King James Version

What Does Isaiah 33:13 Mean?

Isaiah 33:13 in the King James Version says “Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might.” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might.”

Isaiah 33:13 · KJV

Context

11

Ye shall conceive chaff, ye shall bring forth stubble: your breath, as fire, shall devour you.

12

And the people shall be as the burnings of lime: as thorns cut up shall they be burned in the fire.

13

Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might.

14

The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?

15

He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; righteously: Heb. in righteousnesses uprightly: Heb. uprightnesses oppressions: or, deceits blood: Heb. bloods

Read Isaiah 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done (שִׁמְעוּ רְחוֹקִים אֲשֶׁר עָשִׂיתִי, shim'u rechoqim asher asiti)—hear (שָׁמַע, shama) you who are רָחוֹק (rachoq, far, distant) what I've done (עָשָׂה, asah). And, ye that are near, acknowledge my might (וּדְעוּ קְרוֹבִים גְּבֻרָתִי, ude'u qerovim geburati)—and know (יָדַע, yada) you who are קָרוֹב (qarov, near) my גְּבוּרָה (geburah, might, power, strength).

God summons universal witness—both far (Gentile nations) and near (Israel/Judah)—to observe His mighty acts. The 'far' must hear reports; the 'near' witnessed directly and must acknowledge. Psalm 46:10: 'Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.' Sennacherib's destruction testified to all nations of Yahweh's supremacy. Acts 1:8 uses similar geography: 'ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.'

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Historical & Cultural Context

News of 185,000 Assyrian soldiers' overnight death spread throughout the ancient Near East. Assyria was the superpower; its humiliation shocked nations. The 'far off' heard reports; Judah experienced it directly. God's מִיָּה (geburah, might) was demonstrated unmistakably. Similarly, Jesus's resurrection was witnessed by those 'near' (apostles, disciples) and proclaimed to those 'far' (Gentiles)—both must hear and acknowledge God's power.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do God's mighty acts serve as witness to both those 'far' and 'near'—what's your responsibility to testify?
  2. What distinction exists between hearing reports (far) and personally acknowledging (near)?
  3. How can you help those 'far off' hear what God has done, and those 'near' truly acknowledge His might?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
שִׁמְע֥וּ1 of 7

“Hear”

H8085

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

רְחוֹקִ֖ים2 of 7

“ye that are far off”

H7350

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר3 of 7
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשִׂ֑יתִי4 of 7

“what I have done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וּדְע֥וּ5 of 7

“acknowledge”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

קְרוֹבִ֖ים6 of 7

“and ye that are near”

H7138

near (in place, kindred or time)

גְּבֻרָתִֽי׃7 of 7

“my might”

H1369

force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory

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 33:13 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 33:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 48:10Ephesians 2:11-18Daniel 3:27-4:3Isaiah 49:1Daniel 6:25-27Psalms 97:8

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