King James Version

What Does Isaiah 32:3 Mean?

Isaiah 32:3 in the King James Version says “And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear shall hearken.” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear shall hearken.”

Isaiah 32:3 · KJV

Context

1

Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment.

2

And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. great: Heb. heavy

3

And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear shall hearken.

4

The heart also of the rash shall understand knowledge, and the tongue of the stammerers shall be ready to speak plainly. rash: Heb. hasty plainly: or, elegantly

5

The vile person shall be no more called liberal, nor the churl said to be bountiful.

Read Isaiah 32 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim (וְלֹא תִשְׁעֶינָה עֵינֵי רֹאִים, velo tish'eynah eyney ro'im)—the עֵינַיִם (eynayim, eyes) of רֹאִים (ro'im, those who see) won't be שָׁעָה (sha'ah, dim, blinded). And the ears of them that hear shall hearken (וְאָזְנֵי שֹׁמְעִים תִּקְשַׁבְנָה, ve'ozney shome'im tiqshavenah)—the אָזְנַיִם (oznayim, ears) of שֹׁמְעִים (shome'im, those who hear) will קָשַׁב (qashav, listen attentively, give heed).

This reverses the judicial blindness of Isaiah 29:9-10 where God poured out 'the spirit of deep sleep' and closed eyes. Under Messiah's reign, spiritual sight and hearing are restored. Those capable of seeing will see clearly; those able to hear will listen attentively. This isn't universal salvation (all seeing) but removal of judicial hardening for the elect. Jesus explained His parables both conceal truth from hard hearts and reveal it to those with ears to hear (Matthew 13:10-17, quoting Isaiah 6:9-10). The Spirit opens eyes and unstops ears (2 Corinthians 4:6, Acts 16:14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout Israel's history, prophets lamented spiritual blindness and deafness. By Jesus's day, this reached crisis—religious leaders examined Jesus yet concluded He was demon-possessed (John 8:48). But at Pentecost, eyes opened, ears unstoppped—3,000 believed Peter's sermon (Acts 2:41). The new covenant promise: 'I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts' (Jeremiah 31:33)—internal transformation enabling spiritual perception.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does spiritual sight differ from physical sight or intellectual knowledge?
  2. When did your own 'eyes' open to see Christ—what caused the shift from blindness to sight?
  3. How can you pray for those whose eyes are currently 'dim' to spiritual realities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְלֹ֥א1 of 7
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִשְׁעֶ֖ינָה2 of 7

“shall not be dim”

H8159

to gaze at or about (properly, for help); by implication, to inspect, consider, compassionate, be nonplussed (as looking around in amazement) or bewil

עֵינֵ֣י3 of 7

“And the eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

רֹאִ֑ים4 of 7

“of them that see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְאָזְנֵ֥י5 of 7

“and the ears”

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

שֹׁמְעִ֖ים6 of 7

“of them that hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

תִּקְשַֽׁבְנָה׃7 of 7

“shall hearken”

H7181

to prick up the ears, i.e., hearken

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 32:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 32:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 29:18Acts 26:18Isaiah 35:5-62 Corinthians 4:61 John 2:20-21Isaiah 29:24

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 32 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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