Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:

ACTS 28:26KJV
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Acts 28:26 (KJV)

What does Acts 28:26 mean?

Acts 28:26 describes God’s message to the people of Israel, saying that although they will hear the message, they will not truly understand it, and although they will see what is happening, they will not really grasp its meaning. This verse highlights a spiritual blindness or unwillingness to accept what is being shown and told to them.

In Acts 28:26, Paul is quoting a prophecy from Isaiah as he speaks to Jewish leaders in Rome. Paul is explaining why some people do not respond to the message about Jesus, even when it is clearly presented. The verse shows that this lack of understanding is not due to a lack of information, but rather a deeper issue of the heart or will.

The Greek behind Acts 28:26

  • ἀκοῇ (akoe, “Hearing”) and ἀκούσετε (akousete, “hear”): The Greek uses a word for hearing that means more than just sound entering the ears; it often implies truly listening or taking something in. The repetition stresses that the people will physically hear but not inwardly receive.
  • συνῆτε (synēte, “understand”) and ἴδητε (idēte, “perceive”): These words mean to grasp or comprehend, not just to see or hear. The Greek here carries the sense of a deeper, thoughtful understanding that goes beyond surface awareness.
  • οὐ μὴ (ou mē, “shall not”): This is a strong double negative in Greek, emphasizing that understanding and perception will definitely not happen for these people.

Why Acts 28:26 matters

  • Acts 28:26 clears up that spiritual blindness is not simply a lack of information, but a refusal or inability to truly receive and understand what is being offered.
  • The verse connects Paul’s ministry to the Old Testament, showing that the challenge he faces is not new but was foretold by the prophet Isaiah.
  • This verse sets the stage for Paul’s announcement that the message will now go to the Gentiles, highlighting a turning point in the story of Acts.

Where else these words appear

“Hearing” Greek G189 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • Luke 7:1 Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.
  • Galatians 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

“shall” Greek G4920 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
  • Matthew 17:13 Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.
  • Luke 18:34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.

“this” Greek G5126 · used in 63 verses

  • Matthew 19:11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
  • John 6:34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
  • Acts 15:38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

“not” Greek G3364 · used in 84 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Luke 1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
  • John 13:8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.