Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might.

ISAIAH 33:13KJV
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Isaiah 33:13 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 33:13 mean?

Isaiah 33:13 is a call from God for people both far away and nearby to pay attention to what He has done and to recognize His power. The verse invites everyone, regardless of their distance or background, to listen and acknowledge God’s mighty actions.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking on God’s behalf to both the people of Israel (“those who are near”) and to distant nations (“those who are far off”). The setting is a time of crisis for Jerusalem, and God is making it clear that His deeds and strength are not just for one group but are meant to be seen and recognized by all people. The verse highlights God’s universal authority and the importance of recognizing His involvement in world events.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 33:13

  • "Hear" (שָׁמַע, shamaʿ): This word means more than just listening; it often carries the sense of paying close attention or obeying. Here, it is a summons for everyone to truly take notice of what God has done.
  • "Far off" (רָחוֹק, rachoq) and "near" (קָרוֹב, qarov): These words emphasize that the message is not limited to one group. God’s actions are relevant to both distant nations and those close by, showing the broad reach of His power.
  • "Acknowledge" (יָדַע, yadaʿ): This word means to know or recognize, often in a deep or personal way. The verse is not just about hearing facts but about truly understanding and admitting God’s might.
  • "Might" (עֹז, oz): This word refers to strength or power. Isaiah is highlighting God’s ability to act decisively and powerfully in history.

Why Isaiah 33:13 matters

  • Isaiah 33:13 makes it clear that God’s actions are meant to be noticed by everyone, not just the people of Israel, which shows the universal scope of His message.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s power is something to be recognized and respected, not just observed from a distance.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by preparing the reader for the descriptions of God’s judgment and salvation that follow, showing that what God does in Jerusalem has significance for the whole world.

Where else these words appear

“might” Hebrew H1369 · used in 61 verses

  • Exodus 32:18 And he said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome: but the noise of them that sing do I hear.
  • Job 12:13 With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.
  • Psalms 150:2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.

“near” Hebrew H7138 · used in 76 verses

  • Genesis 19:20 Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither,( is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.
  • 1 Kings 21:2 And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money.
  • Isaiah 55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

“off” Hebrew H7350 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 22:4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.
  • 2 Chronicles 6:36 If they sin against thee,(for there is no man which sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them over before their enemies, and they carry them away captives unto a land far off or near;
  • Isaiah 37:26 Hast thou not heard long ago, how I have done it; and of ancient times, that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste defenced cities into ruinous heaps.