Isaiah 44:18
They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand.
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָדְע֖וּ
They have not known
H3045
יָדְע֖וּ
They have not known
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
2 of 10
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָבִ֑ינוּ
nor understood
H995
יָבִ֑ינוּ
nor understood
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
4 of 10
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מֵֽרְאוֹת֙
that they cannot see
H7200
מֵֽרְאוֹת֙
that they cannot see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
7 of 10
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
עֵֽינֵיהֶ֔ם
their eyes
H5869
עֵֽינֵיהֶ֔ם
their eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
8 of 10
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
Cross References
Jeremiah 5:21Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not:Psalms 81:12So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels.John 5:44How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?John 8:43Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.Isaiah 29:10For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.Romans 1:28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;Daniel 12:10Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.Proverbs 28:5Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.Isaiah 1:3The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.Isaiah 44:20He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?
Historical Context
This hardening echoes Isaiah 6:9-10 where Isaiah's ministry would harden hearers. Paul cites this regarding Israel's rejection of the gospel (Romans 11:8). Judicial blindness is both divine judgment and human responsibility.
Questions for Reflection
- How does persistent rejection of truth lead to inability to perceive it?
- What is the relationship between divine hardening and human responsibility for blindness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Isaiah explains this blindness: 'They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand.' This judicial blindness - God shutting eyes and hardening hearts - is both punishment for rebellion and explanation for persistent foolishness. The Hebrew 'tach' (to smear/plaster over) suggests eyes sealed shut.