Isaiah 6:9
And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.
Original Language Analysis
לֵ֥ךְ
H1980
לֵ֥ךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
2 of 13
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
לָעָ֣ם
this people
H5971
לָעָ֣ם
this people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
שָׁמ֙וֹעַ֙
Hear
H8085
שָׁמ֙וֹעַ֙
Hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
6 of 13
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
שָׁמ֙וֹעַ֙
Hear
H8085
שָׁמ֙וֹעַ֙
Hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
7 of 13
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וְאַל
H408
וְאַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
8 of 13
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תָּבִ֔ינוּ
but understand
H995
תָּבִ֔ינוּ
but understand
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
9 of 13
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
רָא֖וֹ
not and see
H7200
רָא֖וֹ
not and see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
10 of 13
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
רָא֖וֹ
not and see
H7200
רָא֖וֹ
not and see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
11 of 13
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
Cross References
Luke 8:10And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.Mark 4:12That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.John 12:40He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.Isaiah 29:13Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:Romans 11:8(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.Isaiah 43:8Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears.Hosea 1:9Then said God, Call his name Lo-ammi: for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God.
Historical Context
Isaiah's ministry would largely meet rejection, yet he faithfully proclaimed God's message for 60+ years. The hardening wasn't arbitrary but judicial response to persistent rebellion against revealed truth.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage challenge prosperity gospel expectations of universal positive response to truth?
- What responsibility do you bear to proclaim truth even when you know many will reject it?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God's commission is shocking: proclaim a message that will result in people hearing but not understanding, seeing but not perceiving. This judicial hardening represents God's judgment on persistent rejection—He confirms people in their chosen path. Jesus quotes this passage explaining why He taught in parables (Matthew 13:14-15), and Paul applies it to Jewish rejection of the gospel (Acts 28:26-27). God's Word either softens or hardens hearts.