Isaiah Chapter 42 · Verse 20
Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not.
Original Language Analysis
רָא֥יֹת
Seeing
H7200
רָא֥יֹת
Seeing
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 8
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
רַבּ֖וֹת
many things
H7227
רַבּ֖וֹת
many things
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
2 of 8
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִשְׁמֹ֑ר
but thou observest
H8104
תִשְׁמֹ֑ר
but thou observest
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
פָּק֥וֹחַ
not opening
H6491
פָּק֥וֹחַ
not opening
Strong's:
H6491
Word #:
5 of 8
to open (the senses, especially the eyes); figuratively, to be observant
אָזְנַ֖יִם
the ears
H241
אָזְנַ֖יִם
the ears
Strong's:
H241
Word #:
6 of 8
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
Historical Context
This describes Israel's persistent failure to understand God's ways despite continuous revelation through Law, prophets, and history. Exposure to truth without response produces greater guilt than ignorance.
Questions for Reflection
- What biblical truths do you see and hear yet fail to observe and understand?
- How does repeated exposure without response harden rather than soften the heart?
Analysis & Commentary
The indictment continues: 'Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not.' Physical capacity exists but functional awareness absent. The Hebrew 'ra'ah' (seeing) and 'shama' (hearing) happen, yet comprehension fails—a willful obtuseness more culpable than simple ignorance.