see the following verse).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Bring outהוֹצִ֥יא(hō·w·ṣî)Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 3318:To go, bring, out, direct and proxima peopleעַם־(‘am-)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flockwho haveיֵ֑שׁ(yêš)Adverb
Strong's 3426:Being, substance, existence, iseyesוְעֵינַ֣יִם(wə·‘ê·na·yim)Conjunctive waw | Noun - cd
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountainbut are blind,עִוֵּ֖ר(‘iw·wêr)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5787:Blindand who have earsוְאָזְנַ֥יִם(wə·’ā·zə·na·yim)Conjunctive waw | Noun - fd
Strong's 241:Broadness, the earbut are deaf.וְחֵרְשִׁ֖ים(wə·ḥê·rə·šîm)Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2795:Deaf
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 43:8 Bring out the blind people who have (Isa Isi Is) |
