Isaiah 43:8

8 Lead out those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf.

Isaiah 43:8 in Other Translations

KJV
8 Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears.
ESV
8 Bring out the people who are blind, yet have eyes, who are deaf, yet have ears!
NLT
8 Bring out the people who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf.
MSG
8 Get the blind and deaf out here and ready - the blind (though there's nothing wrong with their eyes) and the deaf (though there's nothing wrong with their ears).
CSB
8 Bring out a people who are blind, yet have eyes, and are deaf, yet have ears.

Isaiah 43:8 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 43:8

Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that
have ears
The Targum applies this to the bringing of the people of Israel out of Egypt; and others understand it of their deliverance from the Babylonish captivity; and some of the exclusion of them from the kingdom of heaven, and casting them into outward darkness, according to ( Matthew 8:12 ) , but it is rather to be understood of the conviction of them; though better of the Gentiles, and of the enlightening of them, who before were blind; and causing them to hear, who before were deaf to spiritual things, agreeably to what goes before. It seems best to consider the words as a summons to the Heathens uncalled, to the Roman Pagan empire, to come forth and appear, who were as blind and deaf as the idols they worshipped, and plead their cause, agreeably to what follows.

Isaiah 43:8 In-Context

6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—
7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
8 Lead out those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf.
9 All the nations gather together and the peoples assemble. Which of their gods foretold this and proclaimed to us the former things? Let them bring in their witnesses to prove they were right, so that others may hear and say, “It is true.”
10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.

Cross References 2

  • 1. S Isaiah 6:9-10
  • 2. S Isaiah 42:20; Ezekiel 12:2
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