Isaiah 42:19
Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the LORD'S servant?
Original Language Analysis
מִ֤י
H4310
מִ֤י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
1 of 14
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
4 of 14
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
כְּמַלְאָכִ֣י
as my messenger
H4397
כְּמַלְאָכִ֣י
as my messenger
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
7 of 14
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
אֶשְׁלָ֑ח
that I sent
H7971
אֶשְׁלָ֑ח
that I sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
8 of 14
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
מִ֤י
H4310
מִ֤י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
9 of 14
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
כִּמְשֻׁלָּ֔ם
as he that is perfect
H7999
כִּמְשֻׁלָּ֔ם
as he that is perfect
Strong's:
H7999
Word #:
11 of 14
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
Cross References
2 Corinthians 4:4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.Jeremiah 5:21Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not:Ezekiel 12:2Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house.
Historical Context
Despite receiving the Law, prophets, and covenant promises, Israel remained spiritually blind and deaf, failing to recognize God's purposes or proclaim His message to nations—a tragic irony.
Questions for Reflection
- How does privilege not guarantee spiritual sight—what keeps you blind despite advantages?
- In what ways do you function as a deaf messenger, failing to hear or proclaim God's word?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The shocking rhetorical question: 'Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger?' God's own servant and messenger are blind and deaf! This indicts Israel for failing their mission despite privileges. The Hebrew 'shamar' (perfect) ironically describes one who should see but doesn't.