King James Version

What Does Isaiah 35:5 Mean?

Isaiah 35:5 in the King James Version says “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.”

Isaiah 35:5 · KJV

Context

3

Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.

4

Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. fearful: Heb. hasty

5

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.

6

Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.

7

And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. grass: or, a court for reeds, etc

Read Isaiah 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This prophecy appears in Isaiah's vision of future restoration (chapter 35) and describes messianic miracles that would authenticate the Messiah. 'Then' (az, אָז) indicates a specific future time—when Messiah comes. 'The eyes of the blind shall be opened' speaks both literally and metaphorically. Physical blindness would be healed, while spiritual blindness would be removed. Jesus fulfilled this dramatically: He healed countless blind people (Matthew 9:27-30, Mark 8:22-25, John 9:1-41), and when John the Baptist's disciples questioned His identity, Jesus pointed to these very signs: 'The blind receive their sight' (Matthew 11:5, quoting Isaiah 35:5-6). 'The ears of the deaf shall be unstopped' parallels the first healing. Jesus healed deaf people (Mark 7:31-37), and metaphorically 'opened ears' to hear God's word. These physical healings demonstrated the Messiah's authority over creation and previewed ultimate restoration when all creation's brokenness will be reversed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Judaism understood that authentic prophets performed signs, but messianic miracles would be unique: healing blind and deaf, cleansing lepers, raising the dead. These specific healings didn't occur through Old Testament prophets, reserved for Messiah's authentication. The rabbinical writings reflect expectation that Messiah would perform these particular miracles. Jesus's healing ministry directly fulfilled Isaiah 35, validating His messianic claims. The early church continued healing in Jesus's name (Acts 3:1-10, Acts 9:32-43), demonstrating the kingdom's in-breaking and foreshadowing complete restoration when Christ returns. Modern believers still experience healing, partial fulfillment pointing to ultimate fulfillment when creation itself is renewed.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do Jesus's physical healings in the Gospels confirm His identity as the promised Messiah and increase your faith?
  2. In what ways do you need Jesus to 'open your eyes' or 'unstop your ears' to perceive spiritual truth?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
אָ֥ז1 of 7
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

תִּפָּקַ֖חְנָה2 of 7

“shall be opened”

H6491

to open (the senses, especially the eyes); figuratively, to be observant

עֵינֵ֣י3 of 7

“Then the eyes”

H5869

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

עִוְרִ֑ים4 of 7

“of the blind”

H5787

blind (literally or figuratively)

וְאָזְנֵ֥י5 of 7

“and the ears”

H241

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

חֵרְשִׁ֖ים6 of 7

“of the deaf”

H2795

deaf (whether literally or spiritual)

תִּפָּתַֽחְנָה׃7 of 7

“shall be unstopped”

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

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 35:5 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 35:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 42:6-7Luke 7:20-23Isaiah 29:18Matthew 11:3-5Isaiah 32:3-4Psalms 146:8

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 35 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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