King James Version

What Does Isaiah 55:6 Mean?

Isaiah 55:6 in the King James Version says “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 55 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:”

Isaiah 55:6 · KJV

Context

4

Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.

5

Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.

6

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

7

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. the unrighteous: Heb. the man of iniquity abundantly: Heb. multiply to pardon

8

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

Read Isaiah 55 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: This urgent exhortation employs temporal qualifiers—"while he may be found" and "while he is near"—suggesting limited opportunity. The verbs "seek" (dirshu, דִּרְשׁוּ) and "call" (qir'uhu, קְרָאֻהוּ) are plural imperatives commanding active pursuit of God. Darash (דָּרַשׁ) means to search diligently, inquire earnestly; qara (קָרָא) means to call out, cry, invoke.

The phrase "while he may be found" (behimmatso, בְּהִמָּצְאוֹ) uses niphal infinitive suggesting both God's accessibility and limited window. "While he is near" (bihyoto qarov, בִּהְיוֹתוֹ קָרוֹב) indicates proximity, both spatial and relational. The urgency implies that seasons of divine accessibility exist—times when God draws near in special invitation that may not always be available.

From a Reformed perspective, this verse balances divine sovereignty and human responsibility. God sovereignly determines seasons of grace, yet humans must respond when called. Hebrews 3:7-8 warns, "To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts." The doctrine of effectual calling explains this: God makes Himself findable to His elect at His appointed time, and they respond. This verse warns against presuming on grace—"now is the accepted time" (2 Corinthians 6:2).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's history showed seasons of divine accessibility (Exodus deliverance, Davidic era) and seasons of apparent distance (exile, silent periods). Isaiah's invitation addressed the exile-to-return transition—a kairos moment of special opportunity. The return from Babylon represented a season when God drew near; failure to respond would mean missing the opportunity.

Church history demonstrates similar patterns: revivals, awakenings, missionary movements represent seasons when God is specially near and findable. The Reformation, Great Awakenings, modern missions movements—all involved heightened sense of divine accessibility. Yet the principle applies individually: conviction of sin, circumstances drawing one to Christ, seasons of spiritual hunger—these are times to seek while He may be found, not presuming tomorrow's opportunity.

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you actively seeking and calling upon God, or passively waiting?
  2. What evidence suggests this is a season when God is specially near to you?
  3. What prevents you from urgently responding to God's present nearness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
דִּרְשׁ֥וּ1 of 6

“Seek”

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

יְהוָ֖ה2 of 6

“ye the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּהִמָּצְא֑וֹ3 of 6

“while he may be found”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

קְרָאֻ֖הוּ4 of 6

“call”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

בִּֽהְיוֹת֥וֹ5 of 6
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

קָרֽוֹב׃6 of 6

“ye upon him while he is near”

H7138

near (in place, kindred or time)

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 55:6 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 55:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 29:12-14Psalms 145:18Isaiah 45:19Psalms 32:6Psalms 14:2Isaiah 65:24

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 55 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 55 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes