King James Version

What Does Isaiah 6:9 Mean?

Isaiah 6:9 in the King James Version says “And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. indeed, ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. indeed, but understand: or, without ceasing, etc: Heb. in hearing, etc”

Isaiah 6:9 · KJV

Context

7

And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. laid: Heb. caused it to touch

8

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. Here: Heb. behold me

9

And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. indeed, but understand: or, without ceasing, etc: Heb. in hearing, etc

10

Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.

11

Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, utterly: Heb. desolate with desolation

Read Isaiah 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's commission is shocking: proclaim a message that will result in people hearing but not understanding, seeing but not perceiving. This judicial hardening represents God's judgment on persistent rejection—He confirms people in their chosen path. Jesus quotes this passage explaining why He taught in parables (Matthew 13:14-15), and Paul applies it to Jewish rejection of the gospel (Acts 28:26-27). God's Word either softens or hardens hearts.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah's ministry would largely meet rejection, yet he faithfully proclaimed God's message for 60+ years. The hardening wasn't arbitrary but judicial response to persistent rebellion against revealed truth.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage challenge prosperity gospel expectations of universal positive response to truth?
  2. What responsibility do you bear to proclaim truth even when you know many will reject it?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְאָמַרְתָּ֖1 of 13

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֵ֥ךְ2 of 13
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְאָמַרְתָּ֖3 of 13

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָעָ֣ם4 of 13

“this people”

H5971

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

הַזֶּ֑ה5 of 13
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

שָׁמ֙וֹעַ֙6 of 13

“Hear”

H8085

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

שָׁמ֙וֹעַ֙7 of 13

“Hear”

H8085

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

וְאַל8 of 13
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תָּבִ֔ינוּ9 of 13

“but understand”

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

רָא֖וֹ10 of 13

“not and see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

רָא֖וֹ11 of 13

“not and see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְאַל12 of 13
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תֵּדָֽעוּ׃13 of 13

“but perceive”

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 6:9 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 6:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 13:14-15Luke 8:10Mark 4:12John 12:40Acts 28:26-27Romans 11:8

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Isaiah 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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