Old Testament
Isaiah 6:10
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Isaiah 6:10, God instructs the prophet Isaiah to deliver a message that will harden the hearts of the people.
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Make the heart of this people insensitive, their ears heavy, and their eyes shut; so they won't see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.
Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 6:10, God instructs the prophet Isaiah to deliver a message that will harden the hearts of the people. This means that their hearts will become insensitive, making it difficult for them to see, hear, or understand the truth. The purpose of this hardening is to prevent them from repenting and being healed. This passage highlights the seriousness of rejecting God's message and the consequences that follow. It reflects a divine judgment where God allows people to continue in their blindness and ignorance because they have repeatedly turned away from Him. The imagery of heavy ears and shut eyes symbolizes a refusal to listen and perceive spiritual truths. Ultimately, this verse serves as a warning about the dangers of spiritual apathy and the importance of being receptive to God's word.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Isaiah 6:10 to your life
This verse reminds us to remain open to God's guidance and truth. We should actively seek to understand His word and not allow our hearts to become hardened. Regular reflection and prayer can help us stay sensitive to spiritual insights and avoid the pitfalls of indifference.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 6:10 mean?
Isaiah 6:10 means that God is telling Isaiah to deliver a message that will harden the hearts of the people, making them unable to see, hear, or understand the truth. This hardening serves as a judgment for their repeated rejection of God's word.
What is the significance of 'heavy ears' in Isaiah 6:10?
The phrase 'heavy ears' in Isaiah 6:10 symbolizes a refusal to listen to God's message. It indicates that the people are unwilling to hear the truth, which leads to their spiritual blindness and inability to repent.
What does 'shut their eyes' refer to in Isaiah 6:10?
'Shut their eyes' in Isaiah 6:10 refers to the people's deliberate choice to ignore spiritual truths. This imagery highlights their unwillingness to perceive and accept God's guidance.
What is the context of Isaiah 6:10?
Isaiah 6:10 occurs in a context where God commissions Isaiah as a prophet. The verse reflects God's judgment on the people for their persistent disobedience and serves as a warning about the consequences of rejecting His message.

The Book of Isaiah
Isaiah 41: Fear Not, I Am With You
The LORD calls the nations to keep silence before him and to renew their strength. He asks who raises up the righteous man from the east and gives nations before him, making him rule over kings. He says he gives them as dust to his sword and as driven stubble to his bow, and he declares he is the first and with the last.
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