28:26a–27f

The quote is from Isaiah 6:9–10. It is also quoted in Matthew 13:14–15. If you have translated those verses in Matthew, translate in the same way here.

28:26a

this people: This refers to a group of people. The Holy Spirit told Isaiah to go to the Jews and speak the following words. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

this people-group
-or-
this nation

28:26b

(alt:) in hearing you will hear: There are two ways to understand this clause:

(1) It is an idiom that emphasizes the fact of hearing. For example:

You shall indeed hear (English Standard Version)

(Revised Standard Version, New American Bible, Revised Edition, God’s Word, English Standard Version)

(2) It is an idiom that indicates repeatedly hearing something. For example:

Listen and listen, (New Jerusalem Bible)

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Standard Bible, Contemporary English Version, NET Bible, Revised English Bible, New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). Other ways to translate interpretation (1) are:

although you will hear
-or-
You will hear clearly (God’s Word)

28:26c

(alt:) in seeing you will see: Translate this clause in a similar way to “in hearing you will hear” above. For example:

you shall indeed see (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
You will see clearly (God’s Word)

but never perceiving: The verb perceiving refers to understanding what is seen. Other ways to translate this are:

but never comprehend (God’s Word)
-or-
but never understand ⌊the truth⌋
-or-
but never understand ⌊what is true⌋

General Comment on 28:26b–c

In some languages what was heard or seen must be told. If so, refer to God’s words and deeds. For example:

You will indeed hear ⌊my words⌋ but never understand, and you will indeed see ⌊my deeds⌋ but never perceive
-or-
You will indeed hear ⌊what I say⌋ but never understand, and you will indeed see ⌊what I do⌋ but never perceive

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