Isaiah 35:5

5 The blind will be able to see, 1 and the deaf will hear.

Isaiah 35:5 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 35:5

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened
Which was literally fulfilled in the first coming of Christ, ( Matthew 9:27 ) ( 12:22 ) ( 20:30 ) ( John 9:1 John 9:30 ) and spiritually, both among Jews and Gentiles; especially the latter, under the ministry of the apostles, when those who were blind as to spiritual things had no knowledge of God in Christ; nor of the way of salvation by him; nor of the plague of their own hearts; nor of the work of the Spirit of God upon the soul; nor of the truths of the Gospel; through the power of divine grace had the eyes of their understanding opened, so as to see their sinfulness and vileness; their emptiness of all that is good, and their impotency to do anything that is spiritual; their want of righteousness; their need of Christ, and the fulness and suitableness of him as a Saviour; and to have some light into the truths of the Gospel, and a glimpse of heaven and eternal glory: and this will still have a greater accomplishment in the latter day, when the blind Jews are converted, and the fulness of the Gentiles brought in: and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped;
which was literally true of some when Christ came in the flesh, ( Matthew 11:5 ) ( Mark 7:32 Mark 7:35 ) and spiritually of many who had not ears to hear in a spiritual sense; stopped what ears they had to the charming voice of the Gospel; and, though they might externally hear, did not understand it: yet these having ears given them to hear, and their ears and hearts opened by the Spirit of God, heard the Gospel spiritually, profitably, pleasantly, comfortably, and with wonder and astonishment; and a multitude of such instances there will be in the latter day glory. Jarchi interprets it of such who were blind as to the knowledge of the fear of God, and deaf to the voice of the prophets.

Isaiah 35:5 In-Context

3 Give strength to hands that are tired and to knees that tremble with weakness.
4 Tell everyone who is discouraged, "Be strong and don't be afraid! God is coming to your rescue, coming to punish your enemies."
5 The blind will be able to see, and the deaf will hear.
6 The lame will leap and dance, and those who cannot speak will shout for joy. Streams of water will flow through the desert;
7 the burning sand will become a lake, and dry land will be filled with springs. Where jackals used to live, marsh grass and reeds will grow.

Cross References 1

  • 1. 35.5, 6Matthew 11.5;Luke 7.22.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.