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Isaiah 42:7

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Isaiah 42:7 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison-house.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison-house.
Isaiah 42:7 — American Standard Version

Context — Isaiah 42

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
4He will not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set justice in the earth; and the isles shall wait for his law.
5Thus saith God Jehovah, he that created the heavens, and stretched them forth; he that spread abroad the earth and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:
6I, Jehovah, have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thy hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;
7to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison-house.
8I am Jehovah, that is my name; and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise unto graven images.
9Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.
10Sing unto Jehovah a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth; ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein, the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.
← Isaiah 42:6Isaiah 42:8 →
← Full Chapter 42 Isaiah Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“To open the blind eyes, &c.] Of the idolatrous Gentiles, who were spiritually blind, and knew not the wretchedness of their case; the exceeding sinfulness of sin; their need of a Saviour, and who he was; as they did, when their eyes were opened by means of the Gospel sent among them, through the energy of the divine Spirit; for this is a work of almighty power and efficacious grace: to bring out the prisoners from the prison; who were concluded in sin, shut up in unbelief, and under the law, the captives of Satan, and held fast prisoners by him and their own lusts, under the dominion of which they were: and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house: of sin, Satan, and the law; being…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“blind--spiritually (Isa 42:16, Isa 42:18-19; Isa 35:5; Joh 9:39). prison-- (Isa 61:1-2). darkness--opposed to "light" (Isa 42:6; Eph 5:8; Pe1 2:9).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“To open the blind eyes - This is equivalent to saying that he would impart instruction to those who were ignorant. It relates to the Jews as well as to the Gentiles. He would acquaint them with God, and with the way of salvation. The condition of the world is often represented as one of darkness and blindness. Men see not their true character; they see not their real condition; they are ignorant of God, and of the truths pertaining to their future existence; and they need, therefore, some one who shall enlighten, and sanctify, and save them. To bring out the prisoners from the prison - (Compare Isaiah 61:1-2). This evidently refers to a spiritual deliverance, though the language is derived…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“42:7 The servant will open the eyes of the spiritually blind (see 6:10; 29:18) and free the spiritual captives from the prison of sin, in addition to those who were captive in the Babylonian exile (see 61:1 with Luke 4:18).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“open: Isa 42:16, Isa 29:18, Isa 35:5; Psa 146:8; Mat 11:5; Luk 24:45; Joh 9:39; Act 26:18; Co2 4:6; Eph 1:17, Eph 1:18; Rev 3:18 to bring: Isa 42:22, Isa 9:2, Isa 49:9, Isa 61:1; Psa 107:10-16, Psa 146:7; Zac 9:11, Zac 9:12; Luk 4:18-21; Ti2 2:26; Heb 2:14, Heb 2:15; Pe1 2:9 Isaiah 42:8”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification