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 is a divine proclamation from the LORD, extending an urgent call for all humanity to heed and acknowledge His demonstrated power. It directly addresses both those geographically or spiritually distant and those in close proximity to God, summoning them to recognize His magnificent deeds of judgment and salvation. This verse serves as a declaration that God's actions are universally observable and demand a universal response of understanding and awe concerning His omnipotence.

Isaiah 33 13 Context

Isaiah chapter 33 opens with a cry for deliverance amidst the immediate threat of the Assyrian army, led by Sennacherib, laying siege to Jerusalem (c. 701 BC). The prophet begins with a lament and plea for God to intervene against the treacherous oppressor. As the chapter progresses, it shifts from an appeal to a declaration of God's coming judgment on the enemies and a promise of salvation for Judah. Verses 10-12 depict God's declaration that He will rise to action against those who rely on their own strength, burning them like stubble. Verse 13, therefore, follows this dramatic assertion, serving as a divine announcement of the profound impact of His intervention. God's mighty acts of judgment against Assyria and salvation for Jerusalem are not just for the immediate witnesses but are intended as a universal testament to His power. The historical context is crucial; the very survival of Jerusalem against overwhelming odds, a situation often depicted as hopeless from a human perspective, underscores the extraordinary nature of God's "doing" and "might" for all to observe.

Isaiah 33 13 Word analysis

• Hear (שִׁמְעוּ, shim'u): This is an imperative verb, a direct command. It signifies more than just physical hearing; it demands active attention, understanding, and obedient response. It is a fundamental call to spiritual apprehension, echoing the 'Shema' in Deut 6:4, which urges Israel to deeply listen and internalize God's word and character.
• you that are far off (רְחֹקִים, rechoqim): Refers to those geographically distant from Jerusalem and Judah, typically denoting foreign nations and Gentiles. Spiritually, it can signify those alienated from God's covenant, ignorant of His ways, or indifferent to His truth. This highlights the universal reach of God's revelation and power, extending beyond His covenant people.
• what I have done (מָה־פָעַלְתִּי, mah-pa'alti): This refers to God's finished works, particularly His decisive actions in history. In the immediate context, it speaks of God's miraculous intervention to defeat the Assyrian army (as described in Isa 36-37) and save Jerusalem. It signifies acts of judgment, deliverance, and divine demonstration. The perfect tense indicates completed, powerful deeds.
• and (וְ, ve): A simple conjunctive, connecting the two parts of the address, indicating inclusivity and a comprehensive summons.
• you that are near (קְרֹבִים, qerovim): Denotes those physically close, primarily the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem, God's covenant people. Spiritually, it refers to those who are presumed to have a relationship with God or knowledge of His covenant. Even they, despite their proximity, need a renewed acknowledgment of God's might.
• acknowledge (דְּעוּ, de'u): An imperative verb, meaning to know, discern, understand, perceive, recognize, and often implies personal experience or deep, intimate knowledge. It's more profound than mere intellectual assent; it implies confession and profound respect. This command demands a true understanding and submission to the reality of God's power.
• my might (גְבֻרָתִי, gevurati): Refers to God's inherent strength, power, might, and valor. It encapsulates His ability to execute His will, enforce justice, and provide salvation. It is His divine omnipotence demonstrated through His actions, contrasting sharply with the fleeting and fallible power of human empires and their gods.

• "Hear, you that are far off": This phrase emphasizes the expansive scope of God's call. It indicates that His works are not confined to Israel but are a global testament. The summons is not exclusive; salvation and judgment have universal implications.
• "what I have done; and, you that are near": Juxtaposes God's mighty actions with the two audiences, illustrating that God's acts serve as undeniable proof requiring a response from everyone, irrespective of their current relationship or distance from Him.
• "acknowledge my might": This combination highlights the expected response. After witnessing or hearing of God's works, both distant and near must come to a profound recognition and internalize the reality of God's irresistible power, leading to awe and submission.

Isaiah 33 13 Bonus section

The imperative "Hear" and "acknowledge" imply not just an intellectual apprehension but a change of heart and action. God's mighty deeds are a catalyst for conversion and reverence. For those "far off," this is an evangelistic call, a revelation designed to draw them into knowledge of the one true God. For those "near," it's a call to deeper faith and renewed trust, particularly relevant in times of national crisis when human efforts seem to fail. The distinction between "far off" and "near" can also be interpreted symbolically, referring to those in darkness versus those in light, or those alienated from God's grace versus those within it, who still need to internalize God's current powerful working. It ultimately points to the all-encompassing nature of God's sovereignty over all creation and humanity.

Isaiah 33 13 Commentary

Isaiah 33:13 stands as a potent divine address, encapsulating God's universal reach and the undeniable clarity of His actions in history. Following the vivid descriptions of judgment and promise, God calls everyone to bear witness. "Hear, you that are far off" signals the global significance of God's work, piercing through spiritual and geographical distance. These "far off" peoples are invited to observe God's just intervention and draw conclusions about His divine nature, breaking down the perceived exclusivity of His covenant. Simultaneously, "you that are near" – Judah, Israel, those in covenant – are commanded to "acknowledge my might." This indicates that even those who presume to know God must constantly renew their understanding of His power. They are called to a deeper recognition and an active, obedient response, lest familiarity breed spiritual complacency. God's "doing" and His "might" are irrevocably linked: His power is not abstract but is revealed through His specific interventions in the course of human events, demanding a universal confession of His supremacy. This verse emphasizes the evidential nature of God's works, leaving no one with an excuse to ignore or deny His authority and power.