And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.

ISAIAH 29:18KJV
Know the Bible

Isaiah 29:18 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 29:18 mean?

Isaiah 29:18 describes a future time when people who were once unable to hear or see—described as "the deaf" and "the blind"—will suddenly be able to understand the words of a book and see clearly, even out of darkness and obscurity. This verse uses physical disabilities as symbols for spiritual dullness or ignorance being removed.

Isaiah is speaking to the people of Jerusalem, who have been spiritually unresponsive and unable to grasp God’s message. The verse promises a dramatic change: those who were spiritually "deaf" and "blind" will one day understand and perceive God’s truth. This is part of a larger section where Isaiah warns of judgment but also looks forward to restoration and renewal for the people.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 29:18

  • "Deaf" (חֵרְשִׁים, chereshim): This word refers to those who cannot hear, but in the context of Isaiah, it often points to people who are spiritually unresponsive or unwilling to listen to God.
  • "Hear" (שָׁמַע, shama): This word means more than just hearing sounds—it often carries the sense of truly listening and understanding, which highlights the transformation being described.
  • "Book" (סֵפֶר, sefer): The "book" likely refers to God’s message or revelation, which had previously been closed or incomprehensible to the people.
  • "Obscurity" (אֹפֶל, ophel) and "darkness" (חֹשֶׁךְ, choshekh): Both words describe a state of confusion or ignorance. The promise is that people will see clearly even from these places of darkness.

Why Isaiah 29:18 matters

  • Isaiah 29:18 clarifies that the transformation is not just physical healing but a spiritual awakening, where understanding and insight are restored to those who were previously closed off.
  • The verse emphasizes hope and restoration after a time of judgment, showing that God’s ultimate plan is to open eyes and ears, not leave people in their blindness or deafness.
  • In the wider passage, this verse is part of a promise that God will overturn the spiritual dullness of His people, connecting to the broader biblical theme of God bringing light and understanding to those in darkness.

Where else these words appear

“obscurity” Hebrew H652 · used in 8 verses

  • Job 3:6 As for that night, let darkness seize upon it; let it not be joined unto the days of the year, let it not come into the number of the months.
  • Job 23:17 Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he covered the darkness from my face.
  • Job 30:26 When I looked for good, then evil came unto me: and when I waited for light, there came darkness.

“deaf” Hebrew H2795 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 4:11 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?
  • Psalms 38:13 But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.
  • Isaiah 42:18 Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.

“blind” Hebrew H5787 · used in 23 verses

  • Exodus 4:11 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?
  • 2 Samuel 5:8 And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, that are hated of David's soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.
  • Isaiah 42:19 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?

“darkness” Hebrew H2822 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
  • Job 19:8 He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and he hath set darkness in my paths.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:14 The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.