King James Version

What Does Isaiah 48:6 Mean?

Isaiah 48:6 in the King James Version says “Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden thi...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.”

Isaiah 48:6 · KJV

Context

4

Because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass; obstinate: Heb. hard

5

I have even from the beginning declared it to thee; before it came to pass I shewed it thee: lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image, hath commanded them.

6

Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.

7

They are created now, and not from the beginning; even before the day when thou heardest them not; lest thou shouldest say, Behold, I knew them.

8

Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb.

Read Isaiah 48 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? This verse marks a pivotal shift in God's prophetic discourse through Isaiah. The Hebrew verb shama'ta (שָׁמַעְתָּ, "you have heard") implies not merely auditory reception but experiential knowledge—Israel has witnessed God's predictions come to pass. The imperative "see" (chazeh, חֲזֵה) calls for careful observation and reflection on fulfilled prophecy.

The phrase "new things" (chadashot, חֲדָשׁוֹת) refers to fresh revelations about the coming Messiah and the nature of redemption that transcend mere political deliverance. These are "hidden things" (netzurot, נְצֻרוֹת), mysteries previously concealed in God's eternal counsel but now being unveiled. The rhetorical question "will not ye declare it?" challenges Israel to become witnesses, testifying to God's faithfulness in both past fulfillments and future promises.

This verse establishes the principle that fulfilled prophecy authenticates divine revelation and obligates God's people to proclamation. The progression from hearing to seeing to declaring mirrors the Christian witness: we hear God's word, observe His faithfulness, and proclaim truth to others. God reveals hidden things not for speculation but for transformation and testimony.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah prophesied during a critical period (740-686 BC) when Judah faced threats from Assyria and internal spiritual decline. Chapters 40-48 contain prophecies about Babylon's future conquest and subsequent deliverance through Cyrus the Persian—events that would occur 150 years later. This specific verse comes near the end of a section emphasizing God's ability to predict and fulfill prophecy, distinguishing Him from false gods and idols.

The historical context involves God demonstrating His sovereignty through predictive prophecy. By the time of the Babylonian exile (586 BC), many of Isaiah's earlier predictions had been fulfilled, validating his prophetic authority. The "new things" included the surprising prophecy that a pagan king (Cyrus) would be God's instrument for Israel's restoration—a radical departure from expectations.

For the exiled Jews who would later read these words in Babylon, this passage provided crucial encouragement: the same God who predicted their captivity had also promised their restoration. The call to "declare it" challenged them to maintain faith and bear witness to God's sovereignty even in displacement.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's fulfillment of past prophecies strengthen our confidence in His unfulfilled promises?
  2. What "new things" has God revealed to you that you should be declaring to others?
  3. How can we better observe and testify to God's faithfulness in our generation?
  4. What prevents us from declaring the truths God has shown us?
  5. How does this verse challenge our tendency to keep faith private rather than public?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
הִשְׁמַעְתִּ֤יךָ1 of 12

“Thou hast heard”

H8085

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

חֲזֵה֙2 of 12

“see”

H2372

to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of

כֻּלָּ֔הּ3 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

וְאַתֶּ֖ם4 of 12
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

הֲל֣וֹא5 of 12
H3808

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

תַגִּ֑ידוּ6 of 12

“all this and will not ye declare”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

הִשְׁמַעְתִּ֤יךָ7 of 12

“Thou hast heard”

H8085

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

חֲדָשׁוֹת֙8 of 12

“thee new things”

H2319

new

מֵעַ֔תָּה9 of 12

“from this time”

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

וּנְצֻר֖וֹת10 of 12

“even hidden things”

H5341

to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)

וְלֹ֥א11 of 12
H3808

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

יְדַעְתָּֽם׃12 of 12

“and thou didst not know”

H3045

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

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 48:6 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 48:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 4:1Isaiah 42:9Romans 16:25-26Isaiah 43:19Isaiah 43:8-10Matthew 10:27

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 48 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 48 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes