King James Version

What Does Isaiah 43:8 Mean?

Isaiah 43:8 in the King James Version says “Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears.” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 43 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears.”

Isaiah 43:8 · KJV

Context

6

I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;

7

Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

8

Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears.

9

Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth.

10

Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. no: or, nothing formed of God

Read Isaiah 43 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The paradoxical command to 'bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears' describes those with physical capacity but spiritual dysfunction. This continues the indictment of Israel's willful ignorance (42:18-20), yet now they're called forth as witnesses despite their blindness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This introduces the courtroom scene where blind Israel must nevertheless testify to God's works. Their very existence and history provide evidence for God's uniqueness, despite their spiritual dullness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use imperfect witnesses to testify to His perfect works?
  2. What does your life testify about God despite your spiritual limitations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
הוֹצִ֥יא1 of 8

“Bring forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

עַם2 of 8

“people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

עִוֵּ֖ר3 of 8

“the blind”

H5787

blind (literally or figuratively)

וְעֵינַ֣יִם4 of 8

“eyes”

H5869

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

יֵ֑שׁ5 of 8

“that have”

H3426

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

וְחֵרְשִׁ֖ים6 of 8

“and the deaf”

H2795

deaf (whether literally or spiritual)

וְאָזְנַ֥יִם7 of 8

“that have ears”

H241

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

לָֽמוֹ׃8 of 8
H0

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 43:8 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 43:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 6:9Ezekiel 12:22 Corinthians 4:4-6Isaiah 42:18-20Deuteronomy 29:2-4Jeremiah 5:21

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 43 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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