Who is blind but my servant, or deaf as my messenger whom I send? Who is blind as my dedicated one, or blind as the servant of the LORD?
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse reveals the profound disappointment God feels when His chosen servant, Israel, who had every opportunity to see and hear His truth, remains willfully blind and deaf. This blindness is presented as worse than that of the Gentiles, highlighting the unique spiritual responsibility that comes with having received God's revelation.
Who is blind but my servant, or deaf as my messenger whom I send? Who is blind as my dedicated one, or blind as the servant of the LORD?
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet Isaiah, speaking to the people of Israel, poses a rhetorical question, highlighting their profound spiritual blindness and deafness. This question comes after God's rejection of Israel's outward religious acts due to their disobedience. The passage contrasts Israel's spiritual state with the mission of God's chosen messenger, implying that despite their privileged status, Israel is exceptionally unresponsive to divine truth and commands.
Isaiah asks a pointed question: Who is as blind and deaf as God's own servant? This isn't just a rhetorical question; it's a profound observation about spiritual perception.
Isaiah 42:19 presents a striking paradox. God's "servant" and "messenger" are described as blind and deaf. This isn't to say God's chosen people literally lacked sight or hearing. Instead, it highlights a spiritual blindness and deafness. Despite being entrusted with divine revelation and sent to illuminate the world, they often failed to truly see God's truth or hear His voice amidst their own spiritual clutter.
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The verse also uses the intriguing phrase "as he that is perfect." What does it mean for someone who is "perfect" to be blind?
The Hebrew word translated as "perfect" (or "peaceful" in some translations) in verse 19 is complex and has sparked much discussion. Regardless of the precise nuance, it adds another layer to the spiritual blindness Isaiah is describing.
Understanding the "Perfect" Servant
Understand the original words
ebed · Hebrew Noun
Those who serve another, specifically used in Scripture for prophets, leaders, or the people of God who are commissioned to carry out the divine will or message.
mal'ak · Hebrew Noun
One sent with a mission or message; an agent acting under the authority and commission of the one who sent them, particularly in a prophetic or divine context.
This verse is spoken during the Babylonian Exile, a period when Israel, despite having all the spiritual advantages and God's clear promises, was profoundly blind and deaf to God's purposes, a stark contrast to the Gentile nations who had far fewer advantages.
Late 8th Century BC
Isaiah's Ministry in Judah
Isaiah prophesied during a time of political instability and moral decay in Judah, offering warnings and assurances.
c. 605 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's First Deportation
Babylonian forces under Nebuchadnezzar conquered Judah, leading to the first major deportation of Jewish captives to Babylon.
c. 598 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Following a rebellion, Nebuchadnezzar deported more Jewish leaders and skilled workers, including the prophet Ezekiel.
587 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem
Babylonian armies destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, completing the deportation of the Jewish population and marking the beginning of the Babylonian Exile.
c. 550 BC
Rise of Cyrus the Great
Cyrus, the Persian king, began his conquests, eventually leading to the fall of Babylon and the return of the Jewish exiles.
539 BC
Fall of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon, enabling the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem.
This verse, spoken by Jesus, directly labels the religious leaders of His day as 'blind guides.' This echoes Isaiah's question about who is as blind as God's servant, highlighting a consistent theme of spiritual blindness within those who should have seen.
John 9:40-41When Jesus encounters the man born blind, He confronts the Pharisees, stating 'If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin, but since you claim, "We see," your guilt remains.' This emphasizes the greater culpability of those who have opportunities to see but refuse, mirroring Isaiah's accusation against Israel.
Romans 2:17-21Paul criticizes the Jews who rely on the Law but do not keep it, stating they 'teach others not to steal but steal' and call God's name by their actions. This parallels Isaiah's critique of Israel as God's servant and messenger who, despite their calling, fail to live up to it.
Jeremiah 5:21Jeremiah asks, 'Who is so blind and deaf as my special servant, my messenger whom I send?' This passage shares the exact same rhetorical question as Isaiah 42:19, directly addressing the nation of Israel with this same accusation of spiritual deafness and blindness.
barnesIsaiah 42:19: "Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the LORD'S servant?"
Who is blind, but my servant? - Some of the Jewish expositors suppose that by 'servant' here, the prophet himself is intended, who, they suppose is here called blind and deaf by the impious Jews who rejected his message. But it is evident, that by 'servant' here, the Jewish people themselves are intended, the singular being used for the plural,…
cambridgeIsaiah 42:19: "Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the LORD'S servant?"
19 . Israel is the blind and deaf nation par excellence , because no other nation has been so tested by the opportunity of seeing and hearing (see on Isaiah 42:21 ). my messenger that I send (R.V.)] Cf. ch. Isaiah 44:26 , where “messengers” is parallel to “servant.” as he that is perfect ] R.V. has, “as he that is at peace with me.” The meaning…
This verse reveals the profound disappointment God feels when His chosen servant, Israel, who had every opportunity to see and hear His truth, remains willfully blind and deaf. This blindness is presented as worse than that of the Gentiles, highlighting the unique spiritual responsibility that comes with having received God's revelation.
The prophet Isaiah, speaking to the people of Israel, poses a rhetorical question, highlighting their profound spiritual blindness and deafness. This question comes after God's rejection of Israel's outward religious acts due to their disobedience. The passage contrasts Israel's spiritual state with the mission of God's chosen messenger, implying that despite their privileged status, Israel is exceptionally unresponsive to divine truth and commands.
The prophet Isaiah, speaking to the people of Israel, poses a rhetorical question, highlighting their profound spiritual blindness and deafness. This question comes after God's rejection of Israel's outward religious acts due to their disobedience. The passage contrasts Israel's spiritual state with the mission of God's chosen messenger, implying that despite their privileged status, Israel is exceptionally unresponsive to divine truth and commands.
"Who is blind but my servant, or deaf as my messenger whom I send? Who is blind as my dedicated one, or blind as the servant of the LORD?" — This verse reveals the profound disappointment God feels when His chosen servant, Israel, who had every opportunity to see and hear His truth, remains willfully blind and deaf. This blindness is pres…
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Last reviewed October 2026