Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

ISAIAH 55:6KJV
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Isaiah 55:6 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 55:6 mean?

Isaiah 55:6 calls its hearers to turn toward the LORD and address him while the opportunity is present. The verse speaks with urgency: the invitation is open now, and the hearers are told to respond rather than delay.

The LORD is portrayed as someone who can be found and who is near enough to hear a call. After the invitation to nations in verse 5, verse 6 directs its commands to the people hearing the message.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 55:6

  • “Seek” — דָּרַשׁ (darash): This word can mean to seek someone out or inquire of someone. Here it suggests approaching the LORD with a purpose, not simply looking for a place where he might be.
  • “call” — קָרָא (qara): This word can mean to call out or summon. In this verse, calling “upon him” describes addressing the LORD directly.
  • “LORD” — יהוה (YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, represented by “LORD” in the KJV. The verse’s commands are directed toward this particular God.

Why Isaiah 55:6 matters

  • The verse sets the invitation within a time of opportunity. The phrases “while he may be found” and “while he is near” give the commands their urgency.
  • The passage connects seeking the LORD with a change in conduct. Verse 7 calls the wicked person to leave behind a wrong way of life and return to the LORD, who will pardon.

Where else these words appear

“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 51:5 My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.