Isaiah 33:17
Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.
Original Language Analysis
תֶּחֱזֶ֣ינָה
shall see
H2372
תֶּחֱזֶ֣ינָה
shall see
Strong's:
H2372
Word #:
3 of 7
to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of
עֵינֶ֑יךָ
Thine eyes
H5869
עֵינֶ֑יךָ
Thine eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
4 of 7
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
תִּרְאֶ֖ינָה
they shall behold
H7200
תִּרְאֶ֖ינָה
they shall behold
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
5 of 7
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
Cross References
Zechariah 9:17For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids.1 John 3:2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.2 Corinthians 4:18While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.Isaiah 6:5Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.John 14:21He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.John 17:24Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Historical Context
Ancient subjects rarely saw kings—royal presence was guarded, access restricted. David and Solomon's glory provided glimpses of coming greater King. After Assyrian siege, Hezekiah's preservation allowed continued Davidic kingship, anticipating Christ. The 'far off land' contrasts with cramped siege conditions—from confinement to expansive Kingdom. Jesus's transfiguration gave three disciples preview of His beauty (Matthew 17:1-2). His return will manifest full glory (Revelation 1:13-16).
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to 'see the king in his beauty'—how do you experience this now by faith?
- How does the promise of seeing Christ face-to-face motivate present holiness and endurance?
- What 'far off land'—expansive Kingdom reality—awaits those currently confined by earthly limitations?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty (מֶלֶךְ בְּיָפְיוֹ תֶּחֱזֶינָה עֵינֶיךָ, melekh beyofyo techezeynah eynekha)—your eyes will see (חָזָה, chazah, behold, gaze upon) the מֶלֶךְ (melekh, king) in his יֹפִי (yofi, beauty, splendor). They shall behold the land that is very far off (תִּרְאֶינָה אֶרֶץ מַרְחַקִּים, tire'enah erets marchaqqim)—they'll see (רָאָה, ra'ah) a land of מֶרְחָק (merchaq, far distances, remoteness).
The righteous will see the King in beauty—ultimately Christ in His glory. While Hezekiah provided a type, full fulfillment awaits Christ's return. First John 3:2: 'we shall see him as he is.' Revelation 21:23: 'the Lamb is the light thereof.' The 'land very far off' may be the expanded Kingdom or new earth. Jesus promised: 'Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God' (Matthew 5:8). The vision is both present (spiritual) and future (eschatological)—seeing Christ now by faith, then face-to-face (1 Corinthians 13:12).