Isaiah 42:20 net — You see many things, but don’t comprehend; their ears are open, but do not hear.”

NET Bible

"You see many things, but don’t comprehend; their ears are open, but do not hear.”"

— Isaiah 42:20, NET Bible

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Isaiah 42:20 in Other Translations

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Isaiah 42 — Context

17

Those who trust in idols will turn back and be utterly humiliated, those who say to metal images,‘You are our gods.’”

18

The Lord Reasons with His People“Listen, you deaf ones! Take notice, you blind ones!

19

My servant is truly blind, my messenger is truly deaf. My covenant partner, the servant of the LORD, is truly blind.

20

You see many things, but don’t comprehend; their ears are open, but do not hear.”

21

The LORD wanted to exhibit his justice by magnifying his law and displaying it.

22

But these people are looted and plundered; all of them are trapped in pits and held captive in prisons. They were carried away as loot with no one to rescue them; they were carried away as plunder, and no one says,“Bring that back!”

23

Who among you will pay attention to this? Who will listen attentively in the future?

Isaiah 42:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Isaiah 42:20 say?
Isaiah 42:20 in the NET Bible reads: “You see many things, but don’t comprehend; their ears are open, but do not hear.””
Where is Isaiah 42:20 in the Bible?
Isaiah 42:20 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Isaiah, chapter 42, verse 20.
Who wrote Isaiah?
Isaiah is traditionally attributed to Isaiah son of Amoz. Many critical scholars propose multiple authors ("Deutero-" and "Trito-Isaiah") for chapters 40–66; conservative scholarship holds to single Isaianic authorship. It was written c. 740–680 BC.
What is the book of Isaiah about?
Isaiah is the most quoted prophet in the New Testament — a sweeping vision of God's holiness, Judah's sin, coming judgment, and a promised Servant who would bear the iniquity of many. From "Holy, holy, holy" to "by his stripes we are healed," Isaiah speaks the gospel before the gospel.
What are the major themes of Isaiah?
Isaiah explores themes including Holiness, Judgment, Servant of the LORD, Hope, Salvation, Restoration. These themes shape the meaning and context of Isaiah 42:20.
What translation should I read Isaiah 42:20 in?
Isaiah 42:20 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Isaiah 42:20?
Isaiah 42:20 reads (NET): “You see many things, but don’t comprehend; their ears are open, but do not hear.”” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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