Isaiah 33 13

Isaiah 33:13 kjv

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

Isaiah 33:13 nkjv

Hear, you who are afar off, what I have done; And you who are near, acknowledge My might."

Isaiah 33:13 niv

You who are far away, hear what I have done; you who are near, acknowledge my power!

Isaiah 33:13 esv

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

Isaiah 33:13 nlt

Listen to what I have done, you nations far away!
And you that are near, acknowledge my might!"

Isaiah 33 verses

Isaiah 33 13 Meaning

Isaiah 33:13 speaks of a profound separation and judgment. Those addressed are exhorted to "hear, you peoples, and understand; pay attention, you nations!" The message declares that those far off will witness and react to the Lord's actions. The verse emphasizes a time of cleansing and devastation for the nations, contrasting it with the Lord's righteous reign over His people. It foretells a severe consequence for those who have oppressed and scattered Judah, indicating they will face destruction and scattering themselves.

Isaiah 33 13 Context

Isaiah chapter 33 generally focuses on the future judgment of Jerusalem's enemies, particularly Assyria, and the subsequent restoration and reign of the Lord in Zion. This particular verse (33:13) fits within the broader theme of divine retribution and the vindication of God's people. The immediate context before verse 13 might discuss the approaching siege or devastation by a foreign power, leading to this call for attention from all nations to witness the Lord's powerful intervention. The prophecy anticipates a time when God's judgment will be so evident that even distant peoples will be aware and affected.

Isaiah 33 13 Word Analysis

• Hear (sh'mu - שְׁמְעוּ): This is the imperative form of the verb "to hear" or "to listen." It's a strong command urging immediate attention and comprehension.
• you peoples (ha'amim - הָעַמִּים): Plural of "am" (nation, people). Refers to the nations of the earth generally, or perhaps specifically to those nations involved in or witnessing the events of judgment.
• and understand (u'd'u - וּדְעוּ): Imperative from the root "yada," meaning to know, to understand, to be aware. It goes beyond mere auditory reception to require cognitive grasp.
• pay attention (hatzinnu - הַצְּנּוּ): Another imperative, from "natsan," meaning to give ear, to incline the ear, to heed. This reinforces the command for focused listening.
• you nations (ha'ammot - הָאֲמּוֹת): Similar to "ha'amim," this emphasizes the international scope of the message.
• far off (merchoq - מֵרָחוֹק): From "raqach," meaning distant, remote. This highlights that the Lord's actions will be so significant that their impact will be felt and observed by those geographically separated.
• have heard (sh'mu - שָׁמְעוּ): Past tense of the verb "to hear," referring to what the nations have heard or will hear about the Lord's mighty deeds.
• with your ears (b'ozenayichem - בְּאָזְנֵיכֶם): "Ozen" means ear. Literally "with your ears." It emphasizes the physical act of hearing as a prelude to understanding.
• seen (ra'item - רְאִיתֶם): Past tense of the verb "ra'ah," meaning to see. Connects auditory witness to visual confirmation.
• his works (m'lecheto - מְלַאכְתּוֹ): "Mel'achah" refers to deed, work, action. It points to the powerful acts of God that are to be observed.
• know (d'u - דְּעוּ): Imperative, emphasizing the need to comprehend the meaning and implications of God's works.
• that you have done (she-afalatahu - שֶׁ־אָצַלְתָּה): This refers to God's hidden counsel or His powerful, perhaps "pulled back" or separated actions, His potent display of power. Some translations might use "what you have appointed" or "what you have worked."
• mighty (gibbor - גִּבּוֹר): A strong term, referring to power, might, valor. It describes the nature of God's actions.
• great (gadol - גָּדוֹל): Signifies immensity, importance, or extent.

Group Analysis: The opening commands "Hear... and understand" and "pay attention" set a tone of urgency and universal applicability. The structure links hearing about the Lord's works (what the nations have heard) with seeing and knowing them directly. The final part of the verse attributes the power and significance ("mighty," "great") to the Lord's actions, His "counsel" or "purpose."

Isaiah 33 13 Bonus Section

The imagery of God's "counsel" or "works" being "mighty" and "great" (gibbor, gadol) evokes the understanding of God as the ultimate strategist and executor of His plans, which are beyond human comprehension but undeniably powerful when revealed. This links to theological concepts of divine sovereignty and providence, where God works His purposes out, even through the seemingly chaotic events of history. The call to the nations implies that God’s justice and power are not confined to Israel alone but have universal implications and will be witnessed by all.

Isaiah 33 13 Commentary

This verse is a profound declaration of God's sovereign power and justice. It serves as an interlude within prophecies of judgment, calling the nations to recognize that the events unfolding, especially concerning Jerusalem and its oppressors, are orchestrated by the Almighty. The repetition of the call to hear and understand emphasizes the undeniable nature of God's intervention. The Lord's actions are not merely forceful; they are powerful and divinely determined. The verse suggests a clear distinction: while nations might act with their own agendas, God is ultimately at work, revealing His might through judgment and vindication. For believers, it’s a reminder that God's plan encompasses all nations and His power is supreme, leading to eventual justice and peace for His people.