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    Messianic Healing

    Isaiah 35:5 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped."
    — Isaiah 35:5 (KJV)
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    Introduction

    Isaiah moves from the call to encourage (v. 3) and the promise of God's coming (v. 4) to its dazzling evidence: when God comes, blindness ends and deafness breaks.

    Historical Context

    These signs reappear in Jesus' answer to John the Baptist (Matt. 11:5), where He cites Isaiah 35 as proof that He is the promised Coming One.

    Original Language Insights

    'Unstopped' (patach) — to open, to release. The same verb used of opening prison doors. Deafness is treated like captivity, and the Messiah is its liberator.

    Theological Significance

    Physical healings in the Gospels were not random kindnesses; they were Isaiah 35 unfolding. They preview the wider restoration the cross has secured and the resurrection will complete.

    Practical Application

    Every healed sense in the Gospels says: the King is here, and the kingdom is coming. Suffering today does not get the last word.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    Isaiah 35:4

    "He will come and save you."

    The promised coming of v. 4 is evidenced by the miracles of v. 5.

    Matthew 11:5

    "The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk."

    Jesus citing Isaiah 35 as proof of His messianic identity.

    Prayer Response

    Lord Jesus, the eyes You opened then prove the renewal You are bringing. Hold my hope until that day. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why don't all believers experience such healing today?

    Isaiah 35 begins in Christ's first coming and culminates at His return. We live between the down payment and the full inheritance.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying Isaiah 35 verse by verse:

    Before · Isaiah 35:3Exact verse

    Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.

    Theme: Encouragement for the Weary

    Before · Isaiah 35:4Exact verse

    Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.

    Theme: Faith & Trust

    Nearest commentary in Isaiah

    Earlier · 3 ch back · Isaiah 32:17Nearest chapter

    And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

    Theme: Righteousness Produces Peace

    Earlier · 2 ch back · Isaiah 33:5Nearest chapter

    The LORD is exalted; for he dwelleth on high: he hath filled Zion with judgment and righteousness.

    Theme: Heaven's Throne Sets the Earthly Standard

    Earlier · 2 ch back · Isaiah 33:6Nearest chapter

    And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.

    Theme: God's Wisdom as Stability

    Earlier · 2 ch back · Isaiah 33:7Nearest chapter

    Behold, their valiants shall cry without: the ambassadors of peace shall weep bitterly.

    Theme: When Diplomacy Fails Without the LORD

    Read Isaiah 34No commentary yet
    Read Isaiah 35 (full)Nearest commentary: Isaiah 35:4
    Read Isaiah 36No commentary yet
    Previous commentary: Isaiah 35:4Next commentary: Isaiah 40:1-2

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    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    Who Was Isaiah?

    Isaiah was one of the greatest Old Testament prophets, known for his majestic visions of God and remarkably detailed prophecies about the coming Messiah.

    Read answer

    What Are the Messianic Prophecies in the Old Testament?

    Messianic prophecies are Old Testament predictions about the coming Messiah, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, including His birth, ministry, death, and resurrection.

    Read answer

    Who Was Isaiah the Prophet?

    Isaiah was a major Old Testament prophet whose writings contain the most detailed messianic prophecies and some of Scripture's most beautiful theological poetry.

    Read answer

    Who Was Zechariah in the Bible?

    Zechariah was a post-exilic prophet and priest whose book contains vivid apocalyptic visions about the Messiah, Jerusalem's future glory, and the restoration of Israel.

    Read answer

    What Is the Book of Isaiah About?

    The Book of Isaiah is a sweeping prophecy of judgment and salvation, presenting the Messiah as the suffering Servant and foretelling the redemption of Israel and the nations.

    Read answer

    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    Isaiah 40:31 – Meaning & Devotional

    "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

    Isaiah 53:5 – Meaning & Devotional

    "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

    Isaiah 26:3 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Signs & Wonders
    Old Testament

    The Shadow on Hezekiah's Sundial Goes Backward

    The Lord moves the shadow back ten degrees on Ahaz's sundial as a sign of Hezekiah's healing.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    Old Testament

    Hezekiah Healed of His Sickness

    God adds fifteen years to King Hezekiah's life after he prays in tears for healing.

    Read the miracle
    Deliverance & Judgment
    Old Testament

    The Assyrian Army Destroyed by an Angel

    The angel of the Lord smites 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night, delivering Jerusalem.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    New Testament

    Healing of the Man Born Blind

    Jesus anointed a man's eyes with clay and gave sight to one born blind from birth.

    Read the miracle

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    Legion and the Gadarene Demoniac

    A man possessed by a 'legion' of demons is delivered by Jesus, showing Christ's

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