Isaiah 29:18

Authorized King James Version

And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְשָׁמְע֧וּ

H8085

hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

בַיּוֹם

H3117

And in that day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֛וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הַחֵרְשִׁ֖ים

H2795

shall the deaf

deaf (whether literally or spiritual)

דִּבְרֵי

H1697

the words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

סֵ֑פֶר

H5612

of the book

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

וּמֵאֹ֣פֶל

H652

out of obscurity

dusk

וּמֵחֹ֔שֶׁךְ

H2822

and out of darkness

the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness

עֵינֵ֥י

H5869

and the eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#10

עִוְרִ֖ים

H5787

of the blind

blind (literally or figuratively)

#11

תִּרְאֶֽינָה׃

H7200

shall see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Isaiah.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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