Hear, you who are far off, what I have done; and you who are near, acknowledge my might.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights that God's mighty actions are meant to be heard and seen by everyone, near and far, not just those directly involved. It’s a universal announcement of His power, a global declaration that His work demands recognition.
Hear, you who are far off, what I have done; and you who are near, acknowledge my might.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophecy in Isaiah 33 unfolds after an announcement of judgment against a proud oppressor, likely Assyria, which had terrorized surrounding nations. This verse, Isaiah 33:13, directly follows the declaration that God will rise to exalt Himself and judge His enemies, whose efforts will be as fleeting as chaff. It serves as a powerful proclamation and invitation, intended to resonate globally, emphasizing that God's mighty intervention in the affairs of Jerusalem will be so evident that both nearby peoples and distant nations will witness and acknowledge His power.
Imagine a message so impactful that it demands the attention of everyone on earth, from the closest neighbor to the farthest stranger. That's the power of what God has done, and Isaiah 33:13 calls us all to listen.
A Cosmic Announcement
Isaiah 33:13 isn't just a local announcement; it's a divine broadcast meant for global reception. God declares His actions so powerfully that they resonate across vast distances. The phrases 'far off' and 'near' are meant to encompass everyone – every nation, every individual. It highlights that God's mighty deeds aren't confined to one place or people.
Why 'Far Off' and 'Near' Matter
This isn't just a historical event; it's a demonstration of God's character and power for all time, making His might undeniable.
Ask a follow-up
It's one thing to witness God's power; it's another to truly grasp it. This verse issues a direct command: 'acknowledge my might.' What does that really mean for us today?
Beyond Mere Observation
The Hebrew word translated as 'acknowledge' here implies more than just seeing; it means to 'know,' 'recognize,' 'understand,' and 'perceive.' It's an active engagement with God's power, moving from passive observation to active comprehension.
The Nature of God's Might
God's might isn't just brute force. In the context of Isaiah, it's often demonstrated through His justice, His faithfulness to His promises, and His deliverance of His people, even when they are weak and surrounded by enemies. Acknowledging His might means:
This call to 'acknowledge' is an invitation to a deeper relationship, where we don't just see God's actions, but understand the character behind them.
Understand the original words
geburah · Hebrew Noun
A theological term describing the active, sovereign display of God’s strength, authority, and intervention in history to accomplish His purposes.
This verse speaks of a pivotal moment where God's powerful intervention against the mighty Assyrian army astonished both nearby Judah and distant nations, serving as a dramatic display of divine power and justice.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Assyrian Invasion and Siege of Jerusalem
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah, conquering many cities and surrounding Jerusalem. This event is the immediate context for Isaiah's prophecy in this chapter.
c. 701 BC
Divine Intervention and Assyrian Withdrawal
An unknown disaster, often attributed to divine intervention, strikes the Assyrian army, causing them to withdraw from Jerusalem. This miraculous deliverance is the 'deed' God has done.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Empire's Power and Reputation
At this time, the Assyrian Empire was the dominant superpower in the Near East, known for its military might and brutal tactics, instilling fear in surrounding nations.
8th Century BC
Prophetic Ministry of Isaiah
Isaiah served as a prophet in the Kingdom of Judah during a tumultuous period, including the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, a time marked by external threats and internal spiritual challenges.
c. 705-681 BC
Reign of Sennacherib of Assyria
Sennacherib ruled the Assyrian Empire during its height, known for his extensive military campaigns and monumental building projects, including the expansion of Nineveh.
This passage describes the nations hearing about Israel's deliverance from Egypt and being filled with dread, mirroring how distant nations would hear of God's might displayed in Isaiah's time.
Psalm 48:10This psalm directly connects God's reputation and praise to His mighty acts, much like Isaiah calls for distant and near to 'acknowledge my might' after witnessing what He has done.
Jeremiah 10:6-7This passage is a similar call to all nations, near and far, to acknowledge the uniqueness and power of God, reinforcing the theme of God's universal sovereignty being made known through His actions.
Isaiah 49:1This verse is a direct echo, with God calling to the 'islands' (far off) and 'from the wombs of my mother' (near) to listen, highlighting God's attention to both distant and intimately connected groups.
Romans 10:18Quoting Psalm 19, this New Testament passage speaks of the knowledge of God's work going out to all the earth and their words to the ends of the world, reflecting the universal impact of God's mighty deeds mentioned in Isaiah.
barnesIsaiah 33:13: "Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might."
Hear, ye that are far off - This is an address of Yahweh, indicating that the destruction of the Assyrian army would be so signal that it would be known to distant nations, and would constitute an admonition to them. Ye that are near - Ye Jews; or the nations immediately adjacent to Judea. The phrase 'far and near,' is equivalent to all.
pooleIsaiah 33:13: "Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might."
My power and justice in destroying the Assyrians shall be so evident, that people, both far and near, shall be forced to acknowledge it.
This verse highlights that God's mighty actions are meant to be heard and seen by everyone, near and far, not just those directly involved. It’s a universal announcement of His power, a global declaration that His work demands recognition.
The prophecy in Isaiah 33 unfolds after an announcement of judgment against a proud oppressor, likely Assyria, which had terrorized surrounding nations. This verse, Isaiah 33:13, directly follows the declaration that God will rise to exalt Himself and judge His enemies, whose efforts will be as fleeting as chaff. It serves as a powerful proclamation and invitation, intended to resonate globally, emphasizing that God's mighty intervention in the affairs of Jerusalem will be so evident that both nearby peoples and distant nations will witness and acknowledge His power.
The prophecy in Isaiah 33 unfolds after an announcement of judgment against a proud oppressor, likely Assyria, which had terrorized surrounding nations. This verse, Isaiah 33:13, directly follows the declaration that God will rise to exalt Himself and judge His enemies, whose efforts will be as fleeting as chaff. It serves as a powerful proclamation and invitation, intended to resonate globally, emphasizing that God's mighty intervention in the affairs of Jerusalem will be so evident that both nearby peoples and distant nations will witness and acknowledge His power.
"Hear, you who are far off, what I have done; and you who are near, acknowledge my might." — This verse highlights that God's mighty actions are meant to be heard and seen by everyone, near and far, not just those directly involved. It’s a universal announcement of His power, a global decl…
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Last reviewed October 2026