Isaiah 33:13
Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might.
Original Language Analysis
שִׁמְע֥וּ
Hear
H8085
שִׁמְע֥וּ
Hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 7
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
רְחוֹקִ֖ים
ye that are far off
H7350
רְחוֹקִ֖ים
ye that are far off
Strong's:
H7350
Word #:
2 of 7
remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 7
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשִׂ֑יתִי
what I have done
H6213
עָשִׂ֑יתִי
what I have done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 7
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וּדְע֥וּ
acknowledge
H3045
וּדְע֥וּ
acknowledge
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
5 of 7
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
Cross References
Historical Context
News of 185,000 Assyrian soldiers' overnight death spread throughout the ancient Near East. Assyria was the superpower; its humiliation shocked nations. The 'far off' heard reports; Judah experienced it directly. God's מִיָּה (geburah, might) was demonstrated unmistakably. Similarly, Jesus's resurrection was witnessed by those 'near' (apostles, disciples) and proclaimed to those 'far' (Gentiles)—both must hear and acknowledge God's power.
Questions for Reflection
- How do God's mighty acts serve as witness to both those 'far' and 'near'—what's your responsibility to testify?
- What distinction exists between hearing reports (far) and personally acknowledging (near)?
- How can you help those 'far off' hear what God has done, and those 'near' truly acknowledge His might?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done (שִׁמְעוּ רְחוֹקִים אֲשֶׁר עָשִׂיתִי, shim'u rechoqim asher asiti)—hear (שָׁמַע, shama) you who are רָחוֹק (rachoq, far, distant) what I've done (עָשָׂה, asah). And, ye that are near, acknowledge my might (וּדְעוּ קְרוֹבִים גְּבֻרָתִי, ude'u qerovim geburati)—and know (יָדַע, yada) you who are קָרוֹב (qarov, near) my גְּבוּרָה (geburah, might, power, strength).
God summons universal witness—both far (Gentile nations) and near (Israel/Judah)—to observe His mighty acts. The 'far' must hear reports; the 'near' witnessed directly and must acknowledge. Psalm 46:10: 'Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.' Sennacherib's destruction testified to all nations of Yahweh's supremacy. Acts 1:8 uses similar geography: 'ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.'