Isaiah 42:19
17 But those who trust in idols and say to molten images, ‘You are our gods!’ will be turned back in utter shame.
18 Listen, you deaf ones; look, you blind ones, that you may see!
Who is blind but My servant, or deaf like the messenger I am sending? Who is blind like My covenant partner, or blind like the servant of the LORD?
20 Though seeing many things, you do not keep watch. Though your ears are open, you do not hear.”
21 The LORD was pleased, for the sake of His righteousness, to magnify His law and make it glorious.
This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- Who is blind but My servant, or deaf like the messenger I am sending? Who is blind like My covenant partner, or blind like the servant of the LORD?
- KJV
- Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the LORD’s servant?
- WEB
- Who is blind, but my servant? Or who is as deaf as my messenger whom I send? Who is as blind as he who is at peace, and as blind as the LORD’s servant?
- ASV
- Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I send? who is blind as he that is at peace [with me], and blind as Jehovah`s servant?
- DARBY
- Who is blind, but my servant? and deaf, as my messenger whom I sent? Who is blind as he in whom I have trusted, and blind as Jehovah's servant,
- BLB
- Who [is] blind, but for My servant, or deaf like My messenger I am sending? Who [is] blind like Meshullam or blind like the servant of YHWH?
- ÅB
- Hvem er blind uten min tjener[^3] og døv som det bud som jeg sender? Hvem er blind som min fortrolige venn, blind som Herrens tjener?
- OTB
- Hvem er blind, om ikke min tjener, eller så døv som min budbringer som jeg sender? Hvem er så blind som den som er i pakt med meg, eller så blind som Herrens tjener?
- B1930
- Hvem er blind uten min tjener og døv som det bud som jeg sender? Hvem er blind som min fortrolige venn, blind som Herrens tjener? / < Israel.>
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
2 Corinthians 4:4
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
Read in contextEzekiel 12:2
“Son of man, you are living in a rebellious house. They have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house.
Read in contextJeremiah 5:21
“Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear.
Read in contextRomans 2:17–23
Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God;
Read in contextMatthew 15:14–16
Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”
Read in contextJohn 9:39
Then Jesus declared, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind may see and those who see may become blind.”
Read in contextJohn 7:47–49
“Have you also been deceived?” replied the Pharisees.
Read in contextIsaiah 41:8
“But you, O Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham My friend—
Read in context